DU–a2i Alliance Advances Academic to Industry Access
Aspire to Innovate (a2i) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division will work jointly to enhance skill development and employment readiness among students of the University of Dhaka. To this end, a seminar titled “Enhancing University Students’ Skills and Employment Opportunities” was held on Tuesday, November 11, at the ICT Tower in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Senior officials and representatives from the ICT Division, its affiliated projects, a2i, and the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) participated in the event. Speakers discussed how collaborative initiatives can effectively strengthen university students’ skills and employability.
In his welcome remarks, a2i Joint Project Director (Joint Secretary) Md. Rashidul Mannaf Kabir said, “We want to work closely with the University of Dhaka so that opportunities in technology, innovation, and public service can directly reach the students. Our aim is to ensure that students graduate with skills that align with the needs of the real job market.”
As the chief guest, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan emphasized the importance of aligning higher education with the rapidly changing job market. He said, “Our students must be prepared for a reality in which technology, information, and innovation lie at the core of nearly every profession.”
He further noted that joint initiatives between a2i and the ICT Division could modernize teaching methods, update academic curricula, and introduce programs that strengthen students’ technological proficiency, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and ethical use of technology.
Presiding over the session, ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury reiterated the government’s commitment to youth development. He stated, “Bangladesh’s future depends on how effectively we prepare our young generation today. The ICT Division will continue to support initiatives that bring the government, universities, and industry closer together.” He added that collaboration with Dhaka University has already begun and efforts will be made to advance it further.
The discussion session, moderated by a2i Program Management Lead Abdullah Al Fahim, focused on identifying potential areas of collaboration with the ICT Division’s ongoing projects. He highlighted a2i’s “Young Professionals Program,” stating that it provides recent graduates the opportunity to acquire professional skills through participation in nationally significant projects. He proposed that internships, training, and capacity-building initiatives be further expanded to offer students hands-on experience and confidence.
DUCSU Vice President Md. Abu Sadiq Kayem explained how various initiatives of a2i and the ICT Division could enhance the university’s institutional capacity. He mentioned potential areas such as ICT-based skill development training, innovation-focused curricula, structured internship pathways, job fairs, collaborative research on emerging technologies, and the establishment of a one-stop digital service center modeled after “Nagarik Sheba Bangladesh.”
Kayem said, “Our students are talented and motivated. With a2i and the ICT Division as partners, we can directly link academic learning to real-world employment opportunities.” He stressed that these digital transformation initiatives could accelerate academic and administrative processes at the university, improving student services and contributing to national development. He proposed signing a memorandum of understanding within the next two weeks to move forward promptly.
DUCSU Executive Member Raihan Uddin presented a concept note titled “Digital Transformation for Creating Employment Pathways,” emphasizing the need to enhance access to research tools, update the university website, and gradually digitize campus services. He noted that although the university has about 40,000 students, infrastructure and resources do not always keep pace with technological advancement. DUCSU has therefore planned to establish 20 computer labs in residence halls, expand skill development programs, and create a strong linkage between training, infrastructure, and job opportunities.
Other DUCSU representatives, including Assistant General Secretary Muhammad Mohiuddin Khan, Career Development Secretary Md. Majharul Islam, and Liberation War and Democratic Movement Secretary Fatema Tasnim Juma, also spoke. They reiterated the need for structured support to strengthen students’ skills, career planning, and professional competitiveness.
Senior officials from various branches and initiatives of the ICT Division attended the seminar, presenting proposals related to hackathons, mentorship, funding for innovation, and ICT training. The event concluded with a consensus to develop a framework for a trilateral partnership among the University of Dhaka, the ICT Division, and a2i.
DBTech/RI/IH/OR
