Universities must lead trillion-dollar economic transformation: UGC chairman

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed called for an aggressive integration between academia and industry to build a resilient and knowledge-based economy to propel Bangladesh’s move toward a trillion-dollar milestone.

Mamun made the remarks while delivering his keynote address as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the “2026 International Conference on Innovations in Science, Engineering, and Technology” at International Islamic University Chittagong (IIUC) on Sunday.

Mamun urged researchers to transition university laboratories from isolated "ivory towers" into dynamic engine rooms of national wealth.

"Our nation is writing a new history. Under the vision of our current government, Bangladesh has set a bold milestone: to build a trillion-dollar economy and create 10 million new, high-value jobs over the next five years," Mamun said.

He highlighted the high-value sectors such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, light engineering, and biotechnology as vital pillars.

Critiquing conventional academic practices where impactful research often remains confined to digital shelves, the UGC chairman stressed that academic success must now be measured by tangible solutions rather than citations alone.

"When a young researcher or engineer designs a system, it must culminate in a working, breathing prototype. We must establish a robust patent culture so that the intellectual property born in our labs stays in our country, enriching our people," he noted.

Detailing the commission's proactive steps to foster an innovation ecosystem, the UGC chairman outlined major nationwide initiatives currently underway.

Read More

UGC to arrange training for university PR officials

The three-day international conference organised by IIUC’s faculty of Science and Engineering with technical co-sponsorship from the IEEE Bangladesh Section brought together researchers, scholars, and institutional representatives from nearly 20 countries to deliberate on advanced technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and smart green energy frameworks.

IIUC former vice chancellor and Professor Emeritus Dr AKM Azharul Islam and participants from other countries were supposed to present keynote papers at different sessions.