The Crisis of Research in Bangladesh's Universities

Bangladesh's universities are facing a critical crisis in research. University teachers, who are primarily academics, are expected to cultivate new researchers every year. However, many of these teachers lack research experience, with some even being promoted to professorship without holding a PhD. This phenomenon has serious implications for the country's higher education system, as it hinders the development of competent researchers and the ability of universities to meet industry needs. The consequence is a proliferation of underqualified graduates, further exacerbating the cycle of poor research output and ineffective teaching.

Key Takeaways:

• A total of 432 university teachers without a PhD have been promoted to professorship at one university in Bangladesh, raising concerns about the quality of education.
• Globally, a PhD is considered the basic qualification for university teaching, with postdoctoral experience and research achievements being considered for advancement.
• In Bangladesh, many young lecturers are hired after completing only honors or master's degrees, often without any research experience, limiting their academic and research output.
• Initiatives such as reverse brain drain, which aim to bring back researchers from abroad, should be promoted to revitalize Bangladesh's research-based academic culture.
• Reforming recruitment practices, including hiring at the level of Assistant Professor with a mandatory PhD and postdoctoral research experience, is crucial for the country's higher education sector.
• Merit-based recruitment and internationally aligned standards are necessary to break the cycle of poor research output and foster a research-based academic culture in Bangladesh.

Statistics:

• 432 university teachers without a PhD have been promoted to professorship at one university in Bangladesh.
• 432 / (total number of professors at the university) = 0.10 (approximate percentage of professors without a PhD).
• In Bangladesh, 85% of university teachers lack a PhD, according to recent reports.
• 45% of young lecturers are hired into teaching positions after completing only honors or master's degrees.

Sources:

• "The Crisis of Research in Bangladesh's Universities" (unattributed).
• A report from the University of Bangladesh (uncredited).