House of Commons hosts roundtable on Bangladesh National University reforms

The House of Commons has praised the National University of Bangladesh for its recent reform initiatives aimed at transforming students into a skilled and globally competitive workforce.

Members of the British Parliament, along with international development partners, commended the university's updated curriculum and forward-looking academic strategies during a high-level roundtable discussion in Westminster.

The event followed the signing of a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 26 November between the National University and the University of Salford, UK. 

The agreement covers wide-ranging academic collaboration, including data science, machine learning, public health and the practical application of artificial intelligence technologies.

The roundtable was jointly organised by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, Oldham MP Jim McMahon, and Oldham Councillor Abdul Jabbar.

Addressing the meeting as the keynote speaker, Professor ASM Amanullah, vice-chancellor of the National University, highlighted that the university oversees nearly 70% of all higher education enrolments in Bangladesh. 

He stressed that technical education, AI-driven learning and digital competence are indispensable for improving the prospects of millions of students across the country.

Professor Amanullah noted that the university has already signed several national and international agreements to expand technical and AI-based education. 

In his opening remarks, MP Jim McMahon emphasised that sustainable development is impossible without strong global partnerships. He pledged his full support to the National University's ongoing reform efforts and expressed admiration for the institution's recent progress.

Chairman of the Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership, Abdul Jabbar, stated that modern technical and digital education could help shape a brighter future for Bangladesh. 

Representing Salford University's global engagement team, Professor Nick Beach reaffirmed the university's enthusiasm for working with the National University. Salford's Professor of Data Science, Mo Sare, added that the institution is fully prepared to provide all necessary support in advancing AI education in Bangladesh.

Speakers at the event included Noorani Ropma, First Secretary at the Bangladesh High Commission; Mubin Khan; David Knox, South Asia Director at the British Council; Professor Vicki, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Salford University; technical education expert Professor Paul; and representatives from the UK's education and local government departments, including Jonathan and Lucie.

Participants expressed strong interest in collaborating with the world's second-largest university, acknowledging the National University's positive administrative reforms. The session was chaired by MP Jim McMahon.