Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali-File Photo

By Mah Alam

SAVAR, Aug 23, 2026 (BSS) - Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Showkat Ali said the university is planning to transform the institution into an international-standard higher education hub by developing modern infrastructure, strengthening research facilities and introducing practical-oriented academic programmes.

To this end, the university has submitted a Tk 1,090.15 crore Development Project Proposal (DPP), which is expected to support the planned infrastructure, research and academic development initiatives, he said.

The VC made the remarks in an interview with Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) while attending the concluding session of the two-day 'Vice-Chancellors' Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Higher Education' at BRAC CDM in Savar on Saturday.

The dialogue was organised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project, bringing together around 65 vice-chancellors of public and private universities, policymakers, academics and experts.

Prof Showkat said Bangladesh's higher education sector was still lagging behind many other regions in ensuring quality education, mainly due to shortcomings in teacher recruitment, infrastructure and budgetary support.

He said BRUR had received Tk 200 crore as budgetary allocation, but there had been no visible follow-up funding for its development over the years.

"Can a university exist without an auditorium? We did not even have an auditorium during the last 16 years," he said, stressing the need for adequate laboratories, classrooms, residential facilities and other infrastructure to ensure a proper learning environment.

The VC said the UGC had already recommended the DPP and it was now with the Ministry of Education. If approved through the relevant planning process, the project would facilitate the development of infrastructure and other facilities needed to build a modern university.

Prof Showkat said BRUR was also working to bridge the gap between academic learning and the job market through partnerships with industries and organisations.

"We have already signed MoUs with four industries, including the Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry," he said.

Under the collaborations, students, particularly those studying Public Administration, will receive practical training and exposure to professional environments through the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC), he said.

The VC said the university was also encouraging students to move beyond a narrow focus on government jobs and explore entrepreneurship and other career opportunities.

He said BRUR was working with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), SANEM and relevant government agencies to explore ways to modernise local industries and create new employment and export opportunities.

Prof Showkat stressed the importance of improved connectivity and industrial development in the Rangpur region, including the proposed Rangpur Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and the possibility of upgrading Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari into an international airport.

Such initiatives, he said, could facilitate the transportation of locally produced goods to domestic and international markets.

"Tea in Panchagarh and tobacco and other industries in the Rangpur region have significant potential. If we can connect these industries with modern infrastructure and skilled human resources, our students can become practically oriented professionals and entrepreneurs," he said.

The university has also proposed establishing an Agriculture Faculty and exploring the use of a large research area near the campus for academic and research activities, he said.

On digital transformation, Prof Showkat said BRUR was taking steps to introduce file-tracking and biometric systems and planning to introduce biometric attendance for students.

Regarding artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, he said the university was strengthening laboratory-based education and planning to introduce courses such as machine learning in line with international standards.

He said an incubation hub at LalDighi in Pirganj, Rangpur, under the ICT Ministry, had been brought under the university's management through an agreement.

"A Chinese delegation will visit the incubation hub tomorrow. We hope to make the currently inactive facility operational and use it for education, research, journalism, social activities and business-oriented initiatives," he said.

The VC also stressed the need for stronger links between science and technology departments and industries to make academic programmes more practical and responsive to contemporary technological demands.

"Our students should not think that their destination is limited to Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) or bank jobs. Their place can be anywhere in the world," he said, calling for a change in students' mindset and greater encouragement to turn innovative ideas into practical ventures.

On research, Prof Showkat said the university had taken an initiative to establish a research-oriented cell and was currently working with more than 300 students interested in research.

He said he had held several meetings with students to encourage them to pursue higher studies and research opportunities abroad.

Regarding international exposure, he said four BRUR students had already gone to Germany, while he himself had visited Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom and other countries to explore opportunities for academic and research collaboration.

The VC said the university's ultimate goal was to produce globally competitive graduates by ensuring quality education, strong research facilities, practical training, entrepreneurship opportunities and international academic linkages.