Photo: UGC

DHAKA, April 8, 2026 (BSS) - The United Kingdom has proposed simplifying
policy frameworks to strengthen joint initiatives and international
collaboration in Bangladesh's higher education sector.

UK trade envoy to Bangladesh, Rt Hon Baroness Winterton of Doncaster DBE,
made the proposal during a meeting with the chairman of the University Grants
Commission (UGC) held at a hotel in the capital today.

She said that revising the cross-border higher education guidelines is
necessary to facilitate partnership agreements between universities of the
two countries.

A six-member delegation from the British High Commission and the British
Council attended the meeting.

The delegation included British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke,
Director of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission Sakib Ershad,
Trade and Investment Manager Syed Habibur Rahman, British Council Deputy
Director Maria Rehman, and Head of Education Toufiq Hasan.

The UGC delegation, led by Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, comprised four
members, including UGC members Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain and
Professor Dr Masuma Habib, and Director of International Cooperation Division
Jesmin Parvin.

The British representatives noted that many renowned UK universities operate
academic programmes in partnership with institutions across the globe. They
said such initiatives benefit host countries while maintaining high academic
standards.

They added that introducing joint degrees, dual degrees, study centres or
branch campuses under cross-border higher education and transnational
education in Bangladesh would help maintain the academic standards of the
parent institutions.

However, they pointed out that existing guideline complexities and procedural
delays have prevented many UK universities from expanding operations in
Bangladesh despite their interest. The delegation also expressed willingness
to provide technical assistance in revising the policies.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed said the commission welcomes effective
international collaboration to improve the quality of higher education in the
country. However, he stressed the need to ensure parity in academic standards
between the two countries through a strong regulatory framework.

He added that appointing experienced faculty members from the parent campuses
at study centres or branch campuses could help ensure uniform quality of
education. He also emphasized keeping higher education affordable for
meritorious students from all backgrounds to reduce inequality arising from
commercialization.

UGC member Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain said initiatives would be
taken to revise cross-border higher education guidelines, if necessary, to
expand partnerships with foreign universities. He stressed the importance of
increasing access to higher education for disadvantaged but talented
students.

UGC member Professor Dr Masuma Habib said the commission is ready to extend
all necessary support for partnership-based programmes with foreign
universities, while maintaining consistency in academic standards.

The meeting agreed that the UGC and the British Council would jointly
formulate an action plan to advance cross-border and transnational education,
incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders.