The pursuit of higher education is a stepping stone towards progress, knowledge, and innovation. In recent years, global university rankings have become the benchmark for assessing the quality and competitiveness of educational institutions worldwide. However, Bangladeshi universities have struggled to secure prominent positions in these rankings.

One of the primary challenges faced by Bangladeshi universities is inadequate funding and infrastructure. To excel in research, innovation, and academic programmes, universities require substantial financial investments. Insufficient funding limits the development of state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, laboratories, and research centres. Additionally, outdated infrastructure hampers the delivery of modern teaching methods, access to cutting-edge technology, and collaborative opportunities with international institutions.

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What makes a great university?

The government must increase budgetary allocations for higher education to ensure sufficient funds for research grants, faculty development, and infrastructure modernisation. Private-public partnerships and international collaborations can be encouraged to boost financial resources and access to advanced technologies. Simultaneously, university authorities must prioritise enhancing their funding sources.

Global rankings heavily consider research output and publications, often in collaboration with international peers. Bangladeshi universities face challenges in producing high-quality research due to limited funding, inadequate facilities, and a lack of research-oriented culture. Additionally, language barriers, particularly in publishing research in English, contribute to the low visibility of Bangladeshi academics on the global stage.

Universities should prioritise research and incentivise faculty members to publish in reputable international journals. Collaborative research projects with renowned global institutions can enhance the visibility and impact of Bangladeshi research. The promotion of English language proficiency among faculty and students is also essential to facilitate global academic communication.

The shortage of highly qualified and experienced faculty members is a significant hurdle for Bangladeshi universities. Many talented academics prefer to pursue lucrative opportunities abroad, leading to brain drain. Moreover, limited opportunities for faculty development and professional growth within the country discourage top-tier educators from remaining in the local academic landscape.

Investing in faculty development programmes, scholarships, and research grants can incentivise talented academics to stay and contribute to the growth of Bangladeshi universities. Offering competitive salaries and attractive benefit packages will enhance faculty retention. Furthermore, establishing research centres of excellence can attract renowned researchers and professors to join the faculty.

Traditional teaching methods and outdated curricula may not align with the demands of modern, global education. Global rankings value universities that emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approaches to education. However, Bangladeshi universities often struggle to adopt such pedagogical methods.

The practice of politicisation in educational institutions often leads to the appointment of academically less sound teachers to key leadership positions. When merit and qualifications take a backseat to political affiliations, highly qualified and deserving candidates may be overlooked in favour of those who align with certain political interests.

Universities should revise their curricula to include more practical and research-oriented components, promoting critical thinking and creativity among students. Embracing innovative teaching methods, such as project-based learning and flipped classrooms, can enhance student engagement and foster a culture of active learning.

Participation in international academic networks and collaborations is vital for universities aiming to improve their global rankings. Bangladeshi universities face challenges in attracting international students and faculty, limiting their exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research.

To promote internationalisation, universities should actively engage in student and faculty exchange programmes, establish partnerships with foreign institutions, and encourage joint research projects. Welcoming international students and providing them with support services will enhance the cultural diversity and global outlook of Bangladeshi campuses.

The practice of politicisation poses a significant threat to the overall quality of education in universities. When educational institutions become entangled in political agendas and affiliations, the focus shifts away from academic excellence and objective learning. Instead of fostering an environment of critical thinking, open discourse, and scholarly pursuit, politicisation introduces biases and ideological constraints that hinder the free exchange of ideas. Faculty appointments and promotions may be influenced by political considerations rather than merit, leading to the recruitment of underqualified personnel and the exclusion of talented academics.

Moreover, the allocation of funds and resources may be driven by political interests, neglecting areas crucial for academic growth and research. As a result, pursuing knowledge takes a backseat to pursuing political objectives, jeopardising the quality of education and compromising the future of students and the nation as a whole. To uphold the integrity of education, it is imperative to safeguard universities from undue politicisation and ensure that they remain bastions of unbiased learning and intellectual growth.

The practice of politicisation in educational institutions often leads to the appointment of academically less sound teachers to key leadership positions. When merit and qualifications take a backseat to political affiliations, highly qualified and deserving candidates may be overlooked in favour of those who align with certain political interests. Consequently, individuals with inadequate academic backgrounds or limited research experience may find themselves occupying the highest positions within universities. Such leaders may lack the necessary understanding of academic excellence and innovative teaching methodologies, which can have detrimental effects on the overall quality of education.

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Educators are in need of ethical guidelines

Their inability to work effectively towards improving educational standards can hinder faculty development, research initiatives, and curriculum enhancements. As a result, students may not receive the quality of education they deserve, leading to a decline in the reputation and competitiveness of the institution in the global academic landscape. Ultimately, the impact of such compromised leadership reverberates through the entire educational system, adversely affecting the future of students and the nation's progress. To ensure the advancement of education, it is crucial to prioritise merit-based appointments and shield academic institutions from political interference.

Bangladeshi universities possess immense potential for growth and transformation. To secure positions in global rankings, these institutions must address the identified incapacities head-on. Adequate funding, improved infrastructure, a research-oriented culture, and international collaborations are vital components in bolstering the quality of higher education in Bangladesh. By prioritising faculty development, embracing innovative teaching methods, and nurturing a global outlook, Bangladeshi universities can attain a more prominent presence on the international academic stage. With concerted efforts from all stakeholders, Bangladesh's higher education sector can flourish and contribute significantly to the nation's development and progress.

Dr Pranab Kumar Panday is a professor of the Department of Public Administration at the University of Rajshahi.