A branch office of the University Grants Commission (UGC) has been opened at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon to ensure more efficient and effective management of the commission’s activities.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed formally inaugurated the branch office at the National Science and Technology Complex (Lift 11) on Sunday (October 4). A doa and munajat were also held on the occasion.

Official activities of the UGC’s Strategic Planning and Quality Assurance, Public Relations and Publications, and Audit departments will be conducted from the new branch office. It also includes a meeting room and office spaces for members responsible for the respective departments.

At the inauguration, UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said the commission’s existing building is old and vulnerable to earthquakes. At the same time, the number of universities and the scope of higher education activities in the country have increased significantly, while the UGC’s infrastructure and manpower have not expanded at the same pace.

There are currently 180 universities in the country, he said, adding that the UGC’s capacity needs to be strengthened to properly oversee, coordinate and manage their activities. However, the existing building has limited space and does not provide adequate working conditions for its officials and employees.

He said an initiative has been taken to demolish the old UGC building and construct a modern, needs-based facility. A new Development Project Proposal (DPP) will be prepared for the project, with efforts underway to begin construction of the new building within the next two years.

Professor Mamun Ahmed said various UGC departments would be gradually relocated to alternative locations to facilitate the construction of the new building. As part of the process, several departments have already started their official activities at the branch office.

He expressed his sincere gratitude and thanks to the officials and employees concerned for cooperating with the relocation and continuing their duties from the alternative workplace.

He further said that strengthening the UGC’s infrastructure and ensuring a modern, safe and efficient working environment would make the commission’s activities more dynamic. He also stressed the need to strengthen the UGC’s institutional capacity in line with the expansion of higher education and changing demands in the country.

UGC members Professor Dr Masuma Habib and Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam, directors and senior officials of various departments, and leaders of the UGC Officers’ Association and Employees’ Union attended the event.