Bangladesh Open University (BOU) and the National Institute of Biotechnology have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in education, research, training and the exchange of technological knowledge.

The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Science and Technology’s conference room yesterday (13 October), according to the press release.

Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain and BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan attended the ceremony as guests.

National Institute of Biotechnology Director General Dr Md Sagir Ahmed and BOU Acting Registrar TM Ahmed Hussain signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.

Anwar said the partnership would create opportunities to strengthen research in biotechnology and related fields.

“The collaboration offers scope for new medical and fertiliser-related initiatives, the introduction of curricula suited to current needs, and joint research activities,” he said.

Outlining the university’s institutional structure and academic activities, Siddiqur said, “Bangladesh Open University currently offers around 55 formal academic programmes through seven schools, 12 regional centres and 63 sub-regional centres. We are committed to bringing education to people from all walks of life and expanding opportunities for lifelong learning.”

He expressed hope that the agreement would create new opportunities for education, research, training and the exchange of knowledge and experience between the two institutions.

“It will enable both institutions to work together to develop skilled human resources, promote research-based learning and expand technology-enabled education,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said BOU continued to expand access to open and lifelong learning across the country, while the National Institute of Biotechnology played an important role in biotechnology research and skills development.

Combining the institutions’ experience, expertise and capacity would contribute to improving the quality of education and research, he added.

He also expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen institutional ties and pave the way for joint education, research and training activities.

Those attending from BOU included Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid Mondal, dean of the School of Science and Technology; Md Ashraful Islam, private secretary to the vice-chancellor and joint director; Dr Md Shawkat Ali, joint director of the Administration Division’s Training and Research Section; and Deputy Director Ashraful Alam Bhuiyan.

Senior Scientific Officers Dr Md Abdul Alim, Dr Md Mahmud Hasan and Dr Sabina Yasmin attended from the National Institute of Biotechnology.