North South University (NSU) and the Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF) have hosted the National Education and Innovation Dialogue 2025; a platform for thought leaders, policymakers and innovators to explore transformative ideas and reimagine the future of education and innovation in Bangladesh. The dialogue was inaugurated by Chief Guest Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Adviser to the Ministry of Education and Planning, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
The event featured a plenary session titled Future of Education for an Innovative Nation, featuring distinguished panelists including Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor of North South University; Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice Chancellor of Brac University; Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam, Founder & Chairman of Asian Tiger Capital Partners and Shariful Islam, Founder & Managing Director of Bangladesh Brand Forum.
Chief Guest Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, emphasized the importance of addressing systemic challenges in higher education, stating that the education system must evolve to equip students with the skills needed for the future. He also highlighted the need to integrate technology into the curriculum to keep up with global standards, and encouraged foreign universities to operate in Bangladesh to increase competition.
Professor Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice Chancellor of Brac University, emphasized the need to eliminate academic bureaucracy and encourage foreign universities to operate in Bangladesh to increase competition. However, national universities should not be neglected—they should specialize in specific fields to better serve the nation.
Iftakharul (Ifty) Islam, Founder & Chairman of Asian Tiger Capital Partners, emphasized the need for fostering an innovation ecosystem by addressing the lack of opportunity, wealth disparity, and the absence of a democratic voice. He emphasized that education should help individuals unlock their potential and enable them to rise collectively as a nation.
In the closing ceremony, Dr. Ahsan H. Mansur, Governor of Bangladesh Bank, addressed the need for innovation to be ignored, as even small innovations can have a significant impact on the economy.
The first panel discussion, Unlocking Bangladesh’s Startup Ecosystem, addressed the challenges and opportunities faced by startups in the country. Panelists discussed the need for improved access to funding, mentorship programs, and regulatory support to create a thriving startup environment in Bangladesh.
The second panel, Private Sector Innovation: Drivers of Sustainable Growth, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in fostering innovation and driving economic progress. Panelists discussed the need for revising curricula, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in AI research and training to maintain global competitiveness in the digital age.
The fourth panel, Social Innovation and Women Entrepreneurship, celebrated the contributions of women entrepreneurs and innovators to society. Panelists discussed overcoming gender-based barriers, building supportive ecosystems for female entrepreneurs, and effectively using innovation to address social challenges.
The final panel, Innovation Financing: Enabling Growth Through Financial Support, explored the financial mechanisms needed to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in Bangladesh. The event concluded with closing remarks by Iftakharul Islam, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury and Shariful Islam, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to build an innovation-driven nation.