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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said politically biased teacher recruitment and the lack of a strong research culture are among the major reasons why University of Dhaka continues to lag behind in international university rankings.

 

Speaking during a views-exchange programme at the university’s Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, the prime minister responded to a student’s question regarding the institution’s global standing.

“Unfortunately, the image we associate with Dhaka University is not reflected in international rankings,” he said.

 

He alleged that teacher recruitment in the past was influenced by political considerations rather than academic qualifications.

 

“One of the key reasons is that teachers were probably not recruited in the way they should have been. From what we have heard and read in newspapers, political bias seems to have received more priority,” he said.

 

The prime minister stressed that the situation could improve significantly if teachers are appointed based on merit and academic achievements.

 

“If we recruit teachers based on merit and academic results, I think this condition can be changed,” he added.

 

Highlighting the importance of research and academic publications, Tarique Rahman said universities must place greater emphasis on producing quality research and increasing international citations.

“We have seen an absence of the publications and citations that are usually required for teachers and universities,” he said.

 

Referring to internationally reputed institutions, the prime minister noted that academic performance plays a central role in appointments and promotions abroad.

 

“In good universities around the world, from teacher recruitment to becoming a dean or taking charge of different departments, these matters are usually determined through academic performance,” he said.

 

He also urged Vice-Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam to prioritise reforms aimed at strengthening academic standards and research culture.

 

Earlier in the day, while addressing a workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh” at Dhaka University, the prime minister emphasised the need to strengthen research, innovation and skill-based education to make the country’s universities globally competitive.

 

He said Bangladesh must move beyond a memorisation-based and certificate-oriented education system to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and prepare students for a rapidly changing job market.

 

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between industry and academia, expanded internship opportunities, entrepreneurship development and technological advancement, while calling for an education system that values merit, creativity and knowledge production.