The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) is implementing various initiatives to align university education, research and innovation with the needs of the industrial sector and develop a skilled workforce, said UGC member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun.

He said the UGC is coordinating the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between 10 universities and various industrial and business organisations to strengthen cooperation between academia and industry.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “University-Industry Collaboration: Entrepreneurship Development, Innovation and Sustainable Development” held at Khulna University on Saturday (August 15, 2026).

Dr Mamun said the UGC is working to bring around 500,000 students under specialised training programmes aimed at developing and modernising the country’s industrial sector. The main objective of the initiative is to develop a workforce capable of meeting the demands of the global market and contributing to the national economy.

He said initiatives have been taken to establish modern language centres at 30 universities to enhance students’ competitiveness in the global job market, including opportunities to learn third languages and develop professional skills. Alongside language proficiency, emphasis is also being placed on improving students’ technological and professional skills.

Highlighting four major initiatives being undertaken by the UGC to strengthen university-industry cooperation, Professor Mamun said, first, the industrial sector is being involved in reviewing and updating higher education curricula.

Second, efforts are underway to create internship and placement opportunities for university students in industrial organisations.

Third, initiatives are being taken to apply university research findings in the industrial sector. Fourth, the UGC is working to utilise university innovations and new technologies for industrial development.

Referring to various government initiatives to encourage young entrepreneurs and innovators, he said Tk 5 billion has been allocated for the startup sector and Tk 8 billion for the creative economy. If a portion of these funds can be effectively utilised for technology-, research- and innovation-driven initiatives, new employment opportunities can be created for young people.

Dr Mamun stressed that coordinated partnerships among universities, industry and the government are essential to ensuring sustainable development.

He said the knowledge, research and innovations generated at universities should be utilised for practical development in the industrial sector, while the needs and experiences of industry should also be incorporated into university education and research.

Such collaboration, he said, would create an effective link between higher education and the industrial sector.

The seminar was chaired by Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rezaul Karim. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Harun Rashid Khan and Treasurer Professor Dr Md Nurunnabi were present as special guests.

Teachers, officials, students and representatives of the industrial sector also attended the event.

At the seminar, Khulna University signed memorandums of understanding with four organisations.