It’s my pleasure to assume the responsibility as the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh Society for Private University Academics (BSPUA). I am also glad to learn that nationally acclaimed academicians and the Vice-Chancellors of a number of leading private universities are also in the Advisory Board of BSPUA. I am honored and proud to be a part of BSPUA’s noble vision and mission as the Chief Advisor.

I welcome all the distinguished fellows and all categories of members of BSPUA for joining the Society. I am confident that the Society will initiate a number of continued professional development (CPD) programs that will not only help the academics to develop themselves but also be regarded as the most effective avenue for the development of the teaching community in the private selector of tertiary education in Bangladesh. At present, the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has taken a good number of initiatives to patronize the universities in teaching, learning, and research. I hope BSPUA will remain in touch with the UGC and find opportunities to join different initiatives taken by the Government of Bangladesh.

The daughter of Bangabandhu and honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already taken several initiatives for desired transformations to mitigate the increasing multi-faceted challenges in a highly competitive higher education landscape. Through these transformation processes, the tertiary education of Bangladesh will stand out with distinct features in future. Now the Bangladeshi universities are dedicated mainly to the dissemination of knowledge, but the UGC, under the guidance of Honorable Prime Minister, has taken attempt to create research-intensive universities in Bangladesh. UGC is also supportive of international collaborations and industry-academia linkages, where the quantity and quality of teaching and research initiatives might be enhanced, especially in the private universities.

BSPUA should support the plans and actions of the Government of Bangladesh for digitalization, globalization, and sustainability. Despite having a history of 50 years, the Government has started the process of developing a national ICT strategy only in 1997. In 2002, Bangladesh identified ICT as a “Thrust Sector” as it represents potential for quick wins in reforms, job creation, industry growth, improving governance and facilitating inclusion, and as it has high spillover effects to other sectors. Today, in Bangladesh, the overall IT sector has emerged as a prioritized segment. Now, online teaching and learning have become possible, especially in the private universities, because of a strong IT infrastructure, support systems, and availability of the facilities throughout the country. Digital Bangladesh was an Idea of IT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy who advised and guided the concerned ministries to utilize technology for management, administration and governance to ensure accountability and transparency at all levels of the society and state. In order to materialize the IT dream of the Advisor, the development of countrywide backbone and expected number of human recourses are the crucial needs, where private universities can significantly contribute, and BSPUA can extend cooperation and support to expedite the process. 

I wish BSPUA to become a great space for the private university teaching professionals in Bangladesh to enhance collaboration.