Prime Minister Urges Universities to Focus on Research and Innovation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged universities across the country to place greater emphasis on research, innovation and technology-based education to meet the challenges of the modern world.

He made the call today while addressing the opening ceremony of a workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the University of Dhaka.

The Prime Minister said the world is rapidly entering the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, genetic engineering, cyber security, quantum computing and nanotechnology.

He noted that traditional book-based education alone would not be sufficient for surviving in today’s competitive global environment.

“Without research, innovation and skill-based education, higher education cannot achieve its desired standard,” he said.

Tarique Rahman stated that global university rankings are largely determined by research output, publications, citations and innovation. However, universities in Bangladesh have yet to achieve their expected positions in international rankings.

He stressed the need to move away from memorisation-based and certificate-oriented education and instead develop a modern, practical and skill-oriented education system.

The Prime Minister said stronger collaboration between universities and industries is necessary to ensure graduates are prepared for modern job markets.

He observed that although thousands of students graduate every year, many remain unemployed because they fail to acquire practical and professional skills alongside academic qualifications.

To address this issue, he said the government has taken initiatives to expand apprenticeship, internship and industry-academia collaboration programmes.

Initially, universities in divisional cities will be connected with local business and industrial institutions so that students can gain hands-on experience during their academic years.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to provide seed funding and innovation grants on a competitive basis to support innovative business ideas developed by students.

He said the initiative aims to create a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the country’s economy through creative business ventures.

Tarique Rahman further said the government plans to establish innovation and entrepreneurship development institutes and science parks at higher educational institutions.

Science fairs, innovation fairs and product sourcing fairs will also be encouraged in partnership with local and international organisations to promote creativity and technological skills among students.

He emphasised that while technological advancement is important, the country must also preserve its religious, social and moral values.

The Prime Minister called upon teachers, journalists, intellectuals and professionals to remain vigilant in protecting those values.

Highlighting the importance of alumni support, he said former students in many countries contribute significantly to university research and innovation activities, and similar practices should be encouraged in Bangladesh.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to building a knowledge-based and merit-driven society where education, creativity, research and competence receive the highest priority.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister received a crest from Mamun Ahmed.

The workshop, organised by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, was chaired by Professor Mamun Ahmed.

Among others, Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon, the Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque and UGC Secretary Fakhrul Islam also addressed the programme.