Increase opportunities for research, innovation

Bangladesh has recently fallen behind some African countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII), which is a matter of deep disappointment. A strong and permanent foundation for research has yet to be established in our country. While students in the developed world give greater priority to research, most of our university students remain focused on academic success and government job preparation, particularly the BCS, rather than on research work. Rote learning and traditional methods have become so deeply ingrained that students have gradually turned away from research. Despite the presence of a considerable number of public and private universities, our universities fare poorly in global rankings due to weaknesses in the research sector.

It is therefore essential to take meaningful steps to encourage students' involvement in research. Subject-based practical research work should be expanded and properly structured. Research should be made mandatory for teachers, along with requirements to publish a certain number of studies annually. Transparent recruitment of qualified academic scholars should be ensured, while administrative and academic complications must be removed to make the process more dynamic. Industry-academia collaboration should be strengthened, and students should be provided with attractive opportunities to develop research orientation.

Financial support, including scholarships and fellowships, should be increased, while budgetary allocations for research must be enhanced. Regular seminars, workshops, and low-cost or free research-based courses should be introduced so that students can easily participate. Such initiatives will enhance their knowledge and skills, enabling research outputs to cross national borders and contribute positively to Bangladesh's image in the global arena.

Shah Muntacher Hossain Mihan

MSS Student,

Department of Social Work

Noakhali Science and Technology University