University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has moved a step closer to introducing a joint PhD programme in collaboration with University of Portsmouth (UoP), UK, with the soft launch of the initiative held online on 6 August 2026.

The 1-hour-50-minute programme, conducted through Zoom, brought together senior officials and academics from both universities, along with project partners and representatives involved in quality assurance and international engagement.

The event began with welcome remarks from Prof Shamsad Mortuza, PhD, Vice Chancellor of ULAB. Bobby Mehta, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) of UoP, and Jacqueline Priego, PhD, Associate Dean (Global Engagement) of UoP, represented University of Portsmouth. ULAB was represented by Prof Jude William R Genilo, PhD, Pro Vice Chancellor.

Other participants included Md Musharoff Hossain, PhD, Founder President of the Federation of Bangladesh Human Resource Organizations (FBHRO), Bangladesh, as a project partner; and Piers Wall of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), UK.

Prof Shahnaj Husne Jahan, PhD, Head of the GED Department at ULAB; Jaina Hunt, UK-side Liaison; and Parvez Mahmud, PhD, Project Director on the ULAB side, also attended the programme.

Following the opening remarks, participants took part in an interactive workshop on Transnational Education (TNE). They were divided into two groups to discuss key questions related to TNE and share their views, experiences and recommendations on developing the proposed joint PhD programme.

At the conclusion of the group discussions, Prof Jude William R Genilo and Dr Jacqueline Priego presented a summary of the key issues, suggestions and recommendations raised by the two groups.

The soft launch marks a milestone in ULAB’s efforts to expand international academic partnerships and develop opportunities for advanced research and doctoral education. The proposed collaboration with University of Portsmouth is expected to strengthen academic and research links between Bangladesh and the UK while creating new opportunities for internationally connected doctoral education through Transnational Education.