UGC to establish language centres at 25 universities to boost global competitiveness

The University Grants Commission has taken an initiative to establish modern language centres at 25 public and private universities across Bangladesh to equip students with skills needed for the global job market and support the internationalisation of higher education. 

The centres will offer courses in eight international languages, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, French and German, UGC Chairman Mamun Ahmed said while speaking at an exchange meeting with international students at Bangladesh Agricultural University today (30 July).

He said the government is planning to introduce a third language into the national curriculum to strengthen international communication skills. As a result, demand for qualified foreign language teachers is expected to increase from primary to higher education.

"The university-based language centres will help meet that demand while enabling students to acquire language skills required for international employment opportunities," he said.

Mamun said multilingual proficiency has become essential now with artificial intelligence and the global economy, adding that the facility would open new opportunities for students in higher education, research, technology, diplomacy and overseas employment.

The UGC is preparing a five-year strategic plan to improve the international standard of higher education to transform Bangladesh into a regional education hub in South Asia, he said.

As part of the initiative, the UGC plans to establish an International Desk in coordination with the ministries of foreign affairs, home affairs and education to facilitate admission, visa processing, accommodation, healthcare and administrative services for foreign students.

UGC officials said the names of the 25 universities selected for the language centres will be announced soon.