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Home minister urges universities to foster technology-driven, knowledge-based society
Universities should focus on qualitative improvements and research rather than merely producing graduates with academic certificates and high grades, he says
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 02 Nov 2026, 02:46 PM
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed attends a discussion marking the 21st founding anniversary of Jagannath University at its central auditorium in Dhaka on 2 November, 2026. Photo: Daily Sun
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has urged universities to promote technology-driven, merit-based and knowledge-oriented education to help build a modern Bangladesh.
He made the call at a discussion marking the 21st founding anniversary of Jagannath University at its central auditorium in Dhaka on Monday (2 November).
The minister said conventional education alone was insufficient to meet the challenges of the 21st century, stressing the need for innovative research, technological knowledge and merit-based education.
He said universities should focus on qualitative improvements and research rather than merely producing graduates with academic certificates and high grades. They should also serve as centres of free-thinking and advanced research, not just employment preparation.
Highlighting the importance of technical education, Salahuddin said young people needed to develop skills suited to the demands of the modern economy, particularly in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and other technology-based industries.
He also called for continuity in public welfare initiatives despite political changes, saying the national priority should be ‘Bangladesh first, people first’.
Recalling the university's history, he said the process of upgrading Jagannath College into a university began in 1995 through the efforts of student leaders, including Shaheed Nasiruddin Pintu, and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. The institution became a full-fledged university in 2005 through legislation passed during the BNP government's tenure.
He said a modern residential campus was being developed on 200 acres of land in Keraniganj and that the government was positive about addressing students' legitimate demands.
The minister urged young people to uphold the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising and patriotism to build a prosperous Bangladesh through national unity.
Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin presided over the programme. National Parliament Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Apu and Madaripur-3 MP Anisur Rahman Talukder attended as special guests.
The anniversary celebrations included a procession, art exhibition, discussion, prayers, cultural performances and a concert.