The American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) has concluded a landmark two-day engagement at the QS Africa Forum 2026, held on 9–10 July at the Sheraton Addis, Addis Ababa, where the university participated as an official sponsor alongside vice-chancellors, ministers, policymakers, and higher education leaders from across Africa and the wider world. Convened under the theme “Skills, Systems & Sustainable Futures,” this year’s Forum brought together influential educators and industry leaders to shape the future of higher education — from talent retention and academic mobility to the role of artificial intelligence and equitable access. As a sponsor and active delegate institution, AIUB positioned Bangladesh’s private higher education sector firmly within this global conversation. AIUB was represented by a distinguished delegation comprising Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, Founder Member, Board of Trustees; Professor Dr. Khandaker Tabin Hasan, Associate Dean, Faculty of Science & Technology; and Mr. Abu Mia Akand Tuhin, Head of Public Relations.

During the Forum, AIUB signed several Memoranda of Understanding with partner universities, formalizing collaborations in joint research, student exchange, and faculty exchange programmes. The agreements were signed on behalf of AIUB by Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin and Professor Khandaker Tabin Hasan, opening new avenues for cross-continental academic cooperation and reinforcing AIUB’s commitment to internationalization and research excellence. Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin said, “Our presence in Addis Ababa reflects AIUB’s conviction that Bangladeshi higher education belongs on the global stage.”

In a significant development for the country’s higher education landscape, Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin held a series of high-level meetings with senior QS officials to advance the upcoming QS Bangladesh Forum — to be jointly organized by AIUB, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB). The Forum aims to strengthen the global ranking performance and international visibility of Bangladeshi universities while connecting the nation’s institutions with global best practices.