With the objective of promoting and strengthening mutual cooperation in areas such as research and organisation of academic events, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), and North South University (NSU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU signing ceremony took place on Monday, 4 September 2023, at NSU campus. Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, and Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice Chancellor, NSU, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.
Representatives present at the signing ceremony included Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow, CPD; Professor Dr M. Ismail Hossain, Professor, Department of Economics, NSU; Professor Dr Hasan Mahmud Reza, Dean, School of Health & Life Sciences, NSU; Professor Dr Helal Ahammad, Dean, School of Business & Economics, NSU; Professor Dr Javed Bari, Dean, School of Engineering & Physical Sciences, NSU; Professor Dr Abdur Rob Khan, Dean, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, NSU; Dr Ahmed Tazmeen, Registrar, NSU; Dr Asad Karim Khan Priyo, Chairman, Department of Economics, NSU; Dr Mohammad Sujauddin, Chairman, Department of Environmental Science and Management , NSU; Professor Dr Norman Kenneth Swazo, Director, Office of Research, NSU; Dr Katherine Li, Director, Office of External Affairs, NSU; Professor Dr Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Director, South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), NSU; Dr Firoz Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Management, NSU; Mr Syed Yusuf Saadat, Research Fellow, CPD; Mr Shiyan Sadik, Lecturer, Department of Environmental Science and Management, NSU; Mr Foqoruddin Al Kabir, Research Associate, CPD; and other representatives from NSU.
Professor Atiqul Islam expressed his excitement about the collaboration saying: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment in NSU’s journey towards excellence in academia and research.” He also hoped that this partnership with CPD will yield groundbreaking outcomes and contribute to the development of our nation.
Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya observed that this collaboration aligns perfectly with CPD’s mission of promoting evidence-based policy research and advocating for sustainable development. “Together with NSU, we aim to address critical socio-economic challenges facing Bangladesh”, he said.
Dr Fahmida Khatun pointed out that CPD’s partnership with NSU is a testament to its commitment to fostering innovative research and knowledge exchange. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this alliance will create for both institutions. We want a close relationship with young students.”
Dr Katherine Li, Director, Office of External Affairs, NSU, hosted the session, while Professor Dr Norman Kenneth Swazo, Director, Office of Research, NSU moderated the open floor discussion. All the speakers at the event highlighted that collaboration between CPD, one of the leading independent civil society think tanks in Bangladesh, and NSU, one of the leading universities in Bangladesh, would be a win-win partnership.