University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed on Saturday announced that the commission is actively working to transform Bangladesh’s universities into premier global destinations for international students.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the "China-Bangladesh Education Cooperation Forum-2026" at the International Mother Language Institute, the Chairman outlined a vision for a more inclusive and globally competitive higher education system.

“We want to build such a higher education system where, alongside local students, foreigners will also get the opportunity to study in a large number,” Professor Ahmed stated.

Highlighting the global footprint of Bangladeshi scholars, the UGC Chairman noted that many talented students are already pursuing higher studies abroad and earning reputations at the international level.

He stressed that the country must focus on the "circulation of talent" rather than simply trying to prevent brain drain. “We have to develop a system through which the talented and skilled human resources staying abroad can contribute to the needs of the country,” he said.

Professor Ahmed suggested that Bangladesh could significantly elevate its academic standing by learning from China’s rapid progress in higher education over the recent decades.

He emphasized the need for deeper engagement with China, specifically regarding the development of modern laboratory infrastructure, the establishment of joint research funds, and the enhancement of professional skills for teachers.

The Chairman also issued a call to action for universities to move beyond symbolic gestures.

He urged institutions not to remain confined only to signing formal Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) but to instead undertake "effective initiatives," such as joint degree programs, dual supervision for PhD researchers, and the publication of joint research papers in high-quality journals.

The forum was chaired by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen.

Other prominent speakers included Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khaleque, BUET Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. A.B.M. Badruzzaman, and the Director General of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), Prof. Dr. Khan Moinuddin Al Mahmud Sohel.