Dhaka: Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam on Wednesday called on students to seize the opportunities for higher education and research in Japan, emphasizing the importance of bolstering Bangladesh-Japan cooperation in these fields.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prof Obaidul Islam made these remarks while addressing the Japan Education Seminar 2026 as the chief guest at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban auditorium of the university. The seminar was a collaborative effort by the Japanese Universities Alumni Association in Bangladesh (JUAAB) and the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh.
JUAAB President Prof ATM Jafrul Azam chaired the event, with DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Abdus Salam and Yu Aoyagi, Head of Public Relations and Culture at the Embassy of Japan, attending as special guests. The vice-chancellor highlighted the global recognition Japanese universities have for their excellence in education, research, and technological innovation, noting that studying in Japan offers Bangladeshi students much more than just an academic degree.
“It provides a unique opportunity to develop research skills, technological expertise, professional competence, intercultural communication and leadership qualities,” Prof Obaidul Islam stated. He encouraged students to explore scholarship programs offered by the Japanese government and the educational and research opportunities available at Japanese universities.
Acknowledging challenges such as language and financial constraints, Prof Obaidul Islam emphasized that these could be overcome with proper preparation, perseverance, and guidance. He underscored Bangladesh’s rapid economic and technological progress, noting the country’s need for skilled professionals in sectors like engineering, agriculture, IT, medical science, environmental science, and business education.
The vice-chancellor urged students to apply the knowledge and experience gained abroad to contribute to national development upon returning home. He also encouraged them to use their skills to innovate solutions for existing challenges and to create employment opportunities.
Prof Obaidul Islam described Bangladesh-Japan ties as based on mutual respect, trust, and friendship, noting Japan’s longstanding role as a dependable development partner in infrastructure, education, human resource development, and economic growth. He advocated for greater collaboration in higher education and research, which would foster new partnerships among universities, researchers, industries, and young people in both countries.
Reaffirming the university’s commitment, the DU vice-chancellor highlighted plans to expand joint research, faculty and student exchange programs, scholarships, and institutional cooperation with Japanese universities and research organizations. He noted that such initiatives would enhance education and research quality through greater internationalization.
The seminar included discussions on higher education and research opportunities at Japanese universities, covering admission procedures, scholarship programs, student life, and various aspects of Bangladesh-Japan academic cooperation. The event saw participation from teachers, students, researchers, prospective applicants for higher studies in Japan, and Bangladeshi alumni of Japanese universities.