Staff Correspondent 

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has taken the initiative to formulate a national policy framework to upgrade the country's higher education system to international standards. 

This framework will facilitate the conduct of academic activities of foreign universities in Bangladesh and at the same time expand the global partnerships of the country's universities.

A high-level meeting held at the UGC office on Wednesday made policy progress on this issue. Representatives from the US Embassy, the British High Commission and the British Council participated in the meeting. UGC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed presided over the meeting. 

Higher education policy expert and Fulbright Specialist Dr. Grace Mukupa is assisting in the development of this national policy framework. A working committee comprising representatives from the UGC, various universities, the US Embassy and the British Council has been formed to formulate and review the policy. The committee has been directed to submit a final report as soon as possible. 

 The UGC Chairman said that the main objective of this initiative is to strengthen international partnerships in the higher education sector. 

UGC members Prof  Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Machuma Habib, Director of International Cooperation Department Jasmine Parveen, Public Engagement Director of the American Center Scott Hartman, Public Engagement Specialist Raihana Sultana and Public Engagement Coordinator Faroha Suhrawardy, Trade and Investment Affairs Director of the British High Commission Shakib Ershad, Trade and Investment Manager Syed Habibur Rahman, Head of Education of the British Council Taufiq Hasan and other relevant officials were present.