The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has taken the initiative to formulate a national policy framework to upgrade the country's higher education system to international standards.
Through this framework, it will be easier to conduct academic activities of foreign universities in Bangladesh and at the same time expand the global partnership of the country's universities.
A high-level meeting was held at the UGC office on Wednesday (June 24). Representatives of the US Embassy, the British High Commission and the British Council participated in the meeting. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed presided over the meeting.
Higher education policy expert and Fulbright Specialist Dr. Grace Mukupa is assisting in the development of this national policy framework. A working committee has been formed to formulate and review the policy. The committee has been instructed to submit its final report as soon as possible.
If the proposed framework is implemented, dual degrees, joint degrees, teacher-student exchanges and joint research activities between universities in Bangladesh and various countries including the US and UK will be expanded.
The UGC Chairman said that the main goal of this initiative is to strengthen international partnerships in the higher education sector. At the same time, its aim is to ensure international quality education in the country and create an attractive higher education environment for foreign students.
There is also a plan to introduce the ‘Two Plus Two’ model under the policy. In this system, students will study in Bangladesh for the first two years and in the partner foreign university for the next two years. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to earn separate degrees from both institutions.
UGC members Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Machuma Habib, Director of International Cooperation Department Jasmine Parveen, Public Engagement Director of the American Center Scott Hartman, Public Engagement Specialist Raihana Sultana and Public Engagement Coordinator Faroha Suhrawardy, Trade and Investment Affairs Director of the British High Commission Shakib Ershad, Trade and Investment Manager Syed Habibur Rahman, Head of Education of the British Council Toufiq Hasan and other relevant officials were present.
