PM Tarique Rahman Calls for Alumni Involvement in University Research

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has emphasized the vital role of university alumni in advancing national research and innovation. Speaking today, Tuesday (May 12), at the inauguration of a day-long national workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence,” he urged academic leaders to create formal structures that engage established former students in university development.

The event, held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University, marks the Prime Minister's first official visit to the campus since assuming office following the February 12 national election.

The Prime Minister highlighted that while global university rankings are heavily determined by research publications and innovation, Bangladeshi institutions have historically struggled to reach competitive heights. He pointed to developed nations, such as the United Kingdom, where alumni networks act as primary patrons for groundbreaking research.

“Students are the soul of a university, but the alumni are its backbone. Many of our former students are established globally in science, knowledge, and wealth. I call upon our educators to take the initiative to involve these alumni in our research and development efforts.” — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

Beyond research, the Prime Minister spoke about the urgent need to overhaul academic curricula to ensure the country remains competitive in the 21st century. He noted that relying solely on textbook-based education would make it difficult to survive in an increasingly complex global landscape. To address this, the government is focusing on encouraging universities to prioritize innovation over traditional rote learning.

The workshop, organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), aims to modernize the country’s tertiary education system. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed presided over the session, which included prominent attendees such as Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milan and the Prime Minister’s Education Advisor, Mahdi Amin.

Following the inaugural ceremony, the workshop is proceeding with technical sessions focusing on graduate employability, digital transformation, and institutional reform. The recommendations from these sessions will form a practical policy roadmap for the future of higher education in Bangladesh.

The closing session later today will be attended by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam, signaling a unified effort between the government and the nation's premier academic institution.