Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) has held a view-exchange meeting with vice-chancellors of public universities regarding the rollout of third language education.
The meeting discussed various key matters, including establishing language centres, determining necessary manpower, identifying region-based language demands, and deciding course structures, with the target of introducing this education across 50 universities in the country by December.
The view-exchange meeting took place at the UGC on Monday.
Chaired by UGC Public University Management Division Member Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun, vice-chancellors from 26 public universities – including Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) – participated in the meeting.
Similar view-exchange meetings will be conducted phase-by-phase with the remaining public and private universities.
During the session, universities were asked to inform the UGC promptly regarding language centre setups, data on existing capacity and resource mapping, and manpower requirements.
It was emphasised that regional demands should be prioritised when selecting third languages, noting that there is no need to introduce the same language in every university.
A proposal was made to select university-specific languages through resource mapping and verification of Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) data, keeping employment prospects and regional demands in view.
The meeting proposed introducing at least one department-wise language credit course alongside third language non-credit courses.
Discussions were also held on making language education compulsory in newly established universities, offering six-month language courses for unemployed individuals, and developing language teachers through long-term courses.
Speaking at the event, UGC Member Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun said third language education is an important priority of the government.
He added that along with language proficiency, students’ technical and technological skills must be enhanced to expand employment and higher education opportunities both at home and abroad.
Highlighting that third language education is featured in the election manifesto, he stated that universities must play an effective role in implementing this initiative while ensuring quality and accountability.
Alongside third language education, discussions took place on expanding industry-academia collaboration.
Proposals were submitted regarding internship and industrial course opportunities for students, industry involvement in curricula, joint research, and the creation of a fund for commercialising research findings.
Discussions were also held on launching new departments or academic activities in subjects aligned with industrial market demand, such as AI, Robotics, Cyber Security, and Data Science.
The meeting further deliberated on developing Bangladesh into a higher education hub. Mamun mentioned that establishing Bangladesh as a higher education hub has received emphasis in the government’s election manifesto.
To this end, plans are being made to open an International Office at every university, alongside launching a “Study in Bangladesh” portal.
Initially, 20 universities will be prioritised on the portal to include details regarding international cooperation, accommodation, scholarships, and international offices.
