Published: 11:48 PM, 02 November 2026
Academic Experts and Business Leaders Can Help Industrial Sector Bounce Back
Bashir Al Mamun
A roundtable discussion titled “Industry-Academia Collaboration” will be held on Wednesday (4 November 2026) through a joint initiative of University of Chattogram and Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussion aims to establish an effective bridge between industry and academia to connect research and innovation with the industrial sector and develop a skilled workforce in line with industry requirements. The event will take place at 3:30 pm at the conference hall of the World Trade Centre in Agrabad.
The roundtable has been jointly organized by the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and University of Chattogram (CU). Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, a member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), will attend as the chief guest. Mohammad Amirul Haque, president of the Chattogram Chamber, will chair the session.
Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Forkan, Vice-Chancellor of University of Chittagong, and Amir Humayun Mahmud Chowdhury, former president of the Chattogram Chamber and chairman of the Port Users Forum, will present the keynote papers. Professor Dr Mohammad Al-Amin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Chittagong, and Professor Dr Md Shafiqul Islam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), will attend as special guests.
The roundtable will discuss ways to strengthen mutual cooperation between industry and academia, identify measures to develop skilled human resources based on industrial needs, expand internship and employment opportunities for students, promote joint research and technological innovation, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise. Participants will also explore how academic research capabilities can be utilized to address practical challenges faced by industries.
The organizers believe that building an effective partnership between industry and academia has become essential in the current competitive global economy. Such initiatives can help connect academic talent, research and innovative capabilities with the industrial sector while developing a skilled workforce tailored to industry requirements. At the same time, the initiative is expected to open up new opportunities for industrialization, investment, productivity and economic growth in the Chattogram region.
Chittagong, the commercial capital of Bangladesh, faces numerous urban challenges, including traffic congestion, waterlogging, environmental pollution, waste management and unplanned urbanization. Addressing these problems requires innovative ideas, scientific research and effective planning. The University of Chittagong can play a significant role in supporting Chittagong city authorities in building a modern, sustainable and liveable city.
As one of the country's leading public universities, the University of Chittagong has talented teachers, researchers and students across various disciplines. By establishing a strong partnership with Chattogram City Corporation and other relevant authorities, the university can contribute research-based solutions to urban problems.
Firstly, the university can conduct scientific research on traffic management, drainage systems, waterlogging and urban development. Its departments of Geography and Environmental Studies, Engineering, Economics and other disciplines can provide valuable data and policy recommendations to improve city planning.
Secondly, the university can promote environmental sustainability through research on air pollution, plastic waste, river conservation, biodiversity and climate change. Students and researchers can develop innovative waste recycling systems, urban greenery projects and environmentally friendly technologies.
Thirdly, the university can introduce an Urban Research and Innovation Centre in collaboration with city authorities. This centre could organize seminars, workshops, research projects and policy dialogues to identify practical solutions to the city's pressing challenges.
Moreover, university students can participate in internships and fieldwork with city authorities, gaining practical experience while contributing fresh ideas. Digital technologies, smart traffic systems, improved public services and disaster preparedness could also become priority research areas.
The city authorities, in turn, should provide research funding, access to relevant data and opportunities to implement successful pilot projects.
Chittagong's development should not depend solely on infrastructure investment; it also requires knowledge, creativity and innovation. A meaningful partnership between the University of Chittagong and city authorities can transform research into practical action and help make Chittagong a cleaner, smarter, greener and more prosperous city.
Bashir Al Mamun is a senior journalist reporting for The Asian Age from Chittagong.
