Dhaka, March 4 -- Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday called upon the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) to take effective steps to develop internationally competitive universities stressing that quality higher education and research are key to transforming Bangladesh into a knowledge-based nation.

"BNP has always attached the highest importance to the education sector. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman worked to improve standards and address teachers' concerns.

Inspired by their ideals, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed education at the top of the government's priorities," the minister said while addressing a view-exchange meeting with the UGC chairman and membe...