DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS) - The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) today signed research agreements worth Tk 38.21 crore with 12 universities to implement 20 sub-projects aimed at developing Bangladesh's information technology sector and strengthening industry-academia collaboration.

The agreements were signed at the UGC office under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and government-funded Improving Computer and Software Engineering Tertiary Education Project (ICSETEP).

UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam and vice-chancellors of the respective universities and principal researchers signed the agreements.

Speaking at the event, UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz said the research support would contribute significantly to building a "New Bangladesh" through ICT development, urging responsible use of the allocated funds.

Of the 12 recipient institutions, nine are public and three are private universities. 
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) received the highest number of sub-projects with five, followed by the University of Dhaka with three, while the University of Rajshahi and BRAC University received two each.

The five-year ICSETEP project has an estimated cost of around Tk 1,300 crore, with 87.72 percent financed by the Asian Development Bank.