Feature

Dhaka Language Club's Seminar
Better Education for Better Bangladesh

PROF Nazrul Islam, Chairman, University Grants Commission proposed that Tk.1000 crore needs to be floated for the development of infrastructure and other facilities of private universities in the country. He also emphasised promoting cooperation between public and private universities. He said this while speaking at a seminar on “Better Education for Better Bangladesh” organised by Dhaka Language Club on 17 May 2008 at CIRDAP auditorium.

Presided over by Mr. Masud A. Khan, President and CEO of Dhaka Language Club, the seminar was addressed by Professor Nazrul Islam, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh as the Chief Guest. Prof.

ANM Meshquat Uddin, Pro Vice Chancellor of Primeasia University and Major General Aminul Karim, PhD, Military Secretary to the President of Bangladesh presented the keynote papers on the main theme of the seminar. Prof. M. Farashuddin, founder Vice Chancellor of East West University and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank spoke at the seminar as designated discussant.

The seminar was moderated by Prof. Rahim B. Talukdar, Vice Chancellor of Eastern University. Prof. Abdul Matin Patwary, former Vice Chancellor of BUET; Mr. Abul Hasan Chowdhury, former state minister for foreign affairs; Major Gen. Amin Ahmed Chowdhury, former ambassador; Prof. Selina Mohsin from CIDA; Mr. Brajesh Panth from ADB; and Prof. Abdul Mannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of World University of Bangladesh also spoke on the occasion.

In his keynote paper, Prof. Meshquat Uddin highlighted the anomalies across different streams at various stages of our education system. He emphasised that private universities must function as non-profit institutions and they should be given financial support by the government to enhance their capabilities. He specifically focused on building large campuses for private universities to strengthen this sector.

Major General Aminul Karim focused on future strategic directions for our educational institutions. He emphasised proper planning by the educational institutions before academic programmes were introduced. Instead of looking for benchmarks in the U.S., he urged that our universities must look for Asian benchmarks and build local capabilities.

Mr. Masud A. Khan underscored the importance of education and language in eradicating poverty and corruption from our society. He emphasised moral education to promote ethical values among the future builders of our nation.