Higher education and research serve as pivotal catalysts for societal advancement, economic wellbeing, sustainable development, and worldwide innovation. Nations recognizing the paramount
significance of education and research have consistently achieved the zenith of progress. Japan, with its longstanding legacy as a pioneer in research and technological advancements, exemplifies
the transformative power of prioritizing these pursuits. Inspired by the fervor to broaden the research landscape of Bangladesh, the establishment of a collaborative research network emerges as a strategic imperative. This initiative not only aligns with global trends but also positions Bangladesh on the trajectory towards scientific and intellectual excellence. By fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange, this collaborative network will undoubtedly propel Bangladesh into the vanguard of innovation, contributing substantially to both national and global progress.

Inspired by that thought, I have arranged an 11-member delegation team from Kyushu University, Japan. The team was led by Professor Dr. Akira Harata, Senior Vice-President of Kyushu University. Other notable members of the delegation included Kyushu University Vice-President Prof. Dr. Shuji Shimizu, Prof. Dr. Kazuo Asahiro, and Dr. Shintaro Ueda. The delegation visited Dhaka University and BUET on March 6, 2024. The delegation met the Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Dr. A. S. M. Maksud Kamal at his official residence. During the meeting, we (Kyushu University delegates) discussed issues of mutual interest, especially the possibility of undertaking joint education and collaborative research programs between Dhaka University and Kyushu University. We emphasized on the exchange of teachers, researchers, and students between the two universities. A fruitful discussion was also held in the meeting regarding the joint initiative of both universities to organize seminars and workshops. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.S.M. Maksud Kamal expressed his sincere thanks to the delegation of Kyushu University for visiting Dhaka University and showing keen interest in undertaking joint collaborative education and research activities.

On the same day, the delegation met the Vice Chancellor of BUET, Professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, and the top executives of BUET. They discussed various issues related to technological development and knowledge exchange and research endeavors. This interaction aimed to strengthen ties between Kyushu University academics and their counterparts in Bangladesh and pave the way for meaningful collaboration and progress in research and education.

Photo: Kyushu University Senior Vice President Professor Dr. Akira Harata, myself (in the center) and BUET Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumdar.

Photo: Kyushu University’s Bangladesh-based forum KYUDAI NOW program was held at Dhaka’s Six Seasons Hotel on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Apart from visiting BUET and the University of Dhaka, the delegation participated in the “KYUDAI NOW in Bangladesh” seminar organized at Six Seasons Hotel, Gulshan, Dhaka on March 5, 2024. Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shitesh Chandra Bachar was present on the occasion and highlighted the importance of academic collaboration between institutions, technology development, environmental sustainability and progress in agriculture. Around 100 people from different sectors of Bangladesh participated in this seminar including former students of Kyushu University living in Bangladesh. The seminar was organized by the University Institute for Asian and Oceanian Studies and supported by the Kyushu University Alumni Association Bangladesh (KUAAB). The seminar was followed by a dinner where everyone spontaneously discussed research and technological excellence.

Bidyut Baran Saha
Professor and Principal Investigator
International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research, Kyushu University, Japan