What progress has ULAB made towards its objectives since its creation? And what is your vision for the next 10 years?

When the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) was founded, we aimed high: our goals were focused on providing a world-class liberal arts education that fosters critical thinking, creativity and ethical leadership. We wanted to foster an environment in which interdisciplinary learning and innovation could thrive, combining global knowledge with our rich local culture.

I am proud to say that we have made considerable progress since then. ULAB is now recognized as a forward-thinking institution dedicated to academic excellence, social responsibility and sustainability.

Our programs in communications, media studies, English, humanities and business have earned a reputation for effectively merging theory and practice. This prepares our students to confidently navigate today’s fast-paced world.

We have also created platforms for meaningful student engagement through research, community projects and extracurricular activities that align with their societal impact aspirations. Our initiatives, such as the Green Campus Project and research focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlight our commitment to sustainability and ethical leadership.

Additionally, our partnerships with local and global institutions have enriched opportunities for students and faculty, thereby strengthening ULAB’s role in the higher education landscape of Bangladesh.

Looking ahead, we envision ULAB becoming a hub of innovation and thought leadership in South Asia. Over the next decade, we aim to strengthen our research capabilities, strengthen global partnerships and influence national and regional policies on pressing issues such as climate change, media literacy and digital transformation.

We look forward to adopting new teaching methods, such as integrating artificial intelligence and transmedia storytelling into our programs, to better prepare our future leaders. Ultimately, we aspire for ULAB to be a beacon of liberal arts education, not just in Bangladesh, but globally, developing leaders who think critically, act ethically and work collaboratively to bring about positive change.

In which areas do you see the greatest potential for research growth at ULAB? Are there any specific areas or projects you would like to focus on?

At ULAB, we are excited about the potential for research growth in several areas that match both national needs and global challenges. We believe in the power of interdisciplinary learning and focus on areas where innovative, socially responsible research can make a real difference.

Sustainable development and climate change: Bangladesh faces significant climate challenges, which is why research on sustainability is crucial. We aim to expand our work in environmental studies and climate adaptation, connecting academic research with practical, community-based solutions.

Our partnerships with environmental organizations and initiatives like the Green Campus Project are essential to this effort.

Media and digital transformation: The digital age brings both opportunities and challenges. Our Department of Media Studies and Journalism is poised to lead research on digital media, transmedia storytelling, and the ethical implications of AI in journalism.

Given the current political and social changes in Bangladesh, we prioritize exploring how digital platforms can strengthen democracy, freedom of expression, and media literacy.

Digital Humanities and AI Integration: We recognize digital humanities as a growing field and aim to integrate AI into various academic disciplines, such as literature and history. This will allow us to analyze large data sets, preserve knowledge and deepen our understanding of human experiences while exploring the impact of AI on creativity and ethics.

Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: We are committed to fostering research that supports social entrepreneurship, particularly addressing social, economic and environmental issues. Our goal is to understand how social enterprises can drive sustainable development and empower marginalized communities.

Policy Research and Governance: As Bangladesh faces complex changes, there is potential to expand research on governance and participatory democracy. We are particularly interested in how digital tools can improve transparency and inclusive participation, with the aim of creating more accountable political systems.

In the coming decade, we plan to expand our research initiatives and align our priorities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), striving to become a leading research institution in Bangladesh that drives social change through interdisciplinary, community-driven research.

What steps does ULAB take to ensure that students obtain the skills employers seek? Are there any plans to reform school curricula?

We are committed to preparing our graduates for the changing demands of the job market. Employers today are looking for people with critical thinking, adaptability, creativity and digital literacy. To bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry needs, we are implementing several strategies:

Industry-Related Curriculum: We work closely with industry partners to ensure our programs meet market demands. By engaging with employers, industry experts and alumni, we gather valuable insights that shape our program.

This allows our courses to remain relevant to current trends in areas such as communication, business, technology and environmental studies. We also integrate real-world projects to give students hands-on experience in solving industry challenges.

Internship and Internship Programs: ULAB has partnered with various companies, NGOs and government agencies to provide internship opportunities. These experiences are crucial for students to apply their knowledge in a professional context and develop essential soft skills such as teamwork and communication.

Our dedicated Career Services office helps students find internships and job placements, providing career advice and professional development workshops.

Development of essential skills: We emphasize essential skills through our Essential Skills Program (ESP), which includes various modules spread over four terms. This program equips students with a comprehensive set of skills that go beyond academics, focusing on soft skills, digital literacy, critical thinking, and ethical leadership.

Alumni and Industry Engagement: We maintain close ties with our alumni, many of whom go on to successful careers in various industries. We invite them and industry professionals to share their experiences, mentor students, and provide insight into industry expectations.

This engagement helps students stay informed about emerging trends and build professional networks for future career advancement.

Through these initiatives, we aim to ensure that ULAB graduates are not only competent, but also equipped with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s job market.