Recently, an alarming piece of information concerning Bangladesh’s research community caught my attention on social media. It was reported that a significant number of research papers by researchers affiliated with various universities in Bangladesh had been retracted from international journals due to violations of research ethics, data inconsistencies, or other irregularities. The report even mentioned a case in which approximately twenty-six research papers by a single researcher had been retracted.
Such reports are undoubtedly discouraging. However, if we view this merely as the personal failure of a few researchers, we will fail to appreciate the true depth of the problem. Rather, it reminds us of the need to reassess the overall state of our higher education system, research culture, research ethics, and academic accountability.
Another aspect of the matter also deserves consideration. International statistics show that many countries with well-developed research systems have higher numbers of retracted research papers than Bangladesh. This does not mean that the quality of research in those countries is poor. Rather, they have a much larger number of internationally recognised indexed journals, such as those covered by Scopus and Web of Science, and comparatively stricter and more effective mechanisms for monitoring research ethics. Consequently, research errors, data manipulation, plagiarism, and other irregularities are identified more quickly, and the relevant papers are retracted when necessary.
The situation in Bangladesh, on the other hand, is different. Most of our university journals remain outside international indexing systems, and many do not even have complete online editions. As a result, numerous cases involving the actual quality of research or deviations from research ethics never come under international scrutiny. Therefore, there is no justification for treating the comparatively low number of retracted papers as an indicator of research excellence.
We frequently emphasise the need for “quality research” and the responsibilities of researchers. However, a fundamental question receives comparatively little attention: How merit-based and research-oriented is the selection process for those who will be entrusted with developing the research culture of the future—that is, those appointed as university teachers?
At various times, allegations have appeared in the media that, in some institutions, more qualified candidates are overlooked, while comparatively less qualified individuals secure appointments through various forms of influence, favouritism, or opaque procedures. It would be incorrect to suggest that these allegations apply equally to all institutions. Nevertheless, wherever considerations other than merit are given precedence, the consequences are not confined to a single appointment. They can have long-term adverse effects on education, research, and the intellectual development of future generations.
A university teacher is not merely someone who delivers lectures in a classroom. A teacher is also a researcher, a producer of knowledge, and a mentor who helps shape the next generation of researchers. Therefore, in faculty recruitment, research capacity, analytical skills, the ability to think originally, and academic integrity should receive as much attention as examination results and formal qualifications. It is unrealistic to expect world-class research from someone who is personally weak in fundamental research methods, the standards of international publishing, or the practice of research ethics.
As a consequence, we may observe plagiarism in some cases, the repetition of previous research in others, and, in still others, a tendency to increase publication counts rather than produce new knowledge. More concerning is the fact that these same individuals may subsequently serve as supervisors for MPhil and PhD researchers. This creates the risk that a cycle of academic weaknesses will be transmitted from one generation to the next.
The role of a research supervisor is extremely important in determining the quality of research. A supervisor’s responsibility is not limited to providing administrative assistance; rather, it includes offering intellectual guidance to a novice researcher at every stage of the research process. Selecting a research topic, identifying the research gap, choosing an appropriate methodology, collecting and analysing data, adhering to research ethics, improving academic writing, and preparing the work for publication in internationally recognised journals are all integral parts of this responsibility.
In practice, however, this ideal is not always realised. In some cases, there appears to be a tendency to regard an increase in the number of researchers under a supervisor as a measure of success, rather than ensuring that sufficient time is devoted to working with each researcher. A supervisor’s performance should instead be evaluated on the basis of the quality, originality, and contribution to the body of knowledge of the research completed under their supervision.
Researchers’ attitudes are equally important in determining research quality. Undoubtedly, many scholars embark on MPhil or PhD research with a sincere commitment to producing new knowledge and seeking solutions to real problems in society.
At the same time, however, it cannot be denied that, for some, advanced research is primarily a means of obtaining a professional qualification. The need for career promotion, a higher salary scale, or formal recognition often overshadows the fundamental purpose of research. In such circumstances, obtaining a degree in the shortest possible time becomes the principal objective, rather than producing new knowledge.
This reality can also lead some individuals to seek supervisors under whose guidance they believe they can complete their research with comparatively less time and effort. When research becomes merely a means of obtaining a certificate rather than producing knowledge, a decline in its quality becomes inevitable.
This reality is often reflected in research publications as well. Even after obtaining advanced degrees, many researchers have no significant publications in internationally recognised, peer-reviewed, and indexed journals. In some cases, the only visible research output is the thesis submitted to obtain the degree.
Of course, this observation does not apply to everyone. Many Bangladeshi researchers are working successfully on the international stage and bringing distinction to the country.
Nevertheless, it is equally true that an increase in the number of advanced degrees does not necessarily translate into an improvement in research quality. Our primary concern should not be the number of degrees awarded, but the actual contribution made to the body of knowledge.
A positive development also deserves mention. Recently, the University of Chittagong adopted several important reform measures concerning MPhil and PhD research. One of these introduces the publication of a research paper derived from the findings of the thesis in an internationally indexed journal as an important requirement. The university has also taken steps to require the submission of electronic copies of theses and make them publicly accessible through its website. These initiatives are undoubtedly timely and commendable, particularly in terms of improving research transparency, accountability, and international visibility.
However, implementing such reforms effectively requires us to address a fundamental question: Should at least some of the standards being established for research candidates also apply to research supervisors?
The research experience, international publication record, commitment to research ethics, and familiarity with contemporary research trends of those expected to guide candidates towards conducting and publishing research at international standards are also matters that deserve consideration.
The purpose of raising this issue is not to call any individual’s credentials into question. Rather, it is to encourage reflection on how research supervision can be made more effective and productive. At many research-intensive universities around the world, active participation in research, high-quality publications, and research experience are important considerations when evaluating the qualifications of research supervisors.
The condition of university research journals in Bangladesh also demands serious attention if research quality is to improve.
Although numerous university journals are published in the country, significant shortcomings remain in indexing according to international standards, regular and timely publication, DOI registration, effective and transparent peer-review procedures, digital archiving, and adherence to international editorial policies. More concerning is the fact that many university journals still lack complete online editions. Consequently, they are deprived of opportunities to be included in global research databases and to reach the international research community easily. This directly affects the international visibility, recognition, and citation impact of our research.
Therefore, creating an environment conducive to quality research requires more than simply encouraging researchers to publish in international journals. The country’s university journals must also be developed gradually to bring them into alignment with international publishing standards. The maturity and academic capacity of a country’s research culture are reflected to a considerable extent in the quality, credibility, and global acceptance of its own research journals.
At the same time, we must candidly acknowledge the limitations of our research infrastructure. Internationally competitive research does not depend solely on individual talent or commitment; it also requires strong institutional support. Modern laboratories, well-resourced libraries, access to international databases and electronic journals, research assistants, research software, statistical support, interdisciplinary collaboration, international research networks, and adequate time for research are all essential. It is unrealistic to expect world-class research consistently without these resources.
In particular, research funding requires renewed and serious attention. The funds allocated for research at our universities are, in most cases, limited in comparison with actual needs. Financial constraints are evident in research grants, the acquisition of research materials, subscriptions to international journals and databases, the recruitment of research assistants, and participation in international conferences. As a result, many promising research projects come to a halt before they can be implemented.
A substantial increase in public and institutional investment in research is therefore urgently needed. However, increasing the budget alone will not suffice. Transparent, competitive, and outcome-based management of research funding must also be ensured so that genuine researchers have a fair opportunity to receive support.
We must also adopt a firmer position on research ethics. Mandatory use of plagiarism-detection software, effective systems for preserving and verifying research data, regular training in research ethics, and impartial investigations followed by appropriate action in cases of misconduct must become integral components of the research system. Integrity in research is not merely an ethical concern; it is also the foundation of a country’s academic credibility.
Finally, a change in our overall approach is necessary.
We often evaluate research success in terms of the number of publications, the number of degrees awarded, or the number of researchers who have completed their studies under a supervisor. The true value of research, however, is determined by its originality, its contribution of new knowledge, its practical benefits for society and the state, and its acceptance within the international academic community. Our research policy should be guided by a commitment to qualitative excellence, not a competition over numbers.
The current limitations of Bangladesh’s research system are not the problem of any single individual, department, or university. They reflect a broader institutional reality. Consequently, the solutions must also be coordinated and long-term. What is needed includes transparent, merit-based faculty recruitment; the selection of qualified supervisors who remain actively engaged in research; the improvement of university journals to meet international standards; rigorous enforcement of research ethics; continuous professional development for researchers; adequate investment in research; and the development of modern research infrastructure. Effective coordination among universities, the government, research funding agencies, and policymakers is equally essential.
The knowledge-based progress of a nation depends on the quality of its research. A university is not merely an institution that awards degrees; it is a centre for producing new knowledge, developing critical thinking, and seeking solutions to complex social problems.
Therefore, if we genuinely wish to make research one of the principal drivers of national development, we must move beyond personal criticism and temporary reactions and commit ourselves to structural reform of the research system.
Only by ensuring qualitative improvements at every level—from recruitment to research supervision, from research journals to research infrastructure—can we establish a strong, creative, and internationally competitive research culture in Bangladesh.