Key Activities
Five strategic initiatives to transform national research and education connectivity
Standard Package of Services
Development of a standard package of services that NRENs in South Asia can offer students and higher education institutions
APAN & SAR RENs Cooperation
Work closely to support working groups of professionals in Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) and strengthen cooperation across SAR RENs
Last-Mile Connectivity
Put in place the last-mile connectivity for participating colleges, institutions and universities in Bangladesh through institutional grants
Digital Inclusion Policies
Support the development and implementation of policies and strategies to ensure connectivity of the most disadvantaged students
24/7 Help Desk Support
Establishment of a 24/7 help desk to support remote teaching and learning (in alignment with the desk established under 1.1.1 and the help desk created under Sub-component 1.1.3)
International Network Partnerships
Connecting Bangladesh to global research and education networks
APAN
Asia-Pacific Advanced Network
Primary regional network partner
SAR RENs
South Asian Research and Education Networks
Regional collaboration framework
TEIN
Trans-Eurasia Information Network
Trans-continental connectivity
GÉANT
European Research Network
European network integration
Higher Education Portal with Localized Content
This sub-component finances the establishment and maintenance of a Higher Education Portal to be hosted by the BdREN in Bangladesh. The portal will help facilitate the mobility of international students through a 'virtual medium'.
Virtual Student Mobility
Facilitate international student mobility through a virtual medium hosted by BdREN.
Cross-Border Course Credit
Allow international students from participating universities to take courses for credit in Bangladeshi universities.
Reciprocal Participation
Generalized program for students outside their home country and institution on a reciprocal basis.
Global Collaboration Framework
This sub-component will allow international students from participating and registered universities to take courses for credit in Bangladeshi universities. As other countries in the region and beyond agree to participate in such programs, this can be generalized to students outside their home country and home institution, and on a reciprocal basis.
Supporting Business Continuity under COVID-19
This sub-component supports business continuity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and to support disadvantaged students to disproportionately represent those unable to participate in any online activity. The project will strengthen the capacity of Bangladeshi universities to offer online and blended learning programs, along with increased service offers to institutions through the BdREN infrastructure.
Develop National Learning Management Infrastructure (LMI)
A national/central Learning Management Infrastructure (LMI) will be established to facilitate the development, management and delivery of on-line courses and digital resources.
Subsidize Connectivity and Devices to Students and Staff
UGC and participating universities in BdREN will offer a subsidized connectivity package (Wi-Fi router and internet credit) to students and staff.
Upgrade the Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN)
BdREN's capacity will be strengthened, and participation of universities will be increased to support envisioned activities and delivery of services under LMI.
Expected Outcomes
Transformative impact on Bangladesh's higher education landscape
Enhanced Connectivity
Seamless last-mile connectivity for all participating institutions across Bangladesh
Digital Equity
Improved access to digital resources for disadvantaged students through targeted support programs
Global Integration
Strengthened collaboration with regional and international research networks
Service Standardization
Uniform digital services across South Asian research and education networks
Continuous Support
24/7 helpdesk ensuring uninterrupted support for remote teaching and learning
Institutional Capacity
Enhanced institutional capabilities through infrastructure development and grants