The pressing need for enhanced research and development (R&D) in both public and private universities was emphasised by experts at a recent round table discussion hosted by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI).
The event, titled "Strengthening Collaboration between the Private Sector & Academia: The Way Forward," saw participation from prominent academicians and industry leaders, who collectively called for urgent reforms to address the skill gap among graduates.
Ashraf Ahmed, president of DCCI, highlighted "Unemployment among graduates is alarmingly high", citing a BIDS report that states that 66% of graduates in Bangladesh are jobless.
Ahmed pointed out that despite the annual influx of approximately 2 million graduates into the job market, many remain unemployed or underemployed due to a lack of relevant skills.
"Moreover, 46% of employers struggle to find job seekers with the necessary skills and 69% report shortages in skilled manpower for technical and managerial roles. This forces industries to hire experts from abroad, resulting in significant financial outflows, he said.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to develop both soft and hard skills, enabling graduates to meet local and global market demands.
Vice Chancellor of ULAB, Professor Imran Rahman, echoed these concerns, noting that nearly 40% of youth graduates remain unemployed.
He criticised the current internship system, advocating for apprenticeships to provide more practical experience.
Rahman also called for an increased focus on ICT and science-based education to keep pace with global advancements and suggested tax incentives for private-sector funding of university R&D projects.
Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder, a professor at BUET, stressed the importance of trust between academia and industry.
He acknowledged the robustness of the current university curriculum but cautioned against frequent changes, which he believes could undermine student outcomes.
Other notable participants included Professor AKM Waresul Karim from North South University and Brigadier General Mohammad Saadat Hossain of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), among others.
They collectively urged the utilisation of corporate CSR funds for university R&D and warned that without competitive salaries, skilled graduates might seek opportunities abroad.
The speakers also called for expedited approval processes for new curricula by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the establishment of a database to predict industry skill demands over the next decade.
They appealed to the private sector to invest in student projects, emphasizing that such collaborations are essential for producing industry-ready graduates.
The discussion concluded with a call to action for both universities and the private sector to work together to bridge the skill gap and ensure the employability of future graduates.
Md Junaed Ibna Ali, Vice President of DCCI, along with Director Mohammad Saifur Rahman Saif and Convenor Ismet Zerin Khan, were also present at the event.
