A panel discussion recently held at Dhaka International University highlighted the importance of prioritising student voices in the reform of higher education in Bangladesh, says a press release.
The event was arranged as part of the 鈥楢mio Jitte Cai鈥� campaign jointly organised by Democracy International and DIU.
The campaign seeks to create an opportunity for all citizens to express their thoughts and opinions freely.
To facilitate this, a dedicated website, www.amiojittechai.com, has been launched, allowing youth to discuss their role in improving higher education.
Moderated by deputy director of Democracy International Anindya Rahman, the event featured several distinguished speakers who addressed the current challenges facing higher education and the opportunities for reform.
At the beginning of the event, deputy chief of party, programmes, Democracy International, Aminul Ehsan informed about the campaign.
The chief of party of Democracy International Dana L Olds, associate professor of Dhaka University Rasheda Rawnak Khan, chairman of the Board of Trustees of DIU Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari, special correspondent of Jamuna TV Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu and coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Nazifa Jannat were present at the event.
Rasheda Rawnak Khan emphasised that Bangladesh was significantly lagging behind other countries in its education system.
Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu said that the education system had become overly focused on job attainment.
Nazifa Jannat expressed concerns about the commercialisation of education.
Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari highlighted the role of youth in nation-building.
The event also featured an interactive theatre performance that engaged students on various educational issues, followed by a quiz competition in which ten students were recognised for their participation.
In the closing remarks, Dana L Olds congratulated the winners and stressed the need for government and political parties to meet citizens鈥� expectations.
Besides, deputy director of Democracy International Korban Ali, senior programme officer Ashrupa Haque Chowdhury as well as DIU lecturers, including Emon Hasan Bhuiyan of civil engineering department, Abdul Awal Rabbi, Sagar Hasan of the EEE department and Raihan Alam Siam of the CSE department were also present.
