Pabna  Correspondent 

Initiatives will be taken to increase apprenticeships, internships and industry-academia collaboration to make the country's higher education system more practical and work-oriented, said Prof  Dr. Abdullah-al-Mamun, Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh. 

He said that this program will be started by establishing relationships with local industries and businesses with universities located in divisional cities. This will give students the opportunity to gain hands-on education and facilitate their entry into the workforce.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an open discussion on.'Harmony of Education and Industry, Solutions for Employment' at Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST). 

The event, chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Dr. Abul Hasnat Mohd. Shamim, was attended by the special guest, Prof Dr. Md. AKM Matinur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Mamun said that the government is giving importance to innovation, research and the creation of skilled human resources. To this end, initiatives will be taken to build effective cooperation between universities and the industry sector. He urged students to be interested in acquiring skills and exploring new knowledge.

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Prof  Dr. Abul Hasnat Mohd. Shamim emphasized on reducing the gap between education and industry and increasing cooperation.