Dhaka: A day-long academic workshop titled "The Modern Social Scientists: Navigating Research, Teaching and Academic Growth" was held at the Faculty of Social Sciences of Dhaka University (DU) on Wednesday for lecturers and assistant professors. Organized by the faculty, the workshop ran from 10:30am to 4pm at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abdus Salam, presided over the inaugural session, with University Grants Commission (UGC) member Prof. Abdullah-Al-Mamun attending as the chief guest. The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Kazi Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Mahbobor Rahman highlighted significant global changes in academia and emphasized the importance of international research collaboration, publishing in high-impact journals, and avoiding predatory publishers.
Prof. Abdullah-Al-Mamun stressed the necessity to modernize teaching methods and strengthen academia-industry ties through joint initiatives. Prof. Abdus Salam urged young faculty members to engage in high-impact research, increase citations, and secure international research funding to help improve DU's global standing. He also called for advanced research facilities from the university and government.
The workshop featured sessions on research acquisition, teaching excellence, and academic well-being, conducted by academics including Prof. Selim Raihan, Prof. Shamim Reza, Prof. Robaet Ferdous, Prof. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, and Prof. Samina Luthfa. The closing session was chaired by DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Mohammad Almojaddade Alfasane. Former DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Anwarullah Chowdhury attended as the chief guest, while Dhaka Central University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Salma Begum was the special guest. Prof. Arif Mahmud, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall Provost, moderated the session.
Prof. Anwarullah Chowdhury urged teachers to maintain political neutrality in classrooms and remain committed to continuous learning. Prof. Alfasane noted that DU has historically played a leading role in nation-building and major national movements. He encouraged young faculty members to pursue interdisciplinary research, spend less time on screens, read more books, and take greater social responsibility for improving the country's overall environment.