Stamford University Bangladesh organised an international seminar titled “The Role of Research in Nation Building” on May 14 at its Siddheswari campus auditorium in Dhaka, highlighting the importance of research in national development and the creation of a knowledge-based society.
The event brought together distinguished academics, researchers, policymakers, students and administrative officials from various disciplines.
Abdul Khaleque, Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education, attended as the chief guest. Addressing the seminar, he said research is not merely a matter of academic excellence but a key driving force behind national development, policy formulation and the establishment of a knowledge-based society. He also described science and research as vital components of the government’s vision for building a developed nation.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Associate Dean of Research at the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, and Vice-President of the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA). He highlighted contemporary global trends in research, innovation and public health, and emphasised the practical application of research in development planning.
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The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr Sharif Nafe As-Sabre, Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh. He said there is no alternative to research in building a prosperous and knowledge-driven nation, adding that universities must become centres of research-oriented education and innovative thinking. He noted that Stamford University is actively working towards achieving this goal.
Among other attendees were Emeritus Professor M Feroze Ahmed; Professor Dr Mohammad Jeaul Hasan, Treasurer and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies; Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Dr Mrityunjoy Acharjee, Proctor and Associate Professor; and Dr Md Sharifull Islam, Director of the Stamford University Research Centre (SURC).
Speakers at the seminar stressed the importance of improving the research environment, expanding international collaboration and encouraging young researchers to contribute to national progress through innovation and scientific inquiry.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Stamford University Research Centre (SURC) and the university’s Faculty of Science. Organisers expressed hope that such initiatives would strengthen collaboration between academia and policymakers and serve as catalysts for advancing research, knowledge-sharing and national development.
