TBM Report ||
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has urged academics to direct university research toward solving real-world societal crises, including extremism, intolerance, and social polarization. He issued this call on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, while addressing an international conference at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.
The UGC Chief emphasized that academic research must extend beyond journal publications, citation counts, and professional portfolio building. Research achieves its true purpose only when its findings address the practical challenges facing society and improve everyday lives.
Dhaka University’s Department of World Religions and Culture, alongside the International Security Policy Lab, organized the international symposium titled “Human-Centric and Evidence-Based Policies in Countering Violent Extremism.” The event was arranged under a sub-project of the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project implemented by the UGC.
Professor Ahmed highlighted that universities do not exist in isolation from society. He noted that combating violent extremism requires looking beyond religious angles to investigate root socio-economic and cultural triggers. Resolving complex social issues demands collaborative efforts across science, technology, humanities, and social sciences.
The UGC Chairman also advocated for creating open spaces for dialogue among students from diverse religious, cultural, and social backgrounds on campus. Such practices, he noted, build a rational, empathetic, and scientifically oriented mindset among the youth.
Addressing early-career researchers, Professor Ahmed announced that the UGC stands ready to fund high-impact research projects addressing pressing social issues. He clarified that institutional age or size will not dictate funding decisions; rather, project quality and researcher capability remain the sole criteria.
Associate Professor Dr. Gordon Clubb from the UK’s University of Leeds delivered the keynote address, while Department Chair Professor Dr. Md. Abu Sayem presided over the inauguration. Key speakers included Anti-Terrorism Unit DIG Mohammad Muslim, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Md. Kamruzzaman, Department Founder Professor Dr. Kazi Nurul Islam, and BUP Pro-Vice Chancellor Major General (Retd.) Dr. Naeem Ashfaque Chowdhury. SPM Dr. Md. Didarul Islam outlined project progress.
 Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has urged academics to direct university research toward solving real-world societal crises, including extremism, intolerance, and social polarization. He issued this call on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, while addressing an international conference at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.){kind=link}