JICA Joins Journey to Boost Bangladesh’s Engineering Education
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has expressed its willingness to assist in enhancing the quality of engineering and technology education in Bangladesh. A project aimed at achieving this objective is expected to be launched soon. The proposed initiative will focus on producing high-quality postgraduate students, promoting research orientation, and improving innovation and employability skills among students.
This intention was shared during a bilateral meeting on higher education held on Thursday (8 May) between the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and a delegation from JICA, led by Sarei Moto, Chief Advisor of JICA’s Technical Education Advisor Team.
Sarei Moto highlighted the shortage of qualified faculty in postgraduate engineering and technology education in Bangladesh, as well as a lack of modern facilities for advanced research. “A project will soon be undertaken to enhance student capacity, and specific goals will be set accordingly,” he said. He also noted that JICA will support collaborative research and the introduction of joint degree programs between Bangladeshi and Japanese universities.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz thanked JICA for its proposal to support higher education in Bangladesh. “There are limited incentives for postgraduate education in engineering and technology, which discourages students from pursuing further studies,” he said. He expressed optimism that the proposed project would inspire more students to complete their postgraduate degrees.
Professor Faiz further stated, “Japanese universities enjoy a global reputation. Bangladeshi youth who have pursued higher studies in Japan have made notable contributions to the economy.” He urged JICA to increase the number of scholarships available to Bangladeshi students and to explore new opportunities for scholarships and fellowships.
Also present at the meeting were UGC members Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, and Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman; UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam; Director of Planning and Development Mohammad Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan; Additional Director Shah Mohammad Aminul Islam; and other officials.
