The Science, Technology, Innovation & Public Policy Forum (STIPPF), Candid Foundation and AIUB Community of Engineering Students (ACES) jointly organized a panel discussion in hybrid mode titled “Bangladeshi Students in German Higher Education: Prospects and Challenges" on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. This momentous event took place in the Multipurpose Hall (Building D) of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) at 3 p.m. The purpose of the seminar was to provide Bangladeshi students with valuable insights and guidance for navigating the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for German higher education.

The event started with a warm introduction by the moderator, Mr. Leo Wigger (Director for South Asia and Eurasia, Candid Foundation). The honorable panelists were Dr. Anwar Zahid (Director, Ground Water Hydrology, Water Development Board, Govt. of Bangladesh, DAAD Fellow, President, Alumni Association of German Universities in Bangladesh), Mr. Mahmud Hasan (German Language Teacher, Goethe-Institute, Dhaka, University of Dhaka), Mr. Sajid Qadir (Technical Manager, Technical Project Manager, Samsung Electro-Mechanics GmbH, Germany), Mr. Sayed Muhammad Baker (Country Representative for Bangladesh, Erasmus Mundus, PhD Candidate, University of Kaiserslautern, Germany), Dr. Taskin Jamal (Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh), Mr. Tanvir Kabir (Counsellor( Political and Projects), Embassy of Bangladesh, Berlin, Alumni, AIUB), Prof. Dr. Engineer Bibhuti Roy( Founder Member, University of Skill Enrichment and Technology (USET)). 

In the session, Dr. Anwar Zahid highlighted his higher education journey in Germany and his experience of student life and research work. Later, Mr. Sajid Qadir also shared his experiences and some suggestions with all the participants in the semiconductor industry as well as in the technology and engineering fields. During the session, all the panelists from the virtual platform shared their thoughts and experiences and discussed how Germany's top-notch universities attract students worldwide with diverse post graduate programs and a focus on research, providing unmatched opportunities for personal and professional development across all academic levels. Then an interactive Q&A session was held for the participants.

Finally, Dr. Md. Saniat Rahman Zishan (Director, Faculty of Engineering, AIUB) concluded the event by delivering a closing speech. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to all the panelists for their remarkable efforts. He presented a token of appreciation to moderator Leo Wigger and honorable panelist Dr. Anwar Zahid.