President Zillur Rahman on Thursday laid emphasis on introducing IT based education at university level in line with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's call for making 'Digital Bangladesh' by 2021.

Some vice-chancellors of public and private universities called on President Zillur Rahman at Banga Bhaban on Thursday. PID photo

"Quality of education and inclusion of IT at both public and private universities must be ensured for advancement of the country towards prosperity," he said while Vice Chancellors (VC) of seven public and private universities called on him at Bangabhaban here. During the meeting, the President said the present government put highest emphasis on education sector to ensure education for all citizens of the country.

President Zillur Rahman, who is also the chancellor of the universities suggested for taking measures to make the science subjects popular at university level to bring balance in flourishing of talents.

Terming the universities as the centres of excellence in practicing free thinking, he suggested the VC's to expand extra- curricular activities at their respective universities so that the students can make themselves as worthy citizen.

"Necessity of private universities now is a reality of the country," he said adding "the private university authorities can provide special financial aid to poor and meritorious students so they could also get the opportunity of getting higher education."

The delegation comprised VC of Noakhali Science and Technology university Professor Sanjoy Kumar Odhikari, VC of Potuakhali Science and Technology University Prof Syed Shakhawat Hossain, VC of North South University Prof Hafiz GA Siddiqi, VC of Independent University Bangladesh Prof Bazlul M Chowdhury, VC of Northern University Prof AWM Abdul Huq, VC of Southern University Prof AZM Nuruddin Chowdhury and VC of International Islamic University Prof M Mahbubullah.

The members of the delegation apprised the president about various activities of their universities and said they are committed to ensure quality education at their respective institutions. The private VCs universities informed the President that they have built modern laboratories at their universities and also kept provision of extra curricular activities.

They also drew attention of the President to ease conditions regarding land acquisition, registration for private universities in Dhaka.

Secretary of the President's Office Mohammad Shafiul Alam, Military Secretary to the President Maj Gen Md Ehtesham Ul Haque and President's Press Secretary Abdul Awal Howlader were present during the meeting.