Bogura Univ will be a research-based, technology-driven institute

Published : Wednesday, 29 July, 2026 at 12:00 AM

Tanvir Raihan

Vice-Chancellor of the newly established University of Bogura (UB),Prof Dr Md Kudrat-E-Zahan in an exclusive interview with Tanvir Raihan of The Daily Observer, shared his vision for the university with focus on academic priorities, implementation of the National Education Policy, research works, faculty recruitment, international rankings, technology-driven education and students’ well-being. Excerpts of the interview are as follows

DO: As the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, what will be your key priorities over the next four years?

VC: The first four years are the most crucial for any new university because they lay the foundation for its future. My foremost priority is to begin student admissions from the current academic session. The sooner academic activities commence, the sooner the university will establish its own identity.

My second priority is to initiate the development of the permanent campus. A university is recognised not only for its academic achievements but also for a modern, well-planned and student-friendly campus. Therefore, we will place significant emphasis on developing permanent infrastructure from the very beginning.

Another major priority is to create an academic environment where students become familiar with cutting-edge technologies. We will integrate artificial intelligence (AI), data science, advanced research tools and other future-oriented disciplines into our academic programmes. I want our graduates to be competitive not only in Bangladesh but also in the global job market.

DO: What initiatives will your university undertake to implement the National Education Policy?

VC: Implementing the National Education Policy is a collective responsibility. It cannot be achieved by one individual alone. It requires competent faculty members, an efficient administration and a supportive academic environment.

Our first step will be to recruit highly qualified and talented teachers. At the same time, we will organise professional development programmes for existing officers and staff so they can adapt to modern higher education practices.

Higher education is changing rapidly across the world. Therefore, both academic and administrative personnel must continuously upgrade their knowledge, skills and professional competencies.

DO: How do you plan to raise the university's academic standards to an international level?

VC: The strength of any university lies in its teachers and students. Without research-oriented faculty members and skilled graduates, achieving international standards is impossible.

Our objective is to recruit faculty members who are actively engaged in research, committed to student development and capable of delivering world-class education.

From the very beginning, we will establish a strong research culture. Students will be encouraged to participate in laboratory-based learning, collaborative research and problem-solving activities that address real-world challenges.

DO: What reforms do you believe are necessary to improve research quality?

VC: Research is not solely dependent on funding; it is fundamentally a mindset. Personally, I have published nearly 200 scientific research papers, and from my experience I can say that without creating a research-friendly environment, it is impossible to produce internationally competitive researchers.

Faculty members must remain actively engaged in academic activities and build strong mentoring relationships with students. Students should be involved in research from the early stages of their academic journey.

Research is rarely an individual effort. We need to foster a culture of collaboration among researchers, universities and industries.

If we look at Finland's education system, collaboration is valued more than competition. Bangladesh can learn from this model. While research grants are certainly important, cultivating curiosity, creativity and a research mindset is equally essential.

DO: Why do you think Bangladeshi universities continue to lag behind in international rankings?

VC: International university rankings are based on multiple indicators. Publishing research papers alone is not sufficient.

Factors such as faculty-student ratio, research output, international collaboration, campus accommodation, healthcare facilities, research funding and the overall learning environment are all considered.

Many universities in Bangladesh suffer from inadequate residential facilities and limited research budgets. We must significantly increase investment in research and establish specialised universities. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) demonstrate how sustained investment and academic specialisation can produce globally recognised universities.

DO: What are your plans to address session delays, accommodation shortages and students' mental health?

VC: Since this is a newly established university, we have the opportunity to build a modern education system from the outset.

We have already initiated discussions with a UK-based institution regarding artificial intelligence education. They have expressed interest in providing AI training to our students free of charge. Initially, a group of university officials will receive training, after which we will launch a comprehensive programme for students.

We also plan to establish an English Language Club, soft skills development programmes, a mental health support centre and a professional counselling clinic. Students cannot achieve academic excellence unless their mental well-being is properly supported.

DO: How will you ensure transparency in faculty recruitment?

VC: Faculty recruitment will be conducted strictly in accordance with the university's laws and through duly constituted selection boards. There will be no compromise regarding transparency or merit.

I want to recruit highly qualified, research-oriented and student-friendly teachers who can contribute meaningfully to both education and research.

At the same time, I am encouraging university officers to become more actively involved in research and academic writing so that a culture of scholarship develops from the very beginning.

DO: What is your biggest challenge as Vice-Chancellor at this stage?
VC: The university has recently been upgraded into a full-fledged institution. Therefore, we must establish new faculties, academic departments, administrative structures, regulations and various statutory committees.

Building such a comprehensive institutional framework is undoubtedly our greatest responsibility at present.

However, I am fortunate to have received wholehearted support from the local administration, civil society, journalists and other stakeholders. I therefore see this not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to build a strong institution from its foundation.