Two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremonies were held between the Department of Architecture at North South University (NSU), Friendship, and ARCHICONNECT. The event was graced by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, and led by Ar. Shahriar Iqbal Raj, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture, a press release said.
This was the first official MoU signing that established collaborative partnerships between NSU and ARCHICONNECT as well as Friendship. The agreements were represented by Ar. Jalal Ahmed, FIAB, FKIA, Founder & CEO of ARCHICONNECT, and Ms. Nazra MahjabeenSabet, Senior Director, Cultural Preservation at Friendship.
The first MoU with ARCHICONNECT outlines a strategic framework for collaboration in the areas of skill development, industry–academic engagement, student exposure, and professional growth. Its objective is to advance architectural education, promote industry integration, and enhance employability outcomes for students.
From ARCHICONNECT, the following distinguished guests attended the ceremony: Zaheen Anwar Ahmed, Co-Founder FaabbehaNaawar Chowdhury, Academic Coordinator Sadia Azmee Parisa, Project Coordinator
The second MoU was signed with Friendship Cultural Preservation (FCP) to establish a collaborative framework aimed at promoting cultural heritage, academic enrichment, sustainable research, and community engagement. This MoU reflects a shared vision between academia and cultural organizations to protect and celebrate Bangladesh’s rich heritage, while nurturing the next generation of professionals dedicated to cultural sustainability.
Representatives from Friendship included: Nazra MahjabeenSabet – Senior Director, Cultural Preservation TanjinaSharmin – Director of Communication Mahbubur Rahman Ujjal – General Manager, Evaluation and Research Suman Ghosh – Assistant General Manager, Communication Syed Abu Sinjan Saadat – Senior Program Officer, Cultural Preservation The partnerships mark a meaningful step toward interdisciplinary collaboration, combining academic excellence with on-the-ground cultural preservation efforts. Professor Hannan Chowdhury highlighted NSU’s remarkable contributions toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly through its emphasis on quality education and student-led initiatives. He noted that such focused efforts are instrumental in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended the dynamic role of NSU’s alumni, applauding their achievements and engagement across various industries. He emphasized NSU’s ongoing support for both students and alumni in transforming entrepreneurial ideas into impactful ventures.
A promising job opportunity was also announced during the session, providing NSU students and alumni with direct access to global innovation ecosystems and career development pathways.
