Professor Vincent Chang, Vice-Chancellor of Brac University recently met the Honorable Minister of Ministry of Education, Dr. Dipu Moni at her residence. In the meeting, they discussed several education related issues, along with Brac University’s role in higher education of Bangladesh. Brac University’s registrar Dr. Dave Dowland was also present in the meeting.
Dr. Dipu Moni was encouraging of the vision and mission of Brac University and appreciated the value of what Brac University is doing. The Minister also praised Brac University’s initiatives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Dipu Moni emphasized on collaborations between universities. She mentioned her expectation is that each university should have a specific plan to inform their strategic development. She shared some of the themes of the 2018-2030 strategic plan for higher education by the Government of Bangladesh. The importance of international partnerships and the value of building an international community within the university have been also appreciated by the Minister.
Professor Vincent Chang mentioned that Brac University is one of the first Universities who created their own online learning platform, named buX, built on a world-class platform developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. The Vice-Chancellor also mentioned that the university is determined to provide a wholesome student-centric experience, even during the university closure. Professor Chang also praised Dr. Dipu Moni's courageous steps for continuing the educational activities during the pandemic.
Professor Chang shared the status of Brac University’s new campus development. Dr. Dipu Moni expressed her satisfaction over the progress of University’s progress over the years. She expressed her desire to visit the BracU’s permanent campus site at Merul Badda, when the pandemic situation allows.
The meeting also discussed the support for blended and online learning, which needs to continue beyond the pandemic. Transformation of education and raising standards and quality by supporting and challenging the students, the technological revolution and its impact on the young generation were also discussed in the two hours long meeting.