Bright Admission Coaching

North South University (NSU) proudly inaugurated the first-ever Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) of its Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, marking a significant milestone in fostering industry-academic collaboration in Bangladesh’s growing pharmaceutical sector. Held on Monday at NSU’s Syndicate Hall, the grand ceremony was attended by over 200 distinguished guests, including faculty members, students, and top leaders from the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

A highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSU and Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited, one of Bangladesh’s leading pharmaceutical companies. This strategic partnership aims to enhance collaboration in research, education, and workforce development, paving the way for transformative initiatives in pharmaceutical education and innovation.

Strengthening Industry-Academia Ties

Professor Dr. Mohammad Hussain Shahriar, Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, delivered the welcoming speech, where he outlined the department’s journey, vision, and future aspirations. He also presented honorary crests to the newly appointed IAB members in recognition of their contributions to the industry.

The newly formed Industrial Advisory Board includes 12 esteemed professionals from leading pharmaceutical and healthcare institutions, offering a wealth of experience in manufacturing, marketing, R&D, and medical services. The participating organizations include:

• Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Square Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Incepta Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Renata PLC
• Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC
• Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Limited
• ACI Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Everest Pharmaceuticals Limited
• Evercare Hospital
• Bangladesh Specialized Hospital
• Square Hospital

Driving Innovation and Student Success

This collaboration is expected to enrich NSU’s pharmaceutical sciences curriculum, drive industry-aligned research, and significantly boost job placement opportunities for graduates. By aligning academic programs with industry needs, NSU aims to produce highly skilled professionals ready for the global pharmaceutical market.

Key university leaders including Dr. Deepak Kumar Mitra, Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences, Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor, and Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of syncing higher education with evolving industry standards.

MoU with Beximco: A Long-Term Commitment

The MoU with Beximco Pharmaceuticals underscores a long-term commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical training. This partnership is expected to create valuable opportunities for student internships, faculty development, and joint research initiatives.

Meet the Industrial Advisory Board Members:

• Rabbur Reza, COO, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Md. Nawabur Rahman, Executive Director (Technical Operations), Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Ehsan Aziz, Executive Director (Marketing), Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Rahat Uz-Zaman, Director (Marketing), Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Md. Ikhtiar Hossain, Executive Director (Technical), Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Md. Tanbir Sajib, CMO, Renata PLC
• Md. Muhsin Mia, Director (Marketing Operations), ACI Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• S.M. Mahmudul Haque Pallab, EVP (Marketing and Sales), Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC
• Md. Saiful Islam, Director of Operations, Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Prof. Dr. M.S. Arfin, Director, Bangladesh Specialized Hospital
• Dr. Arif Mahmud, Group Medical Director, Evercare Hospital Ltd.
• Prof. Dr. Zahidul Hasan, Associate Director (Medical Services) & Senior Consultant, Square Hospital Ltd.

With this pioneering initiative, North South University positions itself as a leader in pharmaceutical education and research, driving innovation and excellence in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh.

Dhaka, April 30, 2025 — In a landmark collaboration between academia and industry, Brac University and the BSRM Group of Companies officially inaugurated the BSRM School of Engineering at the university’s Merul Badda campus on Wednesday. This event also featured the unveiling of the school’s theme, “Shaping Tomorrow: Innovation for Sustainability,” its official logo and website.

This pioneering initiative aims to reshape engineering education in Bangladesh by embedding innovation, ethics and social responsibility into its core philosophy. It aligns closely with BSRM’s long-standing social commitment and the vision of Brac University’s founder Fazle Hasan Abed to promote inclusive, dignity-centered education.

“This school represents a step forward in preparing engineers who will reimagine our cities and industries with sustainability and human well-being at the forefront,” said Tamara Hasan Abed chairperson of the board of trust, Brac University.

BSRM chairman Alihussain Akberali, FCA underscored the role of industry in nation-building, calling on students to stay and contribute to their country: “Don’t look outside when your country needs you inside. Stay here. Work here. And build here.”

The school has already begun supporting academic excellence through scholarships, research funding, and state-of-the-art laboratories.

Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar vice chancellor of Brac University highlighted the importance of combining academic knowledge with industry insight: “This partnership ensures meaningful knowledge-sharing with global impact.”

The ceremony featured remarks from Arshad M. Chowdhury dean of the school and was moderated by Khairul Basher director of communications. A cultural program and award distribution for a t-shirt design competition capped off the celebration.

Brac University one of the country’s leading private universities has received a certificate to establish and operate a university permanently. The matter was confirmed to the chairman of the university’s board of trustees by sending a letter from the Private University-1 branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education on Monday (April 28).

The letter states that, in accordance with the opinion of the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC), a certificate has been issued in favor of Brac University (Pragati Swarani, Bh-224, Merul Badda, Dhaka-1212) for the permanent establishment and operation of the university as per Section 10 of the Private Universities Act, 2010.

According to Section 12(1) of the Private Universities Act 2010, every university has to obtain a permanent charter. The temporary permission given by the government for establishment is for 7 years. After that, if the university authorities apply, the government can extend the period up to a maximum of 5 years in three phases. During this period, they have to establish their own permanent campus on the land specified in the law and start educational activities there. However, since more than 12 years have passed in the meantime, there is no further extension of time for these universities according to the law.

It is known that currently, out of 116 private universities, only a handful have obtained permanent charters. Most of the universities that are running educational programs do not have permanent charters. However, the number of universities that have been operating for more than 12 years is also more than fifty. These universities that have not been able to obtain permanent charters within the stipulated time are ‘lawbreakers’ in the eyes of the UGC.

Meanwhile, one of the country’s leading private universities,’ Brac University, has received permanent status two decades after its establishment. Fazle Hasan Abed founded the university in 2001. At that time, the university’s temporary campus started with just three departments and about 80 students in Mohakhali, Dhaka. Then a couple of years ago the university’s permanent campus started in Merul Badda.

Note: Sources in the Ministry of Education said that the university was located on land in the name of BRAC NGO. The Ministry has made it clear that the land should be in the name of the university. After exchanging letters for more than 15 years, the university has received a permanent certificate.

Footnote: That is, within 12 years, it will have to establish its own permanent campus on the land specified in the law and start educational activities there. After the specified period, the university will be considered a lawbreaker. Accordingly, after running its activities in violation of the law for about 12 years, Brac University has finally received its certificate.

Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) organized a vibrant Career Fair on Saturday, April 26, at the university premises on Green Road, Dhaka. The event featured stalls from national and multinational organizations, career workshops, panel discussions and CEO career talks.

Aimed at providing valuable career opportunities to students and job seekers, the fair saw participation from more than 20 leading companies. UAP vice chancellor Dr. Kamrul Ahsan inaugurated the event. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry to better prepare students for their professional journeys.

Dr. Abdullah Al Mueed CEO of the CW IS-FSM Cell at the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) attended the event as a special guest. Also present at the inaugural ceremony were Professor Dr. Sheikh Anwar Hossain treasurer of UAP; G. R. Ahmed Jamal dean of the School of Engineering and Nehrin Majed head of the Department of Civil Engineering.

Throughout the day, the career fair provided a dynamic networking platform where students engaged directly with top employers, explored diverse job opportunities and gained valuable insights into various career paths.

KM Hasan Ripon managing director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Bangladesh conducted a career development workshop, equipping students with essential job market skills.

The ‘CEO’s Career Talks’ session featured inspiring experiences and advice from Ms. Fahima Shahadat, Country Representative of Menard Asia, and Mr. Firoz M. Zahidur Rahman, CEO of LCT Solution Center.

A lively panel discussion titled “Employer Expectations,” moderated by Dr. Saeed Ahmed, CEO of Bayside Analytics, brought together prominent HR leaders: Monica Guha (Chief Administrative Officer, CEECC), Syed Akhlakuzzaman (GM-HR, DDCL), and Rifat Sultana (HR Group Head, RahimAfroz Bangladesh Limited).

The event concluded with an awards ceremony graced by Engineer Md. Abdul Awal, Managing Director of The Structural Engineers Limited, as the chief guest. Badrul Hasan Khan, Chairman of Ridge Park Holding Limited, served as special guest, and Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairperson of UAP’s Board of Trustees, attended as guest of honor.

Students enthusiastically participated in workshops, one-on-one interviews, and company presentations, making it a broad and rewarding experience. Many expressed excitements at connecting with leading organizations from Bangladesh and beyond, noting that the career fair offered invaluable real-world exposure and networking opportunities that will help shape their professional futures.