Photo : BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - A discussion titled "Meet the Ambassador: Talking Diplomacy for Cooperation" was held at Jahangirnagar University (JU) focusing on strengthening academic, diplomatic and development cooperation between Bangladesh and Germany.

The programme was held at the university's Senate Hall this morning and jointly organised by Center for Governance Studies (CGS) and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), with German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Rüdiger Lotz  attending as the chief guest.

Addressing the programme, German Ambassador Dr Rüdiger Lotz said he was inspired to engage in meaningful discussions with JU students, describing the younger generation, particularly Gen-Z, as the real architects of Bangladesh's future.

Referring to the July-August student-public uprising, he said the aspirations for reform reflected through the movement are important for building a stable and prosperous Bangladesh.

The ambassador said Germany remains one of Bangladesh's closest economic partners and expressed optimism that with proper guidance and educational advancement, Bangladesh has strong potential to emerge among the world's top 20 economies within the next two decades.

He added that bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Germany are gradually moving beyond aid dependency toward a strategic partnership, particularly in areas such as trade diversification, higher education and technical skills development.

Speaking at the event, JU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan described Germany as an important partner of Bangladesh and a symbol of knowledge, discipline and innovation for the country's younger generation.

He said following the recent student-public uprising, the country now needs to provide proper guidance to its talented and energetic youth to meet public aspirations and contribute to national rebuilding.

The vice-chancellor said the university intends to make its education system more practical and strengthen links among research, academia and industry, adding that Germany's long experience in these sectors could play an important role.

He also expressed hope that the ambassador's visit would open a new horizon for educational and research collaboration between Jahangirnagar University and German universities and research institutions.

CGS Chairman Zillur Rahman, FES Resident Representative Dr Felix Gerdes and teachers and students from different universities were also present at the programme.