The New Nation - Internet Edition

DU Correspondent

British Council in Dhaka has launched a partnership linking programme styled "INSPIRE" (International Strategic Partnerships in Research and Education) to strengthen strategic partnerships in higher education between UK and the Central South Asia countries.

Prof Nazrul Islam, chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC), yesterday inaugurated the programme at the Sheraton Hotel in the city, while Peter Ashton, acting director of British Council, made welcome address.

Distinguished teachers of different universities including Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi Universities took part in the inaugural session.

Peter Ashton said the purpose of the programme is to collaborate on internationalising institutions, research and higher educational standard among the top universities of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Iran and Afghanistan and the UK.

Four vital subjects including 'Environment and Climate Change,' 'Renewable Energy and Alternative Energy,' 'Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering' and 'Fine Arts' will get priority under the programme funded by British Council, he added.

Peter informed that the programme will also include 'Institution to institution strategic partnerships awards, partnership exploratory grants, talented researcher exchange opportunities and education policy dialogues.