Photo: NU

DHAKA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) – Professor Dr. A S M Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the National University (NU) has said that special initiatives have been taken to improve higher education and address existing problems in colleges of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) -Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban districts.

The NU plans to increase affiliation for master’s preliminary and bachelor (pass courses) in these colleges and make higher education more skill-oriented, he said.

The VC made the remarks while addressing a meeting with principals of government and non-government colleges from the three hill districts, held at Rangamati Government College today, according to a NU press release. 

“Although nearly 10 lakh students receive undergraduate degrees from the National University each year, about 40 percent face difficulties in the job market due to outdated syllabuses. Even five decades after independence, education and research have not been effectively linked with industrial instructions," he said.
 
To bridge this gap, efforts are underway to make higher education more skill-oriented and relevant to modern needs, he added.

Highlighting steps taken to modernize education, Dr. Amanullah said Information Technology and English have been made mandatory in honours level. 

Experience-sharing with domestic and foreign universities and collaboration with the industrial sectors are also ongoing, with support from international organisations, including UNICEF, he said.

Stressing the importance of building a skilled workforce, he added, “Investment in quality education has lagged behind infrastructure development."

To face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, students must be developed as competent and skilled citizens, he added.

The VC also mentioned that a dedicated cell should be established at the NU to ensure smooth functioning of government colleges nationwide.

The meeting was presided over by Professor Mohammad Nasimul Haque, Principal of Rangamati Government College. 

Principals from the three districts shared their challenges and suggestions. After listening to them, the VC said their issues would be addressed promptly.