Staff Correspondent

Universities across Bangladesh are being prepared to support the country's transition towards a knowledge-based and technology-driven digital economy, with greater emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), research, innovation and industry-oriented education, said University Grants Commission (UGC) member Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun on Saturday.

The government aims to increase the contribution of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) to 10 percent within the next five years, while creating skilled human resources, technological innovations and new employment opportunities, he said.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony titled 'Academia-Industry Collaboration' at the conference room of the administrative building of the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh (UFTB) in Kaliakair, Gazipur.

Prof Mamun said the government, particularly Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to transforming Bangladesh into a strong, knowledge-based and technology-driven digital economy.

Active participation of university teachers, researchers and students is essential to achieving the target, he said, technology-focused universities should be developed as centres of research, innovation and skilled human resource development.

Highlighting the role of higher education institutions, the UGC member said initiatives have already been taken at several universities to introduce departments in modern disciplines, including artificial intelligence, information technology, cybersecurity, robotics, automation, data science and nanotechnology.

He mentioned that a Tk 500 crore startup fund has been proposed in the national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year to encourage young entrepreneurs.

He also referred to an initiative involving Tk 800 crore to promote the creative economy. Of the amount, Tk 300 crore has been proposed as direct government allocation, while another Tk 500 crore is planned to be mobilised through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds.

At the ceremony, the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh and GoPlane Limited signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation between academia and industry.

UFTB Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Moktar Ali presided over the programme.