Various initiatives are being taken to enhance the skills of young teachers and encourage them to become more research-oriented, said Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a day-long workshop titled “The Modern Social Scientists: Navigating Research, Teaching and Academic Growth” held on Wednesday (August 12) at Professor Muzaffar Ahmad Chowdhury Auditorium of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Dhaka. The Faculty of Social Sciences organized the workshop.

Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun said several activities are being carried out under the HEAT project to ensure knowledge- and skills-based education in higher education. Alongside training, initiatives are being taken to increase research grants for young teachers. Plans are also underway to provide funding for participation in various conferences and give them priority in faculty exchange programmes. Efforts are also being made to involve them in programmes such as summer schools and Young Scholars programmes.

He said, ‘The government is trying to build a knowledge- and skills-based society. Young teachers will play a very important role in this regard. If their skills can be enhanced, the quality of research and higher education will also improve further.’

The programme was chaired by University of Dhaka Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Abdus Salam. He said teachers need to focus on internationally recognised research to enhance the university’s quality and reputation. Alongside publishing research papers, greater emphasis should also be placed on increasing citations.

According to Professor Abdus Salam, quality research helps strengthen a university’s international profile and also contributes to its position in global rankings.

He also stressed the need to ensure adequate facilities for research, as well as expand international collaboration and secure research funding. He called on everyone to work together to transform the University of Dhaka into one of the world’s leading universities.

Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, delivered the welcome address at the event. Professor Dr Firdousi Nahar, Chairman of the Department of Economics, delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme was moderated by Department of Mass Communication and Journalism students Naimur Rahman Imon and Tarana Zahid Sandhi. Chairpersons and teachers from various departments under the Faculty of Social Sciences were also present.