The government has assured the approval of a Tk.2,700 crore development project for Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) to advance higher education, research and infrastructure.
Speaking as the chief guest at the "Research Excellence and Strategic Partnerships" event marking "Bhashani University Day-2026" on Tuesday, the Education Minister emphasized modernizing higher education and fostering strong industry-academia partnerships.
The Education Minister stressed that earning certificates alone is no longer enough in an era driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). While acknowledging AI’s potential to provide inaccurate information, he highlighted the necessity of learning proper guidelines for its effective use. He called on students to apply their research practically in collaboration with local industries, taking inspiration from successful global models like China.
Underlining state investment, the Minister noted that the government spends Tk.1.35 million per university student alongside parental contributions, asserting that education must remain accessible rather than a luxury. He urged the integration of research into domestic production to build a skilled workforce and announced plans to phase in Third Language Institutes across 57 national universities.
Special guest Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, MP, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, reaffirmed the government’s focus on human resource development over mere structural expansion. He pledged support for two 1,000-seat dormitories—named after former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and a new sports zone at MBSTU.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed added that universities must extend their role beyond awarding degrees to solving socio-economic and technological challenges alongside industrial partners.
Presided over by MBSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Shahidul Islam, the event featured the signing of 38 Memorandums of Understanding (24 domestic industrial and 14 international) alongside Research Excellence Awards presented to 30 faculty members and 19 students.
