The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), through its Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), successfully hosted an Engagement Meeting with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) on 10 June 2026 at the Media Studio, Annex 2, bringing together academic leaders, administrators, and faculty members to explore opportunities for global collaboration and internationalization in higher education.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), established in 1913, is the world's first and oldest international university network. Today, the ACU connects more than 400 member universities across over 40 Commonwealth countries, representing over 10 million students and more than one million academic and professional staff worldwide. The organization serves as a leading platform for international collaboration, research partnerships, policy engagement, capacity building, and academic mobility among higher education institutions across the Commonwealth.

Representing the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) at the engagement meeting were Professor Colin Riordan, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of ACU, and Ms. Ikita Pokharna, South Asia Representative of ACU.

The event commenced with a warm welcome note delivered by Prof. Dr. Carmen Z. Lamagna, Member of the AIUB Board of Trustees and Former Vice Chancellor of AIUB. In her remarks, she expressed AIUB’s commitment to strengthening its global engagement and emphasized that collaboration with organizations such as the ACU aligns with the university’s vision of becoming a globally connected institution.

Following the welcome address, Prof. Dr. Manzur H. Khan, Proctor, AIUB, presented an overview of the university, highlighting its growth, academic quality, international collaborations, research, and commitment to excellence.

Ms. Ikita Pokharna, then introduced the Association and provided an insightful overview of its global network and activities. She highlighted key benefits, including research collaboration, scholarships and mobility, professional development, funding opportunities, benchmarking services, leadership forums, policy engagement, and global academic networking. She also emphasized ACU membership’s role in strengthening internationalization, institutional capacity, and partnerships across the Commonwealth.

The discussion session was led by Professor Colin Riordan, Secretary General and CEO of ACU. It focused on collaboration between AIUB and the ACU network. The discussion reflected a shared commitment to quality higher education through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

A question-and-answer session followed. Participants discussed the benefits of ACU membership. They explored opportunities for AIUB students, faculty, researchers, and academic leaders.

The session was attended by dignitaries of AIUB, Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam, Vice Chancellor; Prof. Dr. Abdur Rahman, Pro Vice Chancellor; Deans, Directors and Heads of Administrative and Academic offices; faculty members; and representatives from various university units. Also present was Prof. Dr. Farheen Hassan SFHEA, Director of IQAC, whose office coordinated and facilitated the engagement meeting.

As AIUB progresses through the final stages of becoming a member of the ACU, the engagement meeting marked a significant milestone in the university’s internationalization journey.

The event concluded with optimism and enthusiasm for future collaboration. AIUB extends its sincere appreciation to Professor Colin Riordan and Ms. Ikita Pokharna for their valuable time, insights, and engagement. The university also acknowledges the collective efforts of the university administration in facilitating this important event.