Dhaka: There is no alternative to critical thinking and research-based knowledge practices in combating false information and misinformation, said Prime Minister's Economic and Planning Adviser Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event organized at Dhaka University today to confer the Dean's Awards on teachers and students.
According to United News of Bangladesh, addressing the award recipients, Prof Titumir emphasized that DU students should not merely follow conventional knowledge. Instead, they must ask questions, assess issues through reason, and contribute to creating new knowledge. He highlighted the primary responsibility of a public university as developing a sense of citizenship, skills, and innovative capabilities. Further, he stressed that DU should evolve beyond being just a 'teaching university' to becoming an institution that actively creates knowledge.
Prof Titumir urged the Dean's Award-winning students to generate new ideas and theories through research, increasing Bangladesh's contribution to the global pool of knowledge. He also pointed out the necessity for Dhaka University to lead in expanding education in science and mathematics, developing skills, and ensuring research-based learning experiences.
He further emphasized that higher education should not be confined to merely obtaining certificates. Students must be equipped with genuine knowledge and skills. Additionally, while maintaining academic freedom and autonomy at public universities, which are funded by taxpayers' money, he noted that ensuring good governance, accountability, and public interest is equally essential.