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DHAKA, Jan 26, 2026 (BSS) - Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar today said there should be no unnecessary disparity in research management between public and private universities in the country's higher education sector.
Building a strong and non-discriminatory research ecosystem is essential to establish a knowledge-based economy, he said.
The education adviser made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held this afternoon at the Finance Division conference room, organised by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education.
The workshop, titled "Strengthening Research and Development to Meet National and Global Demands: Use of Cost-Effective and High-Technology Solutions," focused on enhancing the country's research capacity.
Professor Abrar said unnecessary discrimination between public and private universities in research management should be avoided, noting that research-active private universities often face difficulties due to prolonged government approval and clearance processes after receiving research grants.
"In many cases, the approval process takes six to eight months, which undermines the very objective of research," he said.
Accountability must be ensured in this regard, he said, adding that however, a fast-track approval system should be introduced for institutions that conduct research with a high level of responsibility.
Expressing concern over budget allocation for research, the education adviser said Bangladesh currently invests only 0.3 percent of its GDP in research, which is very low compared to global and regional standards.
"Our investment is not only lower than other South Asian countries, but also lower than that of many least developed countries," he said, adding that increased investment in science, research and the establishment of specialised centres of excellence is essential to meet future challenges.
Calling for greater emphasis on human resource development rather than infrastructure alone, Professor Abrar said a significant amount of allocated funds is returned every year due to delays in spending on infrastructure projects, which requires reconsideration.
He also urged that research outcomes should not remain confined to academic publications, but should be directed towards finding practical and realistic solutions.
The workshop was chaired by Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division Rehana Perven.
Internationally renowned scientist Professor Dr. Firdausi Qadri, Dr. Abed Chaudhury and Professor Dr Mubarak Ahmad Khan presented the keynote papers.
Senior officials from various ministries, researchers and educationists were present at the event.
