The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh is implementing various initiatives to align university education, research, and innovation with the demands of the industrial sector to develop a skilled workforce.
According to the press release, Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, a member of the UGC, shared this while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “University-Industry Cooperation: Entrepreneurship Development, Innovation and Sustainable Development” organised at Khulna University on Saturday.
He noted that the commission is coordinating the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between 10 universities and various industrial and commercial enterprises to facilitate this synergy.
To modernise and develop the country’s industrial sector, the UGC is working to bring about five lakh students under special training, aiming to build a skilled workforce suitable for the global market to contribute to the national economy.
As part of these efforts to boost competitiveness in the global job market, the commission has taken steps to establish modern language centres in 30 universities to teach a third language and develop skills.
Prof Mamun emphasised that priority is being given to enhancing students’ language, technical, and professional skills.
Highlighting the UGC’s focus, Dr Mamun outlined four key initiatives to strengthen university-industry cooperation: involving the industrial sector in reviewing and updating higher education curricula; creating internship and placement opportunities for students in industrial firms; applying university research findings in the industrial sector; and integrating university innovations and new technologies into industrial development.
He also mentioned that to encourage young entrepreneurs and innovators, the government has allocated Tk500 crore for the startup sector and Tk800 crore for the creative economy sector. He added that effectively utilising a portion of this funding in technology, research, and innovation-led ventures would generate new employment opportunities for the youth.
Dr Mamun further stressed that a coordinated partnership among universities, the industrial sector, and the government is vital to ensuring sustainable development.
He highlighted the necessity of applying academic knowledge, research, and innovation to real-world industrial development, while also incorporating industrial needs and experiences into university curricula and research to build an effective bridge between higher education and industry.
The seminar was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of Khulna University, Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Harunor Rashid Khan, and Prof Dr Md Nurunnabi, Treasurer of the university, were present as special guests. The event was attended by university teachers, officials, students, and representatives from the industrial sector.
During the ceremony, Khulna University signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four organisations.
