National University takes steps to develop colleges in hill districts

The National University has taken initiatives to modernise higher education and improve colleges in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, its vice-chancellor has said.

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah said nearly one million students graduate from the university every year, but about 40 percent struggle in the job market due to outdated and traditional curricula. He said that since independence, education, research and industry have remained largely disconnected, leaving graduates without practical skills.

Speaking at a view-exchange meeting at Rangamati Government College on Thursday, the vice-chancellor said Bangladesh is lagging behind in information technology, while the global education system has moved ahead. To address this gap, the National University has started reforms to make higher education more job-oriented and relevant.

He said the syllabus has been updated, with information technology and English made mandatory at the bachelor’s level. The university is also working with local and international institutions to exchange academic programmes and strengthen industry linkages. Several organisations, including UNICEF, are supporting these efforts.

The National University is also consulting principals and vice-principals of affiliated colleges to improve education quality and modernise management. At Thursday’s meeting, principals from colleges in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban districts shared their challenges and recommendations.

Professor Amanullah assured them that their suggestions would be included in future planning. He said Bangladesh faces a shortage of skilled manpower due to long-term underinvestment in education, despite significant spending on infrastructure.

To prepare students for future challenges, including the fourth industrial revolution, the university is identifying problems faced by colleges and working on solutions. He also said discussions are underway to form a separate cell to ensure smoother management of government colleges nationwide.

The vice-chancellor added that the National University has initiated steps to expand affiliation of master’s, preliminary and degree programmes in colleges across Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban.