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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called on universities across the country to take a leading role in building a technology-driven, merit-based and knowledge-oriented society to meet the challenges of the 21st century and realise the vision of a modern Bangladesh.
He stressed the need to move beyond conventional education and place greater emphasis on technological knowledge, innovation and intellectual development.
The minister made the call while addressing a discussion as the chief guest at the central auditorium of Jagannath University (JnU) in Dhaka on Monday, marking the university’s 21st founding anniversary.
He urged universities to promote innovative research, modern information technology practices and merit-based education.
Emphasising continuity in public welfare initiatives, Salahuddin said development activities should continue irrespective of political changes in the country.
“Bangladesh first, people first” should be the guiding principle, he said, adding that a country is defined not merely by its territory or flag but also by the rights, ownership and participation of its people.
Recalling the history of Jagannath University, the minister said efforts to transform the institution into a university began in 1995 through the initiatives of Shaheed student leader Nasiruddin Pintu and others, alongside the commitment of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Subsequently, in 2005, during the BNP government’s tenure, an act was passed in Parliament to upgrade Jagannath University College into a full-fledged university.
He also said construction of a separate modern campus with residential facilities on 200 acres of land in Keraniganj was underway.
The minister assured students that the government was positive about addressing their legitimate demands.
On higher education, he said academic certificates and GPA-5 results alone could not ensure national development. Qualitative improvements in education and greater emphasis on research were essential, he added.
Universities should not function merely as institutions preparing graduates for employment but should also serve as centres of intellectual freedom, advanced research and knowledge creation, he said.
Highlighting the importance of technical and vocational education, Salahuddin urged students to develop practical skills and professional expertise in line with the demands of the modern world rather than pursuing conventional academic degrees without adequate employment prospects.
Referring to the growing importance of the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence (AI) and technology-driven economies, he said innovative ideas, technological knowledge and a skilled workforce were indispensable for Bangladesh to remain competitive in the future.
He also called on the younger generation to uphold the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising, demonstrate patriotism and maintain national unity to build a prosperous Bangladesh.
The programme was chaired by Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rais Uddin.
National Parliament Whip Miah Nuruddin Ahmad Apu and Madaripur-3 lawmaker Anisur Rahman Talukdar addressed the event as special guests.
To mark Jagannath University Day 2026, the university organised a day-long programme featuring the hoisting of the national flag, a celebratory rally, a fine arts exhibition, a discussion meeting, a prayer gathering, cultural performances and a concert.