FROM PAGE 1

of different departments, these matters are usually determined through academic performance.”

Dhaka University ranked 584th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is also placed in the 801-1000 range in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.

“If we recruit teachers based on merit and academic results, I think this condition can be changed,” he said.

He also referred to the lack of research publications among some academics seeking higher administrative positions at universities and urged DU authorities to address the issue.

The prime minister yesterday visited the campus -- his first trip to the university since taking office -- to inaugurate a workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence”, organised by the University Grants Commission at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban.

At the views-exchange programme following the inauguration, Tarique responded to several students’ questions on education, employment, corruption, political culture, museums, language, governance, and other issues.

Around 150 students took part in the event.

At the outset, the PM said he felt nostalgic visiting the DU campus after nearly 35 years. He added that there is a significant age gap between him and the younger generation, and that he wants to know what kind of Bangladesh students dream of, what the government can do for the country, and how students themselves can contribute to nation-building.

Tarique sought students’ cooperation in maintaining a stable political situation.

“If we cannot keep the country’s political situation stable, we will not be able to build anything. Even if we do, it will collapse…. We have done a lot of politics on the streets, but there must be stability now. Politics has to move to parliament now. Making noise on the streets will not help build anything.”

The PM urged students to learn a third language alongside Bangla and English to expand their employment opportunities worldwide.

Responding to a question about seat shortages in halls and libraries, unemployment, and irregularities in public recruitment, Tarique said corruption and inflated project costs have become major concerns.

Citing a white paper released during the interim government period, he said nearly $16 billion was siphoned out of the country each year. “If this money had remained in Bangladesh, many student-related issues -- including seat shortages -- could have been resolved.

He also referred to allegations of excessive spending in public projects.

“The burden of this extra expenditure eventually falls on the people,” he said, adding that changing long-standing practices and attitudes would take time and could not be achieved within a few months or years.

Replying to a question about the declining use of Bangla, Tarique said language habits largely depend on family values and mindset, noting that his daughter still speaks Bangla fluently despite spending 17 years abroad.

“Many families in Bangladesh speak English with children attending English-medium schools…. While this may improve language skills, it can weaken their attachment to Bangla and local culture.”

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam and Marketing Department Professor Morshed Hasan Khan were present on the stage during the programme.

GOVT TO BOOST INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA TIES

Speaking as the chief guest at the “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” workshop, Tarique emphasised the need to strengthen research, innovation, and skill-based education to make Bangladesh’s universities globally competitive, reports UNB.

He said Bangladesh must move beyond a memorisation-based, certificate-oriented education system to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and prepare students for the evolving job market.

The PM highlighted the need for stronger industry-academia cooperation, internships, entrepreneurship development, and technological advancement, while calling for an education system that places greater emphasis on merit, creativity, and knowledge production.

Stressing the need for closer collaboration between universities and industries, he said his government has taken steps to expand apprenticeships, internships, and industry-academia partnerships.

“Initially, universities in divisional cities are being linked with local educational and business institutions under the initiative,” he said, adding that the government has introduced plans for seed funding and innovation grants for innovative business ideas at colleges and universities.

“The aim is to create entrepreneurs from campuses.”

Tarique also said the government plans to establish innovation and entrepreneurship development institutes and science parks at higher educational institutions.