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DHAKA, Sept 08, 2026 (BSS) - University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed today called for utilizing university research to address crises such as extremism, intolerance and violence. 

“The objective of research should not be limited to publishing research papers, increasing citations or enriching the personal and professional profiles of researchers. The true success of research lies in applying its findings to address real-life challenges faced by people and society,” he said.

Professor Mamun Ahmed made the remarks as the chief guest at an international conference titled “Human-Centered and Evidence-Based Policy to Counter Violent Extremism” held today at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.

He said research activities are increasing at the country’s universities, with research papers also being published in internationally recognized journals. 

However, he said, the full benefits of research cannot be realized unless its findings are applied to solving real-life problems.

He said universities are not detached from society. Therefore, extremism and intolerance should not be viewed only from a religious perspective; their underlying social, cultural and other causes must also be explored. Researchers from different disciplines need to work together for this purpose, he added.

Highlighting the importance of research in the humanities and social sciences alongside science and technology, he said addressing complex social problems requires the integration of knowledge and research from all fields.

Addressing young researchers, Mamun Ahmed said the UGC is ready to provide funding for quality research projects capable of playing an effective role in society.

The conference was organized by the International Security Policy Lab of Dhaka University and the Department of World Religions and Culture under the sub-project titled “Inter Religious Dialogue, Resilience Building, and Countering Violent Extremism” of the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project being implemented by the UGC.

Associate Professor Dr Gordon Club of the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, was the keynote speaker. Professor Dr Md Abu Sayem, Chairman of the Department of World Religions and Culture at Dhaka University, chaired the inaugural session.

Special guests included DMP Mohammad Muslim, DIG of the Anti-Terrorism Unit of Bangladesh Police; Md Kamruzzaman, Director General of the United Nations Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Professor Dr Kazi Nurul Islam, founding chairman of the Department of World Religions and Culture at Dhaka University; and Major General (retd) Dr Naim Ashfaq Chowdhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Professionals.

Besides, Dr Md Didarul Islam, SPM of the HEAT sub-project and Research Director of the International Security Policy Lab, spoke about the activities of the project.