UGC signs Tk 38cr research deals with 12 universities
Staff Reporter :
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has signed contracts worth Tk 38.21 crore with 12 universities to implement 20 research sub-projects aimed at fostering innovative product development, interdisciplinary R and D, cutting-edge research in computer science and engineering (CSE and IT), and IT-based solutions for persons with disabilities through academic-industry partnerships. Funded by the Bangladesh government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the UGC-implemented ‘Improving Computer and Software Engineering Tertiary Education (ICSETEPI)’ project, specifically its Research and Development Grant sub-component, the initiative supports these goals.
The tripartite signing ceremony took place at UGC headquarters on Tuesday. Signatories included the UGC Secretary, vice-chancellors of the recipient universities, and principal investigators of the sub-projects.
Chief guest was UGC Chairman Prof. Dr. SM E Fazye, with special guests including UGC members Prof. Dr. Mohammad Tanjimuddin Khan, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Prof. Dr. Mashuma Habib, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam; Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan; and ADB Country Director Hye Yun Jeong. Chaired by UGC member Prof. Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, the event featured speeches from UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam and ICSETEPI Project Director (additional charge) Prof. Ghazi Md. Nazrul Islam.
In his address, UGC Chairman Prof. Dr. SM E Fazye emphasised that this research support will play a vital role in building a Smart Bangladesh through the IT sector. He urged researchers to ensure accountable use of funds, noting universities’ crucial role in solving societal problems.
The chair highlighted the initiative as a milestone for ICT human resource development and industry-academia collaboration, thanking ADB and stressing the transparent selection process focused on social impact.
Notable details: Proposals were called in September last year, with 162 submissions; 20 sub-projects from 9 public and 3 private universities were selected. Universities include Dhaka University (3 sub-projects), BUET (5), Rajshahi University (2), BRAC University (2), and one each from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Jahangirnagar University, HSTU, MBSTU, YSTU, PSTU, Daffodil International University, and Barendra University.
The 5-year ICSETEPI project has a total cost of about Tk 1,300 crore, with ADB funding 87.72per cent and the government covering 12.28per cent. Attendees included researchers, senior UGC and project officials, and university registrars.