President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday questioned why Bangladesh still needs foreign workers to operate various strategic installations, ports, specialised institutions and even private companies despite producing a large number of graduates for more than five decades after independence.

He made the observation when a delegation of Daffodil International University, led by Chairman of its Board of Trustees Dr Md Sabur Khan, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.

The President said the primary objective of both public and private universities should be to produce skilled manpower capable of meeting the country’s needs.

He urged universities to focus on higher education in a way that helps develop skilled human resources in line with the country’s requirements.

During the meeting, Sabur Khan briefed the President on the university’s overall academic activities.

He said the university has a dedicated patent development department that assists researchers in securing patent rights and commercialising their innovations.

The Board of Trustees chairman also said the university provides education in various employment-oriented fields, including research, production and multimedia, nutrition and food, fisheries, and information and communication, contributing to its improved position in global rankings.

The President expressed satisfaction after hearing about the university’s activities, thanked the delegation and urged the university to maintain the quality of its education.

Sabur Khan formally invited the President to attend the university’s upcoming convocation. The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation that he will attend the programme.

The President’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary, along with the university’s vice-chancellor, Pro-VC, members of the Board of Trustees, deans and registrar, were present at the meeting.