Dhaka, Bangladesh (CU)_ British High Commissioner for Bangladesh, Robert Chatterton Dickson, said that around nine UK universities are planning to establish their campuses in Bangladesh to provide local students with international standard of higher education. In addition, around 10 to 15 major British firms are also planning to invest in the banking, IT and healthcare sectors of Bangladesh. During the meet with reporters the after the first ever UK-Bangladesh Trade Dialogue, Dickson announced the investment plans of British companies.
Dickson said that systematic reforms such as tax regimes, financial structures and cooperation between different government agencies are essential for UK firms to invest in Bangladesh. The trade dialogue was conducted in the Ministry of Commerce and was attended by Commerce Secretary Md Jafar Uddin. The dialog also discussed the financial issues. Dickson said, “At least nine UK universities are keen to come to Bangladesh and open campuses. They can provide world class education, especially in technology and management, the areas that are most needed in the industries in Bangladesh”.
The British High Commissioner also confirmed that they are waiting for a positive response from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. Local private universities may have a strong position with respect to international universities arriving in Bangladesh. Robert Dickson said that Bangladesh provides investors with remarkable opportunities, but it is important to address improvement of regulatory issues in conducting business.
The UK delegate detailed that numerous Bangladeshi students visit UK for higher studies every year. However, if the UK universities set up their campuses in the country, they will have the same standard of education in Bangladesh. He said, “This will save money, as well as brain drain that happens otherwise”.
