Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has launched a three-month Junior Faculty Professional Development Program aimed at strengthening the teaching, research and professional capacities of early-career university teachers.
The inaugural session of the program was held on Sunday (October 4) at the university’s Old Auditorium, jointly organised by GAU, the University Teachers’ Training Academy, the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project and the University Grants Commission (UGC). A total of 60 teachers from 29 public and private universities across Bangladesh are taking part in the program. GAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman chaired the inaugural session, while UGC Chairman Prof Dr. Mamun Ahmed attended as the chief guest. UGC Member Prof Dr Masuma Habib, Dean of the University Teachers’ Training Academy Prof Dr Layla Nur Islam, and Prof Dr. Muhammad Mezbah-ul-Islam of the University of Dhaka were present as special guests.
Also present were Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Iqbal, BUET Emeritus Professor Dr A.S.M. A. Haseeb, GAU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Zajedur Rahman, Deans, Directors, Proctor, Registrar and course director and GAU Treasurer Prof Dr Md Safiul Islam Afrad. In his address, UGC Chairman Prof Dr. Mamun Ahmed stressed the importance of continuous professional development for teachers in building a prosperous Bangladesh. “When teachers learn, share and work together, they can help take the country much further,” he said, adding that an advanced higher education training academy for university teachers would be established in Bangladesh soon.
GAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman said the future of the country largely depends on the quality and commitment of today’s teachers. “A teacher’s professional growth is not only a personal achievement, it shapes the future of an entire generation,” he said, emphasizing the need for teachers to continuously develop their knowledge, skills and professional excellence. The session began with a welcome address by Prof Dr. Asaduzzaman, Director of the HEAT Project. A documentary highlighting GAU’s achievements and distinctive strengths was also screened. The program will provide participating teachers with opportunities to enhance their knowledge of teaching and learning, assessment, research, academic leadership and contemporary higher education practices. The inaugural session concluded with a group photograph. The program was moderated by Prof Dr Mohammad Sharif Raihan, Director of Student Welfare, GAU.
