Researchers urged to reduce discrimination in research sector as certain institutions consistently receive funding for research projects, while others cannot be engaged in research activities at all.
Researchers from across the country made this urge while addressing a conference organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Social Research (BISR) Trust at the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD) at Nilkhet, Dhaka.
Dr. Khurshed Alam, social researcher and chairman of BISR Trust, pointed out the discrimination in funding among research institutions, stating that some receive allocations while others do not, despite their qualifications. He called for an end to this inequality.
“Various institutions and individuals also voiced concerns about the lack of funding for research. While this claim is valid, it is equally true that a significant amount of allocated funds for higher education and research institutions remains unutilized,” he added.
Dr. Khurshed noted that some researchers are showing less interest in research, and addressing discrimination in funding could motivate them to engage more.
The researchers also emphasized the importance of considering prior experience, nature of work, and skilled personnel when selecting research institutions for each project.
Renowned scientist Dr. Abed Chaudhury, the inventor of the “Panchabrihi” rice, was the chief guest. He highlighted the importance of social research, noting that the term “Panchabrihi” comes from the ability to harvest the same crop five times in different seasons from a single planting.
However, BISR has been hosting this national conference annually during its anniversary month, focusing on social research in Bangladesh.
This year’s conference featured the presentation of 28 new research papers on four themes: gender, economy, environment and climate, and public health, contributed by students, faculty, and researchers from various universities and research institutions, both domestic and international.
Bd-Pratidin English/ Afsar Munna
