Khulna:Khulna University (KU) has launched Bangladesh's first Jean Monnet Module under the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, marking a significant step towards strengthening international academic collaboration and research.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the module, titled "EU Governance, Green Deal and Climate-Resilient Urban Development (EUGREEN-CLIMURBAN)," was developed by Prof Dr Md Ashik Ur Rahman of KU's Urban and Rural Planning Discipline and selected for funding under the prestigious EU programme.
The module was formally inaugurated at the conference room of the university's Central Research Laboratory at 1130 am today. University Grants Commission member Prof Dr Md Aslam Hossain, speaking as the chief guest, highlighted the initiative's aim to familiarise students with EU climate and development policies, providing them opportunities to present their perspectives on climate change at an international level.
KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim, attending as a special guest, emphasised the importance of international cooperation and global connectivity in higher education. He noted that the EU's efforts to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions would be supported by this module through knowledge and experience sharing between KU and European academics.
KU Pro-VC Prof Dr Md Harunur Rashid Khan described the initiative as a significant achievement for both Khulna University and the higher education sector in Bangladesh. Module coordinator Prof Dr Md Ashik Ur Rahman outlined the project's objectives and academic framework, stating that the initiative would examine European policies and innovations in the context of Bangladesh, opening new opportunities for students and researchers.
The three-year project involves 480 hours of educational activities, directly engaging at least 100 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various disciplines. The participation is expected to increase to 120-150 through academic and knowledge-sharing activities. The EUGREEN-CLIMURBAN project aims to establish a long-term foundation at KU for international-standard education and research on EU policies, governance, climate change, and sustainable urban development, while also promoting internationalisation and interdisciplinary research.