Rajendrapur: The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has put forth a recommendation to update university curricula to include Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) and Communication for Development (C4D). This recommendation aligns with the evolving global demand for such educational transformations and aims to integrate these concepts into higher education.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the recommendation emerged from a two-day workshop organized collaboratively by UGC and UNICEF. The workshop commenced today at BRAC CDM in Rajendrapur, focusing on reviewing the current C4D curricula and exploring avenues to make it more inclusive for all social groups.
UGC Member Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, serving as the chief guest, highlighted the importance of curricula that address social and behavioral issues, advocating for the inclusion of marginalized communities into mainstream education. He stated, "Understanding individuals' social positions, assessing their needs, and ensuring effective participation in development initiatives are essential. Social and behaviour change and communication for development can play a significant role to achieve this."
The opening session of the workshop was presided over by Jasmine Parvin, Acting Director of UGC's International Cooperation Division, and conducted by its Deputy Director, Mohammad Nazrul Islam. The session also featured UGC Member Professor Dr. Mashuma Habib as a special guest.
Dr. Habib noted that several universities already offer C4D-related courses at the undergraduate level. She emphasized the need to identify any limitations within the current curriculum and to develop a model that supports student learning in SBC and C4D.
The workshop saw participation from experienced faculty and researchers from various universities, including the University of Dhaka, Rajshahi University, Chittagong University, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Khulna University, University of Barishal, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, and Khwaja Yunus Ali University. Representatives from UNICEF and UGC's International Cooperation Division were also present.
UGC first initiated efforts to incorporate Communication for Development into university curricula in 2017, with support from UNICEF. This current workshop aims to review and enhance the existing curriculum by integrating these new theoretical and practical dimensions in alignment with international standards.