Syed Saad Andaleeb's compelling Op-Ed on the imperative for robust research universities in Bangladesh, published in the Dhaka Tribune on September 19, serves as a powerful call to action, aligning closely with the nation’s aspirations for sustainable growth and self-reliance. His vision rightly emphasizes the critical role that research institutions must play in shaping Bangladesh's future.
However, to grasp the full scope of this challenge, it is crucial to delve into both the public and private sectors, recognizing the distinct hurdles each faces in building a knowledge-based economy. Drawing on my experience with both public and private universities in Bangladesh, I would like to offer my thoughts in response to his article, expanding on the unique dimensions and challenges of each sector.
Public universities: Leadership and academic freedom
Public universities in Bangladesh hold immense potential, but as Andaleeb correctly points out, they have been stifled by political interference and weak leadership. Transforming these institutions into research powerhouses requires a shift away from governance driven by political allegiances toward academic freedom and merit-based leadership. This is critical for nurturing intellectual creativity and independent thought, which are essential for groundbreaking research.
In countries like South Korea, where public universities such as Seoul National University became innovation leaders, the government fostered a research-driven culture by promoting autonomy and ensuring that academic appointments were based on expertise, not political loyalty. Bangladesh must similarly invest in its public universities by insulating them from political influence, ensuring transparent funding, and prioritizing research over mere teaching.
Moreover, public universities in Bangladesh face chronic underfunding, exacerbating the brain drain that Andaleeb mentions. Without substantial government investment, these institutions will struggle to retain top talent, further undermining the capacity for research and innovation. Bangladesh can look to models like China’s “C-9” initiative, where elite public universities receive focused investments to become globally competitive research institutions. Such a strategic vision is essential if Bangladesh is to transform its public universities into engines of innovation.
Private universities: Opportunities and responsibilities
On the private side, Bangladesh has seen a proliferation of private universities in recent years, many of which cater to a growing middle class. However, few of these institutions prioritize research. For private universities to contribute meaningfully to the research landscape, they must move beyond their current focus on teaching and invest in research infrastructure and faculty development. While private institutions have more flexibility than their public counterparts, they often lack the financial resources needed for high-quality research.
A solution lies in creating public-private partnerships, as Andaleeb suggests, where the government provides incentives for private universities to invest in research. Such partnerships could resemble models used in Malaysia and India, where private universities collaborate with government bodies and industry to fund and conduct research. Incentivizing private universities to develop research capabilities would not only elevate their academic standing but also provide students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
Challenges in faculty development and infrastructure
Another crucial dimension to strengthening research universities is the need for significant investment in faculty development and research infrastructure. Faculty members must be empowered with resources, training, and opportunities to engage in meaningful research, which is often limited due to heavy teaching loads and inadequate funding. Governments and universities must collaborate to provide competitive salaries, research grants, and global networking opportunities to retain and attract top talent.
In terms of infrastructure, research requires sophisticated laboratories, libraries, and digital platforms that support innovation. Without such infrastructure, universities in Bangladesh will struggle to produce the high-impact research needed to compete globally. Many emerging research hubs, such as those in Singapore and China, have invested heavily in building world-class research facilities. Bangladesh’s universities must follow suit if they hope to break into global rankings.
The global parallels and the path forward
Andaleeb draws insightful comparisons with countries like South Korea, China, and Malaysia, which have all transformed their economies through strategic investments in research. These examples highlight how research universities are not merely centres of academic excellence but engines of national development. Bangladesh can take lessons from these countries by recognizing that strong research universities are crucial to fostering innovation, creating high-paying jobs, and reducing dependence on low-wage industries.
Bangladesh also faces unique challenges that require a tailored approach. For example, while countries like Singapore have benefited from small, manageable populations and centralized governance, Bangladesh’s larger and more diverse population presents a different set of obstacles.
The government must ensure that research universities do not become isolated enclaves of privilege but are accessible to students from all walks of life. This can be achieved through scholarship programs, outreach initiatives, and partnerships with local industries that ensure research benefits the broader community.
Investing in research for a self-reliant future
As Andaleeb rightly notes, investing in research universities is not just about academic prestige -- it is about economic empowerment and building a self-reliant nation. In a world where knowledge is increasingly the driver of economic progress, Bangladesh must seize the opportunity to develop its research capabilities. The Strategic Plan for Higher Education (2018–2030), which proposed the establishment of a National Research Council, is a step in the right direction, but it must be implemented without further delay.
To achieve this vision, Bangladesh needs not only financial investment but also a cultural shift that values research and innovation. The government, private sector, and academic institutions must work together to create a research ecosystem that encourages creativity, rewards innovation, and drives economic growth.
A call to action
The future of Bangladesh’s economic and social development lies in its ability to cultivate a robust research environment. Both public and private universities have a role to play, but they must overcome significant challenges to fulfill their potential.
By embracing research as a national priority and fostering partnerships between government, industry, and academia, Bangladesh can pave the way for a knowledge-based economy that ensures long-term prosperity and self-reliance.
As the renowned American educator Derek Bok once said, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.” Bangladesh cannot afford to ignore the urgent need to invest in research universities.
It is time for the country to recognize that the road to sustainable growth and global competitiveness runs through the halls of its universities, where knowledge, innovation, and discovery must be the cornerstones of a brighter future.
Dr Serajul I Bhuiyan is a Professor and former chair of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at Savannah State University, Savannah, Georgia, USA.
