State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam recently highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation between Bangladesh and the United States in the fields of education, science, research, and technology during discussions with representatives from Arizona State University (ASU) in California.
A high-level Bangladesh delegation, led by Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, met with the ASU representatives at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley on September 27. According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release, the talks primarily focused on linking engineering education, research, workforce development, industry, and investment to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Bangladesh. Potential collaborative areas include microelectronics curricula, faculty training, applied research, and stronger academia-industry partnerships.
During the discussions, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Boby Hajjaj emphasized the importance of STEM education and teacher training, while Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad advocated for a comprehensive semiconductor roadmap connecting research and education with commercial investment. Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir stressed the need for sustainable planning and tighter integration between education and industry to translate technology partnerships into skilled employment and enhanced research capacity.
The two sides also explored potential cooperation with ASU’s University Design Institute to support higher education reforms and discussed drafting a memorandum of understanding covering semiconductor education, workforce and faculty development, and institutional collaboration.
Other notable participants in the meeting included Prime Minister’s Protocol Officer-2 Kamrul Islam, Deputy Press Secretary-1 Md Jahidul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to the US Tareq Md Ariful Islam, and Consul General in Los Angeles Kazi Muhammad Jabed Iqbal. The Bangladesh Consulate General in Los Angeles will facilitate follow-up discussions to identify specific partner institutions and projects.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by BSS, Dhaka • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
