Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam stressed the need for strengthening collaboration among different public and private universities in the country and working together to meet societal needs. He made the remarks while addressing ‘Roundtable Conference on Strengthening Higher Education and Collaboration in Bangladesh’ as key-note speaker held today June 09, 2026 at BRAC University. BRAC University and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) jointly organized this event.

Secretary General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities Prof. Colin Riordan, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University Prof. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Representatives of the ACU, Vice-Chancellors of different universities  and heads of higher education institutions were present on this occasion. 

Terming several challenges in the fields of higher education in Bangladesh Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam said, we have to work together to face these challenges. He said, one of the most transformative developments shaping higher education today is the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence. AI presents unprecedented opportunities. Our graduates must learn not only how to use AI effectively, but also how to question it, evaluate it, and govern it responsibly, he mentioned.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed the need for strengthening relationship among ACU universities to expand opportunities for joint research. We should encourage greater mobility of students, researchers, and academic staff across Commonwealth institutions, he added. Universities should work together to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems, enabling students and researchers to translate ideas into real-world solutions, he also mentioned. He further said, we should deepen collaboration on digital transformation and the responsible integration of emerging technologies in teaching, learning, and research. We must continue promoting inclusive and equitable higher education systems that leave no student behind, he pointed out. We have to strengthen partnerships not only among universities but also with government, industry, development partners, and civil society to ensure that higher education remains responsive to societal needs, the VC said.

09/06/2026

(Md. Rafiqul Islam)

Director

Public Relations Office

University of Dhaka