Dhaka: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has expressed its interest in investing in Bangladesh's higher education sector. A five-year project aimed at improving science and technology education at the country's leading universities will be launched in 2028. A JICA delegation conveyed this interest during a courtesy call with the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, Professor Dr. S M A Faiz.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the eight-member delegation was led by JICA's Deputy Director General Daisuke Ueda. UGC members, including Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Md Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr. Mashuma Habib, Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam, and Director (additional charge) of the International Cooperation Division Jesmin Parvin, were also present at the meeting.
JICA's concept note indicates that if the project is implemented, Bangladeshi universities will be directly connected with Japan's top research and technology institutions. The project will include opportunities for joint research laboratories, joint degree programs at the postgraduate level, internships in Japan for undergraduate students, PhD scholarships for teachers and students, accommodation and employment support for students, and special initiatives to strengthen industry-academia collaboration.
JICA representative Ueda stated that a full feasibility study will begin soon to assess the potential of the project. The delegation has already visited the country's top public universities and collected relevant information and data as part of this effort. Ueda noted that Bangladesh will graduate from the LDC status to a developing country in 2026. During this transition, the demand for technology, innovation, and industrial diversification is expected to grow rapidly.
UGC Chairman Professor Faiz welcomed JICA's initiative, stating that the project would advance higher research, innovation, and technology-based education at universities. He emphasized that students would gain international-standard qualifications, which would have a significant impact on the labor market. He further mentioned that the UGC will provide full support for improving the quality of science and technology education in the country and requested that more universities be included in the project.