The UGC has asked universities to assess regional demand, resources and job prospects before selecting languages.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) plans to introduce third-language education at 50 universities across Bangladesh by December. The plan was discussed at an exchange meeting with vice-chancellors of public universities on Monday, September 28.
The meeting was held at the UGC and chaired by Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, a member of its Public University Management Department. Vice-chancellors from 26 public universities attended the meeting, including the University of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.
The discussions focused on setting up language centres, arranging teachers and staff, and assessing demand for different languages. Universities were asked to inform the UGC quickly about their existing facilities, resources and manpower needs.
Universities to select languages based on demand
The meeting stressed that all universities do not need to introduce the same third language. Instead, institutions were asked to consider regional demand, available resources and employment opportunities.
The universities were also asked to conduct resource mapping before selecting languages. The proposed employment information will be checked against data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET).
The UGC also proposed offering a third-language course without academic credit. At the same time, each department could introduce at least one language course carrying academic credit.
Other proposals included making language education compulsory at new universities. The meeting also discussed six-month language courses for unemployed people and long-term programmes to develop language teachers.
Focus on jobs and higher education
Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun said third-language education is an important government priority. He said students need stronger language skills alongside technical and technological skills to improve employment and higher-education opportunities at home and abroad.
He also referred to the inclusion of third-language education in the election manifesto. He said universities must play an effective role in implementing the initiative while maintaining quality and accountability.
Similar exchange meetings will be held gradually with other public and private universities. The discussions are expected to help determine how the language programme will be introduced at different institutions.
Universities to strengthen industry links
The meeting also discussed stronger cooperation between universities and industries. Proposals included internships and courses at industrial establishments, industry participation in academic curricula and joint research.
The universities also discussed creating funds to help commercialise research findings. New departments and academic programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity and data science were also discussed in line with industrial demand.
Plan to develop Bangladesh as higher-education hub
The UGC meeting also addressed plans to develop Bangladesh as a higher-education hub. Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun said the government’s election manifesto has placed importance on this goal.
Plans are being made to establish an International Office at every university. A Study in Bangladesh portal is also planned to provide information for international students.
Initially, 20 universities will receive priority under the portal plan. The portal is expected to include information on international cooperation, accommodation, scholarships and International Offices.
The UGC will continue discussions with universities as it works toward introducing third-language education at 50 universities by December.
