Pabna, August 13 (V7N) — A day-long training workshop titled “Review HEQEP Project: PAST” was held on Tuesday in a virtual classroom setting for faculty members of Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST), with a focus on enhancing research skills and preparing for the academic challenges of the future.
 
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul Awal was the chief guest of the program, while Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Treasurer Professor Dr. Shamim Ahsan attended as special guests. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Professor Dr. Md. Salauddin from Khulna University, who also serves as Additional Director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).
 
In his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the future of Bangladesh lies in transformation — and teachers must prepare to meet that challenge. “In 53 years, our education system still lacks a strong structure. Teachers must now focus on driving change and equipping the next generation with skills aligned with global standards,” he said. He further noted, “Research is the soul of a university. The nation invests in us through public tax money, and we must return that investment by contributing meaningfully to national development.”
 
Addressing the faculty, he urged, “Read, read, and read—then write. The more you read, the more you can teach and research. We hope to develop a systematic and sustainable research environment in the near future.”
 
Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam highlighted the determination of PUST’s young faculty, stating that they are prioritizing research despite limited resources. “Culturally, research funding is very low in Bangladesh. Still, we have established a research cell and aim to make history by producing internationally recognized research from here,” he said.
 
Treasurer Dr. Shamim Ahsan echoed these sentiments, expressing pride that PUST has been selected for the HIT (Higher Education Improvement Trust) project for the first time. “Despite limited national interest in funding research, we are seeing progress. We must now focus on developing quality research proposals and increasing our pool of researchers,” he stated.
 
Professor Dr. Md. Salauddin from Khulna University added, “Studies show that investment in the education sector yields the highest return, both in terms of GDP growth and national development. Yet, our research funding remains minimal. This mindset must change if we want to develop.”
 
The workshop was presided over by Professor Dr. Shamim Reza, Director of IQAC at PUST, and moderated by Professor Dr. Md. Asfaquar Rahman, Additional Director of the same unit.
 
Participants agreed that systematic research development, institutional support, and a national shift in priorities are crucial for building a future-ready academic environment and a knowledge-driven economy.

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