Progress Report on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET)
RUET is dedicated to promoting sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 8. Through career facilitation, industry collaboration, entrepreneurship support, and research-led skill development, the university strengthens employability and contributes to Bangladesh’s economic development.
Key Highlights
- Annual Career Fairs:
- 9th Career Fair (April 2024): Over 25 companies participated, including Walton, Huawei, BSRM, RFL, Meghna Group, and Navana Group, engaging 1,200+ students with recruitment and internship opportunities.(ruetcareerforum.org)
- 10th Career Fair (June 2025): Approximately 20 companies participated, reaching 1,500+ students, reflecting growing industry engagement.(bssnews.net)
- Industry-Academia Collaboration:
- 1st Industry-Academia Meet (Nov 2023): MoUs signed with Huawei, BJIT, Datasoft, Shanghai BDCOM, and RajIT through the CSE department. Around 150 industry executives participated, fostering direct linkages between students and employers.(cse.ruet.ac.bd)
- Graduate Placement: Alumni have secured positions in national and international firms, including Japanese companies through BJIT programs, demonstrating RUET graduates’ global employability.(ruet.ac.bd)
- Entrepreneurship & Start-ups: RUET supports student-led start-ups through the Career Forum and departmental initiatives; approximately 15 start-ups received mentorship and seed support in the past two years.(ruetcareerforum.org)
- Internships and Skill Development: Across departments, RUET places students in structured internship programs; in 2024, over 900 students participated in internships with industry partners, strengthening workforce readiness.(cse.ruet.ac.bd)
- Research & Economic Impact: Research collaborations with industries focus on renewable energy, smart manufacturing, and IT solutions, contributing to regional economic development and employment creation.
Impact & Next Steps
- Systematically publish graduate placement statistics (employment rates, sector-wise distribution, median salaries).
- Expand entrepreneurship and incubator programs to increase student-led job creation.
- Strengthen internship and co-op programs to enhance practical skills across all departments.
- Deepen industry linkages in northern Bangladesh to boost regional employment and drive local economic growth.