Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) member Professor Dr. Machuma Habib has urged the country’s universities to take effective and planned initiatives to increase the interest and participation of Bangladeshi students in European higher education and Erasmus Plus scholarships. He made this call as the chief guest at the information meeting titled “Erasmus Plus Information-Day” organized at the UGC Auditorium on Wednesday (November 12).
The chief guest said that Bangladesh is in third place in the world in the number of Erasmus Plus scholarship recipients, which is a matter of great pride for the country. He believes that this scholarship is providing the youth of Bangladesh with the opportunity to increase their capacity, build networks with international universities and prove their competence in the global arena. At the same time, he requested the European Union to increase its cooperation to further expand the opportunities for higher education for Bangladeshi students.
UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam and Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union Beiba Zerina were present as special guests. The event was presided over by Jasmine Parveen, Director (Current Responsibilities), International Cooperation Department, UGC and Erasmus Plus National Focal Point.
Speaking as the special guest, Professor Ayub Islam said that there is a shortage of skilled human resources in the job market in the country and due to lack of institutional capacity, many universities are not able to help students acquire the necessary skills. He felt that the European Union can further cooperate in human resource development through training and skill development programs.
Beiba Zerina said that the European Union has always given priority to ensuring quality education and good governance. He expressed the hope that the Erasmus Plus Information Day will make students more aware of the scholarships and that more students will get the opportunity to participate in this prestigious program in the coming years.
UGC Director Jasmine Parvin, EU Program Manager Jui Chakma, European Commission Regional Manager (Asia) Dr. Ashiqur Rahman, Academic Expert Dr. Jenny Lind Elmaco, Taiwan U Center Executive Director Dr. Mark Cheng, Erasmus Mundus Association Bangladesh Country Representative Souvik Roy Snigdha, and Daffodil International University Deputy Director Syed Raihan-ul-Islam shed light on various aspects of Erasmus Plus.
The meeting was attended by teachers and students from 60 universities of the country, as well as relevant officials of the UGC and the European Union.
