DHAKA, April 2, 2026 (BSS) - The British Council has expressed its interest in supporting Bangladesh in improving the quality of higher education and enhancing its international rankings. A four-member delegation of the British Council Bangladesh conveyed this during a courtesy call on Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh today. The delegation was led by Country Director Stephen Forbes. During the meeting, Stephen Forbes said the British Council is interested in supporting the internationalisation of Bangladesh’s higher education institutions, enhancing teachers’ professional skills, expanding academic partnerships, and strengthening effective linkages with foreign universities. Support will also be extended in research collaboration, formulation of transnational education policies, and development of English language education. He added that the British Council is already working on developing training modules for the professional development of university teachers in Bangladesh. Under these modules, around 5,000 teachers are being trained through the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. The delegation also expressed interest in assisting in the development of ‘master trainers’ to ensure sustainability of the training programmes. Welcoming the initiative, Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed said the UGC is working to elevate the country’s higher education to international standards and ensure quality education. Emphasis is being placed on improving the learning environment, producing globally competitive graduates, and enhancing students’ employability. He mentioned that around five million students are currently enrolled in public and private universities across the country. The UGC is prioritising meeting their expectations and fulfilling the government’s commitments in the higher education sector, with the HEAT project playing a significant role. Professor Ahmed also expressed concern over the erosion of ethics and values among students in higher education institutions. He stressed the importance of incorporating honesty, morality, humanity, and patriotism into curricula, along with organising workshops and training programmes to address the issue. He further noted that the UGC has undertaken various initiatives to improve students’ soft skills to make them more employable. At the meeting, he also called for strengthening joint research, exchange of innovative ideas, appointment of visiting professors, and enhanced academic collaboration with leading universities in the United Kingdom.