Dhaka:The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has announced a plan to establish 'Third Language Learning Centers' at 50 universities across the nation. This initiative aims to prepare students for international education, employment, research, and global communication.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed revealed this plan while inaugurating an international conference at BRAC University in Dhaka. The event, titled "Epistemic Reconfigurations in Language Studies (ERLS) 2026," was organized by the BRAC Institute of Languages.
Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed emphasized that proficiency in foreign languages is essential in today's world, serving not only as an educational qualification but as a critical tool for various purposes, including higher education, employment, cultural exchange, and advancing international relations. He highlighted that foreign language learning should be integral to the national skill development strategy to nurture a skilled and competitive young generation.
He further remarked that expanding foreign language education is crucial while maintaining Bengali as the foundation of national identity and culture. The objective is to foster international communication skills without compromising the respect for the mother tongue and cultural identity. As part of these efforts, the government is focusing on enhancing learning opportunities in languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
The establishment of these centers is expected to play a significant role in achieving these educational goals. The UGC chairman also stressed the importance of an education system where Bengali remains the strong pillar of national identity, English facilitates global knowledge acquisition, and other foreign languages open new avenues for higher education, employment, research, and international engagement.
The inaugural session was chaired by BRAC University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury and included remarks from several notable figures, including Syeda Sarwat Abed, Founder and Advisor of BRAC Institute of Languages, Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh, and Professor Shaila Sultana, Director of BRAC Institute of Languages and Conference.