Khulna Agricultural University seminar stresses precise language, rigorous analysis and evidence-based conclusions for stronger policy research. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, July 18, 2026 (BSS) - The Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) 
of Khulna Agricultural University (KAU) on Saturday organised a seminar 
highlighting the importance of the proper use of language in policy research 
to improve research quality, higher education and institutional excellence.

The seminar, titled "From 'Linked To' to 'Causes': How Words May Mislead in 
Policy Research," was held at the auditorium of the university's Temporary 
Campus-1.

Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Ahsan attended the programme as 
the chief guest while Treasurer Prof Dr. Shamim Ahmed Kamal Uddin Khan was 
present as special guest.

Programme Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) 
Zubayer Hossain delivered the keynote presentation at the event.
 
IQAC Additional Director and Assistant Prof of the Department of Agricultural 
Economics Md Zahurul Islam presided over the seminar.

The speakers said a common mistake in policy research is presenting a 
statistical relationship (correlation) between two variables as evidence of a 
cause-and-effect relationship (causation).

Such misinterpretations, they noted, can lead to misleading policy 
conclusions and ineffective decision-making.

They stressed the importance of rigorous data analysis, evidence-based 
conclusions and the careful use of language in research to ensure the 
credibility and reliability of policy recommendations.

The speakers expressed hope that such initiatives would help enhance the 
quality of research at the university and foster a culture of internationally 
recognized academic research.