MBSTU signs MoU with AIT

TANGAIL, Nov 11: Maulana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to expand academic, research and institutional cooperation between the two institutions.

MBSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Shahidul Islam and AIT President Professor Pai-Chi Li signed the agreement in the conference room of the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University on Tuesday.

MBSTU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Anichur Rahman, deans of different faculties, the registrar and the director of the university's research cell attended the signing ceremony. AIT Extension Executive Director Voravate Chonlasin and Senior Programme Officer SK Shahin Hossain were also present.

Under the agreement, MBSTU teachers will have opportunities for higher studies at the PhD level, scholarships and fellowships, jointly supervised research and collaborative publications.

The MoU also provides for joint bachelor's and master's degree programmes, student exchanges and credit transfer facilities.

The two institutions are also considering establishing a Joint Research Centre to facilitate collaborative research, secure international research grants and organise international conferences, seminars, workshops and training programmes.

Priority research areas will include artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, data science, biomedical engineering, semiconductor engineering and advanced engineering technologies.

Under the agreement, Professor Dr Md Fazlul Karim, acting director of MBSTU's Office of International Affairs and director of its Student Welfare and Counselling Centre, and Dr Sumana Shrestha, Director of International Affairs at AIT, will coordinate the activities.

AIT is an international higher education and research institution based in Asia. The agreement is expected to open new avenues for academic, research, training and technological cooperation between the two institutions.