Staff Correspondent

A decision has been taken to increase the amount of existing merit scholarships and educational assistance to ensure the education, intellectual development and higher education of the children of the University Grants Commission (UGC) officers and employees of Bangladesh.

This initiative is being considered as an important welfare and human resource development-oriented step by the Commission.

The decision was announced at the 69th meeting of the Employees Welfare Fund Management Council held at the UGC office in Agargaon in the capital on Wednesday.

The meeting was presided over by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed.

The chairman said in the meeting that in addition to ensuring the socio-economic security of officials and employees, it is important to provide effective support for the educational progress and intellectual development of their children. Increasing educational support will create stability in families, which will directly contribute to increasing focus and efficiency in the workplace.

He further mentioned that a worker's mental peace and efficiency largely depend on the security of his family and the certainty of his children's future.

The meeting unanimously approved the proposal to provide Tk 692,500 in assistance towards merit scholarships, general scholarships and examination fees to the children of the commission's officers and employees. A total of Tk 564,055 was approved for the personal medical treatment of the officers and employees.

In addition, Tk 3,72,692 was approved for medical assistance to family members of officials and employees.

UGC member Prof Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Prof Dr. Machuma Habib, Prof Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam, Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, UGC Director and President of Officers Association Md. Omar Farukh, President of UGC Employees Union Md. Nazmul Hasan and other concerned officials were present at the meeting.