A special seminar titled “Higher Education Opportunities in France” was held today at Prof. Dr. M. A. Latif Auditorium of DU Geology Department to inform the students and teachers of the university about the opportunities for higher education, research and international cooperation in France.

International Center for Ocean Governance (ICOG) of Dhaka University (DU) organized this event in cooperation with the Embassy of France, Campus France Bangladesh and Expertise France.

DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam presided over the function while French Ambassador in Bangladesh Jean-Marc Sere Charlet addressed it as chief guest.

Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences of DU Prof. Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir, Director of the International Center for Ocean Governance (ICOG) Dr. K M Azam Chowdhury, Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy Baptiste Lebrec and Country Head of Campus France Bangladesh Naasiba Hossain also addressed the program.

Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam stressed the need for expansion of international cooperation and creating more opportunities for students to pursue higher study in renowned universities across the world. He also emphasized on strengthening academic and cultural collaboration between Bangladesh and France for capacity building as well as skills development of students.

‘We have to produce skilled human resources to face global challenges,’ he added.

Jean-Marc Sere Charlet said, France's world-class universities, research institutions and innovative learning environment are being considered as an attractive destination for Bangladeshi students. He urged DU students to take opportunities for pursuing their higher studies in France.

It was informed at the seminar that an ICOG student has completed a fully funded internship program at the University of La Rochelle in France with the support of Campus France Bangladesh and Expertise France. Besides, another student has successfully pursued his Master's degree in France with the support of the French Embassy.

It may be mentioned that, young faculty members from various departments of Dhaka University and a large number of students attended the seminar.

Later, French Ambassador in Bangladesh Jean-Marc Sere Charlet visited the International Center for Ocean Governance (ICOG) of DU.

Earlier, French Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Dhaka University Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Abdus Salam at his office.

During the meeting they discussed various issues including the possibilities of strengthening ongoing joint collaborative academic and research programs among Dhaka University and different universities in France.

They also discussed the possibilities of undertaking more collaborative programs as well as students and faculties exchange programs among DU and different French universities. They stressed the need for conducting advanced level research on air pollution and air quality in Dhaka to make the environment safe.