The British House of Commons has formally recognized and applauded the recent curriculum reforms and modernization efforts of Bangladesh’s National University (NU), specifically its aggressive shift toward creating a skilled workforce through technical and AI education.

The commendation came during a high-profile roundtable discussion at the UK Parliament, organized by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Oldham MP Jim McMahon, and Councilor Abdul Jabbar. The event followed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on November 26 between National University and the UK’s Salford University.

The Salford Pact: A New Tech Frontier – The newly signed MoU establishes a framework for academic collaboration focusing on critical future technologies. Under the agreement, Salford University will assist NU in developing expertise in:
Data Science & Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Public Health
VC Amanullah: “No Option But Digital” Keynote speaker Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, Vice-Chancellor of National University, highlighted the immense responsibility resting on the institution. Noting that NU controls 70% of Bangladesh’s higher education sector, Dr. Amanullah asserted that there is “no alternative” to adopting technical education, AI technology, and digital literacy to change the fortunes of its vast student body. He confirmed that NU has already signed multiple MoUs with domestic and international agencies to fast-track this transformation.
UK Lawmakers & Academics Pledge Action Presiding over the session, British MP Jim McMahon declared that global partnership is essential for development and pledged to do “whatever is necessary” to improve education standards at NU.
Prof. Dr. Mo Sare (Salford Data Science) confirmed readiness to provide all necessary support for deploying AI technology at NU.
Prof. Nick Beach (Salford Global Engagement) expressed strong interest in deep collaboration with NU.
Abdul Jabbar (Greater Manchester Bangladesh Partnership) emphasized that modern technical education is the key to a bright future for Bangladesh.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials including British Council South Asia Director David Knox, Bangladesh High Commission First Secretary Nurani Ropma, and various British government representatives, all of whom expressed satisfaction with the current NU administration’s bold steps.