The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has instructed completion of the revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project by June this year. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed issued the directive during the World Bank’s fourth support mission meeting held at the UGC building. The revision aims to incorporate the real needs of the higher education sector and align with the government’s priorities. Representatives from the World Bank, Bangladesh Accreditation Council, BdREN, and related institutions attended the meeting.

Professor Ahmed emphasized that the HEAT project is the largest development initiative in the country’s higher education sector and a major opportunity for improving education and research quality. He advised forming a committee with members from the Planning Commission, Ministry of Education, UGC, and universities to complete the revision on time. He also urged all stakeholders to finish project activities by December 2028 without extending the project period.

The meeting discussed campus network installation, women’s empowerment networks, strengthening IQAC cells, and e-book procurement. A midterm review workshop is scheduled for June, following the World Bank’s earlier assessment rating the project’s progress as moderately satisfactory.