KUALA LUMPUR: Director of Centre for Advanced Studies on Islam, Science and Civilisation (CASIS), UTM Prof. Dr Wan Mohd Nor Wan Daud and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zainiy Uthman visited several institutions of higher learning in Bangladesh beginning 9th January.
Prof. Wan said the visit to select institutions of higher learning in Dhaka poised UTM at a greater height in fostering academic and collegiate spirits with a Muslim country that has immense human capital and potential, where tertiary education is now thriving.
The five day trip to Bangladesh was at the invitation of Professor Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of Green University of Bangladesh, who was former Vice-Chancellor of University of Dhaka and former Ambassador of Bangladesh to Bahrain.
“Green University is looking forward to learning from CASIS and UTM in developing their intellectual talents and students’ future through various means of academic exchange and students visit or placement.
“They draw inspiration from our talks and hope that concrete steps can be taken to materialize academic cooperation between the two institutions, through the signing of Letter of Intention and Memorandum of Understanding that would lead concrete actions,” he said.
He said the first visit to Green University was a landmark visit and it was reported widely in many local dailies both in Bengali and English each with a readership of more than a million.
At the South East University visit they were met by a group of young and energetic intellectuals behind a thriving legal teaching institution. They listened attentively to Prof. Wan sharing of UTM and CASIS experiences and vision how to better their own institution and look forward to his return trip.
The next day, Prof. Wan. And Prof. Zainiy visited North South University, the topmost private university in Bangladesh.
They met with the Dean of the Business School, Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, who spoke at length of the University’s effort at fostering connections with top universities of the West in the field of their study.
Dr. Abdul Hannan voiced interest in working together with UTM in areas of Business School education and other areas of mutual interest.
They also visited Daffodil International University and participated in a seminar organized by the Career Development Centre which was chaired by Emeritus Professor Aminul Islam, Fellow of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.
“On the third day we visited University of Dhaka, the premier public University in Bangladesh and the visit to the university has strengthened the position of UTM vis-à-vis public institutions in that country.
“At Dhaka University, we met with the Dean of Law Department, Prof. Dr. Taslima Mansour, and Chairman of the Department of Law, Prof. Dr. Shahnaz Huda and they were very pleased to learn of UTM’s effort in reaching out to other institutions to extend its expertise in various fields,” Prof. Wan said.
In his talk to more than 50 senior students of Law Faculty, Prof. Wan reminded the students of the importance of happiness in relation to Law and the development of individuals and nations.
“We were informed that many regretted for not being able to make it to our talks. According to those who attended, the talks gave them encouragement and a different view in looking at what they are learning in order to better prepare themselves for the future,” he explained.
He said Prof. Dr. Md. Maimul Ahsan Khan, Professor of Law, Department of Law, University of Dhaka attended to their itinerary and accompanied them in all their meetings and lectures.
On the fourth day, they visited the Green University Engineering and Textile Faculty.
In his talk to an audience of about 100 people made up of academic and administrative staff and the student body, Prof. Wan deliberated on the Issues of Integration of Ethics and Science and Engineering Education and Profession while Prof. Zainiy talked on Khaldunian Elements for Civilization Building.
“We were given a tour of the building and facility available to the students. They look forward to an enriching cooperation between Green University and UTM in fields of mutual interest.”
“On Friday, after prayers we visited the graves of famous Bangladeshi intellectuals, and later we were feted by the Vice Chancellor of Green University during lunch at his home.”
He said Professor Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury has invited other senior colleagues amongst them Prof. Dr. Syed Rashidul Hasan, Professor of Marketing, University of Dhaka, Dr. Mongil Hossain from America Bangladesh University and Dr. Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan from the Institute of Nutrition, University of Dhaka.
In the evening of the same day, Mr. Abdulla Mamun, benefactor of Green University, who is CEO of US-Bangla Group, a major player in real estate, food and beverages and soon air industry, hosted a reception for the two of them at their third anniversary which was attended by more that 5000 people.
“During the dinner conversation, M. Abdullla Mamun expresses his interest of fostering better relation with UTM in developing Green University,” he said.
Prof. Wan stressed the need to position Green University in a niche area unique in Bangladesh by offering courses that are new such as the interdisciplinary approach adopted by UTM,” he added.
He said, their short visit, though packed with meetings and lectures has opened up the view of academics in Dhaka towards looking at UTM specifically in search of directions and cooperation in higher learning endeavors.
“We also presented some of UTM latest publications to various universities and scholars here.
“We are full speed ahead in making UTM a global brand in higher education,” he said.
