The top 10 universities of the United States (US) have expressed their keenness to cooperate in improving the quality of higher education and research in Bangladesh through the University Grants Commission (UGC).
A delegation of Public Diplomacy Section officials of the US Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday disclosed this in a meeting with UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz at his office in the city's Agargaon area, said a press release.
The US embassy delegation members included Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli, Deputy Director Bren Flanigan and Public Engagement Specialist Rayhana Sultana. In the meeting, Stephen Ibelli expressed the interest to provide a long-term cooperation to Bangladesh's higher education and research arenas based on partnership with the top 10 universities in the United States.
This partnership would help the professional development of the university teachers in Bangladesh by providing higher level trainings and improve the quality of higher education by using modern technology and conducting joint education and research programmes.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz thanked the US embassy delegation for expressing keenness to cooperate in improving the quality of higher education and research in the country.
He urged the delegation to further increase the opportunities of higher education, including Fulbright scholarship facility, for the young generation and female students.
Dr Faiz said that Bangladeshi talented students are playing an important role as global citizens through pursuing higher education and conducting research activities in the United States.
He urged them to return home and contribute in building a new Bangladesh.
UGC members Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan and Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen, Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam and Planning and Development Division Director Mohammad Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan were present at the meeting.