Asian University of Bangladesh hosts international conference in Dhaka

Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB) has organised an international conference in Dhaka as part of its programmes marking the university’s 30th anniversary.

The two-day conference, titled “Higher Education and Sustainable Development”, began on Jan 30 and concludes on Jan 31. It is being held at a hotel in Dhaka and at AUB’s permanent campus in Ashulia, the university said in a statement.

Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education Dr Zambry Abd Kadir attended the event as the chief guest. Prof Dr Abul Hasan M Sadeq, AUB founder, chairman of the Board of Trustees and former vice-chancellor, presented the keynote paper.

Eminent litterateur and Bangla Academy Chairman Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq was present as a special guest, while AUB Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan presided over the conference.

Speaking at the event, Dr Zambry said AUB and its founder were well known to him and praised the university’s role in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. He also expressed hope for continued progress in higher education globally and thanked AUB for the honour extended to him.

In his keynote address, Prof Dr Sadeq said AUB conducts its academic programmes in line with international standards, focusing on quality education, modern research and the development of skilled human resources to support sustainable development. He said the university had produced graduates with academic excellence and ethical values over the past three decades.

Prof Fazlul said universities should move beyond a degree-focused approach and emphasise innovation in research and improvements in teaching and learning methods to expand knowledge.

In his address, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Mosharraf thanked participants and said AUB remained committed to producing graduates with professional competence, ethical leadership and a sense of social responsibility.

Scholars from Bangladesh and abroad presented research papers at the conference. Trustees, syndicate members, deans, department heads and students of the university were also in attendance.