Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday raised concerns about Bangladesh's reliance on foreign workers in strategic sectors, despite the country's long history of producing graduates since its independence. He questioned the necessity of employing foreign personnel in strategic installations, ports, specialized institutions, and private companies.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the President's remarks came during a courtesy meeting with a delegation from Daffodil International University, led by Dr. Md Sabur Khan, Chairman of its Board of Trustees, at the Bangabhaban. The President emphasized that both public and private universities should aim to produce skilled manpower that meets the nation's needs.
He advocated for a focus on higher education that aligns with the country's requirements to develop skilled human resources. During the discussion, Dr. Sabur Khan provided an overview of the university's academic activities, highlighting its patent development department, which supports researchers in obtaining patent rights and commercializing their innovations.
The university also offers education in various employment-oriented fields such as research, production and multimedia, nutrition and food, fisheries, and information and communication. This focus has contributed to its improved standing in global rankings. The President expressed his approval of the university's initiatives, thanked the delegation, and encouraged them to maintain high educational standards.
Dr. Sabur Khan extended a formal invitation to the President to attend the university's upcoming convocation, which he accepted. The President assured the delegation of his attendance at the event. The meeting was attended by the President's military secretary, secretary, and press secretary, as well as the university's vice-chancellor, Pro-VC, members of the Board of Trustees, deans, and registrar.