Bangladesh, Google explore cooperation on education, AI, technology

Bangladesh has discussed practical cooperation with Arizona State University (ASU) in semiconductor education, workforce development, research, university-industry engagement and higher education transformation.
A high-level Bangladesh delegation led by Prime Minister’s Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir held discussions with ASU representatives at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley in California on Sunday.
The Bangladesh delegation included State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Protocol Officer-2 to the Prime Minister Kamrul Islam and Deputy Press Secretary-1 to the Prime Minister Md Jahidul Islam.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Tareq Md Ariful Islam and Consul General of Bangladesh in Los Angeles Kazi Muhammad Jabed Iqbal also participated, said a press release.
ASU was represented by Meghan Gibson, director of global development; Dr Minu Ipe, vice chair and managing director of the University Design Institute, who joined virtually; and Dr Ibrahim Khalil, adjunct professor and member of the Industry Advisory Board.
The discussions focused on developing a semiconductor ecosystem in Bangladesh by linking engineering education, research, workforce development, industry and investment.
Potential areas of cooperation included semiconductor and microelectronics curricula, faculty and professional training, applied research, university-industry partnerships and institutional capacity building.
State Minister Shama Obaed Islam highlighted opportunities to deepen Bangladesh-US cooperation in education, science, research and technology.
State Minister Bobby Hajjaj emphasised STEM education, teacher development and preparing young people for emerging industries.
Adviser Rehan Asif Asad stressed the importance of a practical semiconductor roadmap linking education and research with industry, investment and commercialisation.
The two sides also explored cooperation with ASU’s University Design Institute on higher education transformation and institutional capacity building. The institute works with universities, governments and education systems internationally on institutional transformation.
Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir emphasised sustainable planning, human capital development and stronger education-industry linkages to translate technology partnerships into skilled employment, research capacity, innovation and investment.
As a next step, the two sides discussed developing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide a framework for cooperation in semiconductor education and workforce development, research, curriculum and faculty development, university-industry engagement and higher education transformation.