The first-ever QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 was held on Monday, August 17, at the Sheraton Dhaka, with the aim of advancing the future of higher education in Bangladesh, strengthening global standards, and enhancing the position of Bangladeshi universities in the international arena. The forum was hosted by the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and organized by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), with support from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) and the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB). Themed “Benchmark Bangladesh: Building World-Class Universities Through Global Standards,” the forum brought together key stakeholders from Bangladesh’s higher education sector.

The inaugural session was attended by Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon, MP, Hon’ble Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education, as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, attended as the Guest of Honour. In his address, the Hon’ble Education Minister highlighted the need to introduce PhD program at private universities and indicated that initiatives would soon be taken in this regard. Questioning why private universities should not be permitted to offer PhD program, he emphasized the importance of creating broader opportunities for advanced research in the private higher education sector. Referring to the development of private universities in Bangladesh since 1992, he stressed that, by 2026, the country must create greater opportunities for advanced research at private universities. Highlighting the importance of research, he said that Bangladesh needs cross-border education and stronger research capacity in private universities. He also noted that the country has no shortage of teachers and researchers, with thousands of researchers contributing to national development through knowledge, expertise, and “Made in Bangladesh” capabilities. He called upon all stakeholders to work together to build a stronger Bangladesh for the future.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of UGC, said that Bangladeshi private universities still have significant room for improvement in global university rankings. He emphasized the need for universities to take a leading role in improving academic quality and making their institutions more attractive to students. Such efforts, he noted, could help attract more international students to Bangladesh for higher education. He also called upon all private universities in the country to set aside institutional differences and work collectively to improve the quality and internationalization of higher education.

QS representatives also addressed the forum, including Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Vice President – Strategic and International Engagement, QS; Mr. Jason Newman, Chief Commercial Officer, QS; and Mr. Rami Awad, Director of Regional Partnerships, QS. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, Founding Member of the Board of Trustees of AIUB and Secretary General of APUB. Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, President of APUB, also addressed the forum. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Nadia Anwar, Founding Member and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, AIUB.

Following the inaugural session, three dedicated sessions were held on QS Rankings Methodology, QS ranking landscape of Bangladesh, and the QS Rankings 2028 Cycle. The forum also featured two high-level panel discussions involving Vice-Chancellors from leading universities across Bangladesh: “From Campus to Capability: Closing Bangladesh’s Future Skills Gap in the AI Era” and “Accelerating Digital Transformation in Higher Education.” The panel discussions focused on the future skills required by students in the age of artificial intelligence, aligning education with industry needs, leveraging technology in higher education, and accelerating digital transformation across universities.

The closing session featured a vote of thanks by Dr. Carmen Zita Lamagna, Former Vice Chancellor, Academic Adviser, and Member of the Board of Trustees, AIUB. The forum brought together Vice-Chancellors and senior representatives from universities across Bangladesh, academics, members of Boards of Trustees, UGC members, policymakers, government representatives, diplomatic missions, international organizations and development partners, as well as representatives from the industry sector.

The QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 placed particular emphasis on the internationalization of higher education, enhancing the global visibility of research, improving student outcomes and capabilities, and strengthening international partnerships. With the QS World University Rankings 2028 cycle ahead, discussions also focused on developing a common, practical, and strategic roadmap for universities to prepare for and improve their global competitiveness.

As an important national platform for dialogue on the future of higher education in Bangladesh, the QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 opened new avenues for collaboration among universities, government, international partners, and industry. The forum is expected to contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s higher education sector and advancing its universities towards globally recognized standards.