The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged higher education institutions in Bangladesh to excel in research and innovation to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution- 4IR. At the same time, the universities of the country are urged to make necessary changes in the existing curriculum to build cooperative relations with the local industrial and commercial institutions and to build skilled human resources as per the needs of the institutions.
The country’s universities were asked to take these steps at the inaugural function of a day-long workshop on ‘What to do to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution’ organized by UGC at the AK Khan Law Faculty Auditorium of Chittagong University on Saturday, May 21.
While speaking as the chief guest, UGC member Prof. Dr. Muhammad Alamgir said, “The Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought us many challenges but also opened up the doors to many possibilities. There is no substitute for planning and implementing these possibilities.”
He further said, “If a bridge of cooperation is created between the industrial and commercial institutions and the institutions of higher education, the marketing of the invented technology through research will be easier. As a result, innovators, higher education institutions, industries and the general public of the country will benefit. In addition, students will have the opportunity to do internships at various industrial entities and will be able to contribute to research and innovation activities using the modern labs of these institutes.
At the opening ceremony of the workshop Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shirin Akhtar said, “If the country’s universities are not built as a hub for research and innovation, it will not be possible for us to properly address the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Organized by UGC, the workshop will enable university researchers to get an idea of the potential challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Such an arrangement would help the country’s universities to accelerate existing research and innovation activities.”
Cumilla University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. F. M. Abdul Moin; Chandpur University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Nasim Akhtar; Chittagong University Oro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Benu Kumar Dey and Rangamati University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Kanchan Chakma were present as a special guests at the workshop.
Professor Dr. Afroza Parveen, Dean of the Science, Engineering and Technology of Khulna University and Professor Dr. Kazi Muhaimin-as-Sakib, Director of the Institute of Information Technology, University of Dhaka took part in the topic based discussions while Golam Dastagir, the focal point of UGC APA conducted program.
A total of 46 teachers and officials from public universities and UGC, including Rabiul Islam, focal point of UGC Innovation Team, participated in the workshop.
The workshop was organized for teachers and concerned officials of 9 public universities in the southeastern part of the country.
The workshop was organized for teachers and officials of 9 public universities in the southeastern part of the country to strengthen the implementation of e-governance and innovation activities in the public universities of the country under the Annual Performance Agreement. Chittagong University has provided overall support for the workshop.
