An academician’s pursuit of excellence: In conversation with Dr Mohammed Farashuddin Star Online Report Star Online Report During the last few decades, Bangladesh has made notable progress in the education sector across all levels. While the country has reached near-universal net primary enrollment rate, it has also made the tertiary education accessible, resulting in increasing enrollment in colleges, universities, and polytechnic institutes. One of the key drivers in achieving this change has been the support from the private sector actors, especially in establishing private universities and polytechnic institutes during the nineties. As of 2019, according to the World Bank, 45% of the tertiary education enrollments have been in the private sector tertiary education institutions. Besides, the enhanced world-class curriculum offered by some of these institutions has helped shape a strong workforce for this fast-growing economy. One of the visionaries who has played a significant role in promoting tertiary level education in Bangladesh in the private sector is the founder of East West University, Dr Mohammed Farashuddin.