QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 Focuses on Education and Research in Dhaka
The QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka, featuring Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan as the chief guest. Discussions centered on higher education development, research, and a new policy for SSC script reassessment.
The prestigious Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka served as the venue for the high-profile QS Bangladesh Forum 2026, bringing together prominent academic leaders, institutional representatives, and policymakers to discuss the future landscape of higher education in the country. The international event, which took place on 17 August 2026, focused on key developmental strategies for universities, improving global standings, and addressing pressing structural challenges within the national academic framework.
Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milan graced the occasion as the chief guest, addressing various critical aspects of the educational sector. During the proceedings, the minister highlighted a massive surge in academic administrative workloads, revealing that more than 1.2 million applications have been submitted for the reassessment of SSC answer scripts. Remarking on this unprecedented volume, he noted that the current situation creates an impression that nearly every student wishes to have their papers re-evaluated, which has prompted authorities to plan the formulation of a new policy governing answer script reassessment.
Addressing the logistical hurdles posed by this volume, the education minister explicitly stated that processing such a vast number of scripts is an extremely arduous task. To mitigate systemic pressures and improve national capabilities, he emphasized that transforming the massive population into a productive workforce necessitates prioritizing technical and vocational education and training, urging universities to place greater emphasis on TVET initiatives.
The forum also featured significant academic contributions from other key figures, including University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed, who delivered the keynote paper presentation at the event. Building upon the academic discourse, the education minister stressed that in order to enhance institutional positions in QS ratings, universities must place a much stronger emphasis on robust research activities.
Furthermore, the minister touched upon international academic mobility and national development by pointing out that students from the country are performing exceptionally well at foreign universities and demonstrating tremendous success in research fields. He advocated for leveraging this talent through a 'reverse brain drain' to bring them back home and utilize their expertise. Additionally, to attract foreign investment and expand study opportunities for international students in Bangladesh, initiatives are currently underway to simplify visa policies.
