Bangladesh's crisis and potential in the field of education and research; Moreover, the means of passage.

Along with the quantitative expansion of the education and research sector in Bangladesh, there is a significant challenge of ensuring a genuine research culture and quality standards. Below are the challenges, prospects and ways forward for this sector. Crisis and Current Situation Underinvestment: The allocation to education sector in the national budget is only 1.53% of GDP (proposed 2025-26). Compared to the UNESCO recommended rate of 6% of GDP, Bhutan and India invest over 5.85% and 4% of GDP respectively in this sector. Weakness of research culture: Lack of interest in research in universities. Many universities do not publish even one research paper in a year. Most of the universities do not have adequate funds allocated to the research sector and there is a lack of proper methods of evaluating research progress. Decreasing quality of education: Students' basic knowledge (mathematics, science, language) is getting weaker than before. Lack of solid foundation and shortage of quality teachers at primary level have been identified as the root cause of this problem. Policy Challenges: Lack of independence of learning environments and centralizing tendencies in the education system hinder decision-making at the local level. Lagging behind in global rankings: Bangladesh ranks 106th out of 139 countries in the Global Innovation Index (2025). Bangladesh ranks 112 out of 138 countries on the Global Knowledge Index, while the higher education subsector ranks 129th. Teacher and infrastructure problems: Salaries and social status of primary school teachers are low compared to many other countries. University level lacks necessary laboratories, modern libraries and IT facilities for research. Possibilities and Positive Initiatives Despite the problems, there are some aspects and possibilities of positive change within the country: Institutional expansion: In 1971, there were 4 public universities, but now the number of universities, both public and private, is about 177. Participation rate in primary education has also increased. Examples of successful initiatives:The Institute for Advanced Research (IAR) of the United International University (UIU) has involved 47 domestic and 51 foreign institutions in about 110 research projects. It proves that it is possible to build a culture of research with sound planning and implementation. Expectations in Student Movement: Events like the 2025 Daksu elections are a reflection of the united voice of students demanding better quality of education, increased research budget, modernization of labs and libraries. Advantages of Demography: Converting the country's large youth population into skilled manpower can become a key driver of development. Ways to transition Overcoming the crisis in Bangladesh's education and research sector requires multi-pronged and integrated measures: increasing investment and ensuring good governance. Education and research budgets should be increased step by step and brought closer to the 6% recommended by UNESCO. Good governance should be ensured through proper utilization of allocated funds, accountability and prevention of corruption. Strengthening research culture and infrastructure The role of research in faculty recruitment and promotion should be strengthened. Central centers of excellence should be established in various major universities of the country, so that students and researchers of all universities can get modern facilities by making best use of limited resources. Research project funding, publication fees and incentives for researchers (similar to the UIU model) should be introduced. Improving the status and skills of teachers The salary structure and social status of teachers from primary to university level should be improved so that talented people are attracted to this profession. Regular and high quality professional development training should be arranged for teachers. Increased collaboration between industry and universities Direct linkages between universities and industry should be established to finance research and solve practical problems. Mandatory internship and industry-inspired project opportunities should be created for students. Curriculum and assessment reform, analytical thinking by reducing reliance on rote memorization,Emphasis should be placed on developing creativity and practical skills. Effective use of mother tongue as a medium of education and accessibility of international knowledge should be ensured. Bangladesh's education and research sector is at a crossroads between quantitative success and qualitative crisis. Investments based on achievements, good governance, fostering a research culture and empowering teachers can overcome the crisis and turn the potential into reality. It is essential not only for the education sector but also for the sustainable development and prosperity of the country. Teacher and Researcher :- Md. Abdullah Al-Mamun Lecturer, Department of Islamic History and Civilization. Asian University of Bangladesh. Ashulia Savar Dhaka-1341.