Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said politically influenced teacher recruitment, weak research output, and a lack of quality academic publications were key factors behind Dhaka University’s declining position in global rankings.
He made the remarks while exchanging views with students at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Dhaka University.
The prime minister said prioritizing political considerations over merit in past faculty recruitment had undermined academic standards at the country’s premier university.
He also pointed to insufficient high-quality research and internationally recognized publications as contributing factors to the university’s lower ranking.
Dhaka University’s standing could improve, he said, if merit-based recruitment and a stronger research culture were ensured.
“If teachers are recruited based on results and genuine qualifications, and if faculty members become more active in research and publication, the situation will improve,” he said.
Highlighting global academic practices, Tarique Rahman said research output, publications, and citation records are central to faculty recruitment and promotion at leading universities.
He added that academic performance also plays a key role in the appointment of deans and allocation of departmental responsibilities at internationally reputed institutions.
The prime minister urged Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam to prioritize such reforms.
