Innovation at the grassroots: Dr. M. Azizur Rahman on the vision for the future of Uttara University

How many of your original goals have you achieved since the founding of Uttara University? Where do you see this institution in the next 10 years?

I feel deeply honored when I look back at the journey of Uttara University. From the beginning, our mission was rooted in social responsibility, innovation and high-quality education. Every step we took was intentional, building a sanctuary of knowledge and personal development. The dream of founding this institution was inspired by my experiences at Vanderbilt University and USAID, shaping the vision of what we can achieve in Bangladesh.

When we founded Uttara University, one of our main goals was to offer education to students who could not secure seats in public universities. In addition, we wanted to develop individuals who could make a positive impact on society, promote research and ensure academic excellence.

I’m proud of how far we’ve come in expanding programs and building collaborations. For example, 2024 was a milestone year as we entered the international rankings for the first time and secured 12th place in the Student Support and Engagement category at WURI 2024. I envision Uttara University leading the region in research and innovation over the next decades in the region. We will focus on improving academic quality, promoting international partnerships and supporting student and faculty exchanges – all in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What areas have the greatest potential for research development? Are there any specific areas or projects you want to prioritize?

Uttara University has emerged as a leader in research and innovation. We have created five advanced research centers, 20 research cells and over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories. Our flagship research centers, such as the Generative AI Lab and the Embedded Systems and IoT Lab, are at the forefront of Industry 4.0, combining academic knowledge with industrial applications.

One of our unique research areas is sports science. Our Department of Physical Education, the first of its kind in Bangladesh, is at the forefront of this emerging field. Going forward, our goal is to focus on interdisciplinary research through global collaboration to create real solutions that benefit both society and the academic community.

Research funding is often a challenge for universities in Bangladesh. How do you plan to solve this problem?

Even without government funding, we have built a strong research culture by reinvesting our surpluses in innovative projects. A prime example is the Health Humanities Lab – the first of its kind in South Asia – which focuses on mental well-being and medical humanities.

We are also exploring new fields such as sustainable nanoparticle synthesis, blockchain and FinTech to stay ahead of technological advances. To support scientists, we recognize and reward those who publish in indexed journals and offer financial support for participation in conferences and publication fees.

To further strengthen our research capabilities, we actively cooperate with industry and international organizations. Additionally, we encourage student entrepreneurship by supporting research projects that have commercial potential, promoting a culture of innovation throughout the university.

How do you ensure that graduates have the skills required by employers? Are you planning any program reforms?

We are constantly improving our curriculum to adapt it to the needs of the industry. Practical training, field visits, internships and soft skills development are an integral part of our programs. We work closely with industry leaders to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills real-world employers need.

Bridging the gap between academia and industry is a challenge everywhere, not just in Bangladesh. To solve this problem, we emphasize hands-on learning and skills-based training.

Today’s labor market requires more than just textbook knowledge. We focus on educating graduates ready to compete on a global scale and thrive in the 21st century workforce.

How does Uttara University support students with entrepreneurial ambitions, given the growing startup culture in Bangladesh?

To develop entrepreneurial talent, we have established an Innovation and Incubation Lab that offers mentorship, funding opportunities and resources for student-led startups. We also organize workshops, seminars and networking events with successful entrepreneurs to inspire and guide students.

Our aim is to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at Uttara University. By creating strategic partnerships, offering expert mentoring and providing the necessary resources, we help students turn their ideas into successful ventures.

This not only promotes individual growth but also contributes to the rapid economic development of Bangladesh.

How do you improve cooperation with international institutions?

International partnerships are a priority for us. We have already established partnerships with leading universities and organizations around the world. These partnerships enable joint research initiatives, knowledge exchange and student mobility programs.

Our students benefit greatly from this collaboration, gaining opportunities to study and work abroad, which enriches their academic and professional experiences. We actively collaborate with international and regional associations to further strengthen these efforts and expand global opportunities for our students.

How do you plan to adapt your engineering and business departments to the changing needs of the Bangladesh economy?

We are committed to adapting our engineering and business programs to market requirements. As the economy evolved, we introduced an interdisciplinary curriculum combining elements from both fields.

Developed by experts in curriculum design and project management, this program will prepare students for careers that require a combination of technical and business knowledge.

Over the last decade we have seen a shift, with engineering programs becoming more popular than traditional business degrees. By integrating both disciplines, we offer students a comprehensive education, equipping them with skills that meet current market requirements.

Through partnerships with local businesses, we provide internships that offer hands-on work experience, helping students build their careers and make significant contributions to the economy.

Dr. Rahman’s vision for Uttara University is clear and ambitious, focusing on research, innovation, entrepreneurship and global collaboration. With a strong foundation and commitment to continuous improvement, the institution is well-positioned to shape the future of education in Bangladesh and play a key role in the country’s socio-economic development.