Roundtable held on Bangladesh National University reforms

Members of the British Parliament, along with international development partners, on Wednesday commended the university's updated curriculum and forward-looking academic strategies during a high-level roundtable discussion in Westminister, said a press release here today.

The event followed the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 26 between the National University and the University of Salford, United Kingdom (UK). 

The agreement covers wide-ranging academic collaboration, including data science, machine learning, public health and the practical application of artificial intelligence technologies.

The roundtable was jointly organised by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Oldham MP Jim McMahon, and Oldham Councillor Abdul Jabbar.

Addressing the meeting as the keynote speaker, Professor Dr ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the National University, highlighted that the university oversees nearly 70 percent of all higher education enrolments in Bangladesh. 

He stressed that technical education, Al-driven learning and digital competence are indispensable for improving the prospects of millions of students across the country.

Prof Amanullah noted that the university has already signed several national and international agreements to expand technical and AI-based education. 

In his opening remarks, MP Jim McMahon emphasised that sustainable development is impossible without strong global partnerships. 

He pledged his full support to the National University's ongoing reform efforts and expressed admiration for the institution's recent progress.

Chairman of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership, Abdul Jabbar, stated that modern technical and digital education could help shape a brighter future for Bangladesh. 

Representing Salford University's global engagement team, Prof Nick Beach reaffirmed the university's enthusiasm for working with the National University. 

Salford's Prof of Data Science, Dr Mo Sare, added that the institution is fully prepared to provide all necessary support in advancing Al education in Bangladesh.

Speakers at the event included Noorani Ropma, first secretary at the Bangladesh High Commission, David Knox, South Asia Director at the British Council; Prof Vicki, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Salford University; technical education expert Prof Paul; and representatives from the UK's education and local government departments, including Jonathan and Lucie.

Participants expressed strong interest in collaborating with the world's second-largest university, acknowledging the National University's positive administrative reforms, reports BSS. 

The session was chaired by MP Jim McMahon.