Dhaka: Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today emphasized the need to eliminate unnecessary disparities in research management between public and private universities within the nation's higher education sector. He highlighted the importance of fostering a strong, non-discriminatory research ecosystem to establish a knowledge-based economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Abrar made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a workshop organized by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education. The event, held at the Finance Division conference room, was titled "Strengthening Research and Development to Meet National and Global Demands: Use of Cost-Effective and High-Technology Solutions." The focus was on enhancing the country's research capacity.
Professor Abrar pointed out the challenges faced by research-active private universities, which often encounter prolonged government approval processes after receiving research grants. "In many cases, the approval process takes six to eight months, which undermines the very objective of research," he stated. He stressed the importance of accountability and advocated for a fast-track approval system for institutions conducting research responsibly.
Expressing concern over the current budget allocation for research, Professor Abrar noted that Bangladesh invests only 0.3 percent of its GDP in research, a figure much lower than both global and regional standards. He urged for increased investment in science, research, and the establishment of specialized centers of excellence to address future challenges.
Professor Abrar also called for a shift in focus towards human resource development rather than just infrastructure. He remarked that significant funds are returned each year due to delays in spending on infrastructure projects, which necessitates reconsideration. Additionally, he urged that research outcomes should extend beyond academic publications to include practical and realistic solutions.
The workshop was chaired by Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, Rehana Perven, and featured keynote presentations by internationally renowned scientists, including Professor Dr. Firdausi Qadri, Dr. Abed Chaudhury, and Professor Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan. Senior officials from various ministries, researchers, and educationists were in attendance.