PM urges universities to prioritise research, innovation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on universities to place greater emphasis on research and innovation alongside traditional academic teaching to remain competitive in the modern world.

Speaking at a workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” at University of Dhaka, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh’s universities have yet to secure strong positions in global rankings for education, research and knowledge excellence.

He noted that international university rankings place significant importance on research publications, citations and innovation, urging academics to focus more on these areas.

The daylong workshop, organised by the University Grants Commission at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, featured discussions on higher education reform and future challenges.

Referring to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Tarique said technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and big data are transforming both employment and society. 

He stressed the need to move beyond a memorisation-based education system and redesign curricula to meet modern technological demands.

The Prime Minister also emphasised stronger collaboration between universities and industries, saying industrial needs should be reflected in academic programmes. 

He said the government has already initiated reforms to modernise the education system with a focus on practical and employment-oriented learning.

Highlighting graduate unemployment, Tarique said many young people remain jobless due to a lack of practical skills despite academic qualifications. 

He added that the government is expanding apprenticeship, internship and industry-academia partnership programmes to provide students with hands-on experience.

The Prime Minister further announced plans for seed funding, innovation grants, entrepreneurship institutes and science parks at universities to encourage students to become job creators instead of job seekers.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin and UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed also attended the event.