UGC chairman urges stronger university-industry research links as MBSTU signs 24 MoUs

Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has urged universities to put their teaching and research to work for industry needs and for solving the country's real problems.

He spoke on Tuesday (27 October) as a special guest at an event titled 'Research Excellence and Strategic Partnership' held for Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) Day 2026.

The UGC chairman said a university's responsibility is not limited to teaching students, awarding degrees or publishing research papers. Building effective relationships with industry and society is also a university's responsibility, he said.

He said universities and industry can conduct research jointly, and that such research should aim to solve the social, economic and technological problems of the country and region concerned. Cooperation with industry must be built through academic activity so that research results can be used to solve real problems, he said.

Noting that MBSTU has already played a role in taking up such research projects, Professor Mamun Ahmed said the work needs to be strengthened further. He also stressed increasing the university's engagement with local society, saying an effective relationship between the university, the campus and society would help the country's progress.

Calling the university the 'beloved social institution' of the people of the region, he said students come to study there from different parts of the country and from abroad, and that the university's achievements and tradition have been built through the combined academic and social work of teachers from different regions and local teachers.

The UGC chairman called on local people and politicians to play a responsible role so that the university's teachers, students and researchers can carry out academic and social activities without hindrance.

Praising the university's progress, Professor Mamun Ahmed said MBSTU, which began academic activity in 2003 with two departments, now has six faculties and 17 departments.

At the event, UGC member Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun said an initiative has been taken to set up skill development centres at universities across the country to improve students' skills and innovative capacity and to create employment and entrepreneurs.

He said the current government's election manifesto emphasised building a knowledge-based society and a modern education system. Through these centres, he said, students will be able to gain modern technology, research, innovation and industry-demand-based practical skills alongside institutional education.

At the event, 24 memoranda of understanding were signed to increase links between industry and academia. Teachers and researchers received 'Research Excellence Awards' in recognition of important contributions to research, and a science fair, an education fair and a job fair were also held.

Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon was the chief guest. Special guests included State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku and MPs Abdus Salam Pintu and Abul Kalam Azad. The event was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Shahidul Islam, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Anisur Rahman gave the welcome address.