SOUTH ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE STATE OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND FUTURE PATHWAY BEGINS; CULTURAL EVENING AND NETWORKING DINNER HOSTED BY APUB.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, in collaboration with World Bank and with the generous sponsorship of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB), hosted a Cultural Evening and Networking Dinner in honour of the distinguished international and national participants of the South Asian Regional Conference on the State of Higher Education and Future Pathway (SARCHE 2026) on 12th January 2026 at Dhaka.
The event brought together the Chairman and Members of UGC, representatives from the World Bank and HEAT Project, founders of private universities, vice-chancellors of public and private universities, policymakers, academics, researchers, and international delegates, creating a platform for cultural exchange and professional networking.access, fostering innovation, research, and global academic collaboration.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Ishtiaque Abedin, the Secretary General of APUB, who warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the significant contributions of private universities to Bangladeshs higher education landscape, particularly in expanding access, fostering innovation, research, and global academic collaboration.
This was followed by introductory remarks by Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, who emphasized the significance of SARCHE 2026 in shaping the future trajectory of higher education in South Asia and in strengthening regional and international cooperation.
The cultural segment of the evening showcased the rich heritage and creative diversity of Bangladesh. The program featured an energetic opening group dance performed by students of Daffodil International University, followed by soulful musical performances, including a Nazrul Sangeet by Maisha Showkat, a modern Bangla song by award-winning singer Abid Talukder, and a special celebrity performance by Minar Rahman, a renowned singer-songwriter and alumnus of American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), who captivated the audience with both Bangla and English songs.
A vibrant Fashion Show on Bangladesh Heritage, presented by students of Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology, highlighted the elegance, tradition, and diversity of Bangladeshi attire inspired by different regions and historical narratives of the country.
The evening concluded with a Networking Dinner, providing participants with an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations in an informal setting, reinforcing the spirit and objectives of SARCHE 2026.
The Cultural Evening and Networking Dinner stood as a celebration of Bangladesh’s cultural richness and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of higher education stakeholders to advancing quality, innovation, and regional cooperation in higher education.
The South Asian Regional Conference on the State of Higher Education and Future Pathway (SARCHE 2026) continued on Thursday morning with Session-8, focusing on “Gender in Higher Education: Current Trends and Challenges.” The session provided a critical platform to discuss gender equity, inclusivity, and institutional responsibilities in shaping a more balanced higher education ecosystem.
The session was chaired by Dr. Naima Huq, Member, Law Commission of Bangladesh. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Masuma Habib, Member, UGC of Bangladesh; Dr. S. M. Shameem Reza, Dept. of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka; Dr. Samia Huq, Dean, General Education, BRAC University and Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB).