University Teachers’ Interest in Research Has Increased Fivefold After the Mass Uprising

Robust research strengthens a university’s identity. Alongside managing academic programs, a university generates new knowledge through research. This process attempts to address various national and international issues. However, it was alleged that a significant portion of public university teachers in the country were not interested in research. Instead, they were preoccupied with political activities and foreign trips. This scenario has now changed. Public university teachers’ interest in research has increased.

Following the fall of the Awami League government amid student and public protests, the country’s context began to shift. This change is also evident in teachers’ research attitudes. Currently, a large number of teachers are showing research interest. The University Grants Commission (UGC), the regulatory body, has reported that teachers’ interest in research has increased several times since the mass uprising.

According to data from the UGC’s Research Support and Publication Department, teachers’ interest in research has increased fivefold compared to last year. This information was derived from the number of applications submitted to the UGC for research support funds in recent times.

‘There may be multiple reasons for teachers’ growing interest in research. In the past, teachers who were not aligned with the Awami League could not secure UGC funding. As a result, they did not apply. Now, the situation has changed, leading to an increase in applications.’—Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam

Regarding this, Dr. Ferdous Zaman, Director of the UGC’s Research Support and Publication Department, told The Daily Campus, “More than 2,000 applications have been submitted for UGC research grants. These applications are being reviewed by experts. The process is being conducted with complete transparency. A list of grant recipients will be published after the evaluation.”

It is known that before the mass uprising, 400–500 teachers from all universities in the country applied to the UGC for funding. Education stakeholders and experts noted that these applications were insufficient. However, after the uprising, over 2,000 teachers have applied for funding, indicating a fivefold increase in research interest.

According to sources, in July last year, the UGC issued a notice for the “Research Support Fund” or research grants for teachers. However, due to the student-public movement in July, the application process and all related activities were halted. After the ousted government’s leader, Sheikh Hasina, fled the country, the UGC resumed accepting applications.

‘During the Awami League government, teachers were more engaged in politics and foreign trips. However, after Sheikh Hasina’s fall, foreign trips and teacher politics have significantly decreased. As a result, teachers are now focusing on research. Whatever the reason, this focus on research will enhance the quality of education in universities.’— UGC official

The same source further stated that in the 2024–25 fiscal year, public university teachers will receive financial support for fundamental research. Approved research proposals will receive a one-time grant of three lakh taka. However, the research must be completed within one year. It is known that 300–400 teachers will receive these grants.

On condition of anonymity, a UGC official told The Daily Campus, “During the Awami League government, teachers were more engaged in politics and foreign trips. However, after Sheikh Hasina’s fall, foreign trips and teacher politics have significantly decreased. As a result, teachers are now focusing on research. Whatever the reason, this focus on research will enhance the quality of education in universities.”

Stakeholders say that during the ousted Awami League government, teachers’ promotions and appointments depended on party politics. Even securing key administrative roles required political affiliation, which had become an unwritten rule. However, teachers are now moving away from these practices, which will positively contribute to the development of education in the country.

When asked about this, educationist and Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam, told The Daily Campus, “There may be multiple reasons for teachers’ growing interest in research. In the past, teachers who were not aligned with the Awami League could not secure UGC funding. As a result, they did not apply. Now, the situation has changed, leading to an increase in applications.”

He further said, “Due to politically motivated teacher recruitment in universities, they were busy with party activities and had no time for research. As a result, the quality of education in universities did not improve significantly. I hope that in the changed circumstances, teachers will focus on fundamental research. This research will contribute to the development of the country and improve people’s quality of life.”