North South University (NSU) and the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT), under the Ministry of Industries of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 23, 2026, to strengthen collaboration in intellectual property, patent protection, innovation, and technology transfer. 

The MoU signing took place following a seminar organized by the NSU Technology Transfer Office (TTO) titled “The Role of Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) for Patents.” The seminar brought together senior officials from DPDT and the University Grants Commission (UGC), along with NSU's leadership, faculty members, researchers, and administrative staff. 

During the discussion preceding the signing ceremony, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, emphasized the importance of making the patent and intellectual property protection process more accessible and straightforward for researchers and innovators. He also highlighted that greater emphasis on protecting intellectual property generated in Bangladesh would help strengthen local innovation and enable the country to move forward with greater independence.

The session featured Mr. Md. Jahangir Hossain, Director General, DPDT, Mr. Md. Habibur Rahman, Deputy Director, DPDT, and Dr. Ashok Kumar Roy, Director, DPDT, who shared valuable insights into the country's patent and intellectual property landscape and the opportunities available to researchers and innovators.

Representatives from the University Grants Commission (UGC) were also present at the event, including Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman, Project Director, Abu Taleb Md. Munir, Program Officer, and Md. Ferdushur Rahman, Program Officer. The event was also attended by the Treasurer, Deans of NSU's four Schools, faculty members, researchers, and administrative staff.

The MoU will provide a framework for closer cooperation between NSU and DPDT in promoting intellectual property awareness, supporting patent-related activities, and strengthening institutional capacity for research commercialization and technology transfer. The collaboration is expected to create greater opportunities for NSU faculty members, researchers, students, and innovators to access guidance and support related to intellectual property protection.

The signing marks an important step in NSU's efforts to build a stronger ecosystem for innovation, intellectual property protection, and technology transfer.