He made the suggestion while addressing the 9th Convocation of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in the city.

"Quality education is an essence and asset of a nation," he said adding that universities, particularly, private universities were established in the country under the policy of the government to build up trained and knowledgeable manpower.

Referring to rules and regulations of the private universities, he urged the authorities concerned to follow up these rules and regulations to ensure quality education.

Iajuddin said that for both private and public universities, proper accreditation could serve as an important tool in ensuring quality education programme.

"Through the use of standard and rigorous evaluation criteria, it can stimulate institutions toward higher levels of quality and provide an opportunity in strengthening and sustaining the quality and integrity of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence."

Even though some of the private universities, including IUB, are affiliated with various accreditation bodies, he hoped that all private universities would link globally in keeping with proper accreditation ethics, rules and practices.

Lauding the IUB Debating Team for winning the Laurels Award in World Universities Debating Championship 2005 in Kuala Lumpur, Iajuddin, also chancellor of the university, said it's a shining example of IUB's commitment in giving priority to extra-curricular activities.

Referring to good progress in several social development fronts, he said basic healthcare facilities, literacy rate and nutritional status mainly of women and children have improved remarkably over the years.

Iajuddin said the agriculture, industries, service sectors, financial institutions, civil society organisations should work as a team in fighting poverty and creating new job opportunities.

"These institutions should form close partnerships with the academic institutions in helping them produce better qualified and competent workforce for the best interest of our nation."

He said that to prepare students successfully for the job markets, one of the determining factors should be the competent and relevance.

He urged all for not to compromise on quality education, proper environment, competent teaching staff, upholding high moral values and discipline.

He hoped that students from different social strata would be accommodated in the private universities here.

He expected the academic institutions to be more meticulous in complying with the minimum set of standards and provide best quality education to the next generations.

Referring to the construction of IUB's own permanent campus at Bashundhara, he hoped that with the completion of new campus students would be able to get befitting environment essential for free thinking and superior mental development.