Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon has assured that efforts will be made to secure approval for a proposed development project worth Tk 27 billion (Tk 2,700 crore) to accelerate the development of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU).
He made the assurance while addressing the “Research Excellence and Strategic Partnerships” programme as the chief guest on Tuesday afternoon (October 27), marking MBSTU Day 2026.
The education minister said that the knowledge and experience students gain through research must be utilised for the benefit of the country. He stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities and domestic industries to ensure the practical application of research findings.
He added that many Bangladeshi students apply their research expertise abroad, but the government wants them to work with local industries and translate their research outcomes into practical solutions. Students should begin planning their future careers and considering the real-world applications of their research from an early stage, he said.
Describing Bangladesh as a densely populated country, the minister emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to develop a skilled workforce. He said that, alongside improving students’ skills, effective initiatives must be taken to apply research findings in production and industrial sectors.
The minister also announced plans to gradually establish third-language institutes at 57 universities across the country.
Speaking as a special guest, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Md Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said the current government places the highest priority on human resource development. He noted that institutional development cannot be achieved merely by constructing buildings; infrastructure becomes meaningful when students are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to succeed.
The state minister assured his full cooperation in establishing a 1,000-seat men’s hall named after Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, a 1,000-seat women’s hall named after former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and a sports zone at MBSTU.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, another special guest, said universities’ responsibilities extend beyond teaching students, awarding degrees and publishing research papers. Building effective relationships with industries and local communities is equally important, alongside education and research.
He said universities and industrial organisations could jointly conduct research to address social, economic and technological challenges affecting the country and its regions. Stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industries would help ensure that research findings contribute to solving real-world problems.
Noting MBSTU’s existing role in research initiatives of this nature, the UGC chairman called for further strengthening such activities. He also highlighted the importance of closer engagement among universities, researchers and local communities in promoting the country’s overall development.
Other special guests included Md Abdus Salam Pintu, a member of MBSTU’s Regent Board and Member of Parliament for Tangail-2, and Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui, Member of Parliament for Tangail-7. UGC member Professor Dr Abdullah Al Mamun was also present.
The programme was chaired by MBSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A.B.M. Shahidul Islam, while Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Anisur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
During the event, 24 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed with domestic industrial organisations and 14 with foreign institutions. In addition, 30 teachers and 19 students received the Research Excellence Award for 2026.
The main objectives of MBSTU Day 2026 were to promote research excellence, encourage innovation, expand the practical application of research findings and strengthen strategic partnerships between the university and domestic and international industries.
