Separate commission for faculty selection

Much has been deliberated about and documented on the recruitment process of faculty members at our public universities. However, no substantive reforms have yet materialised in this area. Bangladesh boasts over 55 public universities, with approximately 16,000 dedicated educators engaged in imparting knowledge to an array of students. These universities are confronting a multitude of challenges, including insufficient funding, outdated curricula and a dearth of modern academic facilities.

One of the principal issues is the scarcity of qualified faculty capable of delivering high-quality education. The prevailing system is frustrated by the difficulty of attracting competent, dedicated, and compassionate educators, where merit-based recruitment is often overshadowed by substantial political interference. A selection committee, which may include external members from other public universities, is entrusted with the responsibility of faculty recruitment. The process typically begins with a public announcement and subsequently progresses through the phases of screening, interviewing and final decision-making.

While academic credentials such as a Master's degree and a four-year Bachelor's degree are generally regarded as standard, additional considerations-including research experience, scholarly publications, and learning potential-often play a significant role in the evaluation process. Recent recommendations advocate for placing greater importance on research experience and publications in the selection criteria for lecturer positions. Recruitment policies can vary between universities and there is a lack of a unified national policy for faculty recruitment.

A pivotal reform is urgently required to establish a uniform, independent faculty recruitment commission. This commission would emphasise advanced degrees, research excellence, teaching proficiency and the capacity to contribute to academic discourse at a global standard, while fostering an environment conducive to knowledge generation throughout the recruitment process. Hence, an independent entity such as the Public Universities Faculty Recruitment Commission (PUFRC) may be established for impartial operation without political influence and favouritism. This commission could be headed by a distinguished retired Vice-Chancellor, with esteemed former professors serving as its members. Such a structure would represent a progressive approach, whereby universities function as epicentres of knowledge creation, cultivating exceptionally skilled individuals in alignment with global standards.

Md. Refatul Hossain

Additional Director (Retd)

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)

Faridpur Region