Research and Publication Fair begins at DU

Bangladesh is self-sufficient in food production thanks to ample research by agricultural universities. Now the country’s eye is on diversifying its export and this is why a lot of research should be conducted by the academicians to make the process effective.

Experts made the observations at the inaugural session of the two-day Research and Publication Fair that started at the central playground of Dhaka University (DU) on Saturday.

DU authorities have organised the event for the first time to boost new research and publication on various topics.

Participants said that there is a significant gap between industry and academia in the country. It is crucial to make a strong collaboration between the two and focus on life-oriented education to boost both employment and export.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest. Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel was present as a guest of honour.

Humayun said a lot of research has been carried out in agricultural universities and consequently the country with a large population is self-sufficient in food.

“Bangladesh is looking to diversify its export earnings. DU’s Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology is working on the development of the leather industry. There is a significant global market for leather. We should carry out more research to diversify export,” he added.

He also said that the fourth industrial revolution is knocking at the door. There will be work in robotics and automation. “Many workforces will become unemployed and we have to be ready and coordinate this in a planned way.”

Nowfel said that a master plan for infrastructure development has already been formulated on the occasion of DU’s centenary. Another academic master plan should be taken along with this.

He said, “The prime minister is very serious about transformation to a knowledge-based economy. We are always ready to provide financial resources to autonomous universities.

He also suggested multi-faceted funding instead of relying on the government budget for research funding.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman said that the university organised the fair with the aim to establish industry-academia ties and strengthen publication, research and innovation activities.

The faculties, institutes and departments of the university are displaying individual research and publications at the fair. Teachers, students and alumni visited the event from 10am to 5pm.

The closing ceremony will be held at the same venue on Sunday, where the best article writers of the special issue of each journal published on the occasion of the centenary will be awarded certificates, crests and prize money. Besides, prizes will also be awarded to the first, second and third poster presenters presented by each faculty, institute and centre.