Recently, I came across some alarming information on social media concerning the state of research in Bangladesh. It was reported that a significant number of research papers by researchers from various Bangladeshi universities had been retracted from international journals due to violations of research ethics, data inconsistencies, and other irregularities. In one instance, nearly twenty-six papers by a single researcher were reportedly retracted.
Such reports are undoubtedly disheartening. However, viewing this merely as the personal failure of a few researchers would prevent us from appreciating the true depth of the problem. Rather, these incidents remind 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 issue, however, also deserves consideration. International statistics indicate that many countries with advanced research systems have higher numbers of retracted papers than Bangladesh. This does not necessarily 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 their systems for monitoring research ethics are comparatively more rigorous and effective. Consequently, research errors, data manipulation, plagiarism, and other irregularities are detected more quickly, and the papers concerned are retracted when necessary.
The situation in Bangladesh is different. Most university journals in the country remain outside international indexing systems, and many do not even have fully developed online editions. As a result, numerous instances of poor research quality and breaches of research ethics never come under international scrutiny. Therefore, the comparatively low number of retracted papers cannot reasonably be regarded as an indicator of research excellence.
We frequently discuss the need for quality research and the responsibilities of researchers. Yet a fundamental question receives comparatively little attention: **How merit-based and research-oriented is the selection process for those who will be entrusted with building the research culture of the future—that is, those appointed as university teachers?**
At various times, allegations have appeared in the media that more qualified candidates are overlooked in certain institutions, while comparatively less qualified individuals secure appointments through various forms of influence, favouritism, or opaque procedures. It would be unfair to assume that these allegations apply equally to all institutions. Nevertheless, where considerations other than merit take precedence, the consequences are not confined to a single recruitment decision. They can have long-term negative 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 responsible for shaping the next generation of researchers. Therefore, faculty recruitment should give equal importance not only to examination results and formal qualifications but also to research competence, analytical ability, originality of thought, and academic integrity. It is unrealistic to expect world-class research from someone who is personally weak in fundamental research methodologies, international publication standards, or research ethics.
As a consequence, we may see plagiarism in some cases, the repetition of previous research in others, and, in still others, a tendency to increase publication counts rather than generate new knowledge. Even more concerning is the fact that these same individuals may subsequently serve as supervisors for MPhil and PhD researchers. This creates a risk that existing weaknesses will be passed down from one generation to the next.
The role of a research supervisor is critically important in determining research quality. A supervisor's responsibility is not limited to providing administrative assistance; it includes offering intellectual guidance to a junior 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 a manuscript for publication in an internationally recognised journal are all integral parts of this responsibility.
In practice, however, this ideal is not always realised. In some places, there appears to be a tendency to regard an increase in the number of supervisees as a measure of success, rather than investing the necessary time in working with individual researchers. Yet a supervisor's performance should be assessed on the basis of the quality, originality, and contribution to knowledge of the research completed under their guidance.
Researchers' attitudes are equally important in determining research quality. Undoubtedly, many researchers embark on MPhil or PhD programmes with a sincere commitment to generating new knowledge and finding solutions to real-world social problems.
At the same time, it cannot be denied that, for some, advanced research is primarily a means of obtaining a professional qualification. The desire for promotion, a higher salary scale, or formal prestige can sometimes overshadow the fundamental purpose of research. In such circumstances, obtaining a degree as quickly as possible 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 in less time and with less effort. When research becomes merely a means of obtaining a certificate rather than producing knowledge, a decline in quality is inevitable.
These realities are often reflected in research publications as well. Even after obtaining advanced degrees, many researchers have few or 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 enhancing the country's reputation.
Nevertheless, it is also true that an increase in the number of advanced degrees does not necessarily translate into improved research quality. Our primary concern should not be the number of degrees awarded, but the actual contribution made to the body of knowledge.
One positive development also deserves mention. Recently, the University of Chittagong adopted several important reform measures concerning MPhil and PhD research. These include introducing the publication of a research paper derived from the original findings of a 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 timely and commendable, particularly in terms of improving research transparency, accountability, and international visibility.
However, implementing such reforms effectively raises a fundamental question: **Should at least some of the standards imposed on research students also apply to research supervisors?**
Those who guide students towards conducting and publishing research at an international standard should themselves be assessed in terms of their research experience, international publications, adherence to research ethics, and familiarity with contemporary research trends.
This question is not intended to single out or cast aspersions on any individual. Rather, it deserves consideration in the interest of making research supervision more effective and productive. At many research-intensive universities around the world, the assessment of research supervisors also takes into account active participation in research, high-quality publications, and relevant research experience.
The condition of university research journals also demands serious attention if research quality is to improve.
Although numerous university journals are published in Bangladesh, significant shortcomings remain in meeting international standards for indexing, regular and timely publication, DOI registration, effective and transparent peer review, digital archiving, and compliance with international editorial policies. Even more concerning is that many university journals still lack fully developed online editions. As a result, they miss opportunities to be included in global research databases and to reach the international research community more easily. This directly affects the international visibility, credibility, and citation impact of research produced in Bangladesh.
Therefore, creating a high-quality research environment requires more than simply encouraging researchers to publish in international journals. The country's university journals must also be progressively developed to meet international publishing standards. The maturity of a country's research culture and its academic capacity 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 dedication; it also requires strong institutional support. Without 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, it is unrealistic to expect world-class research on a consistent basis.
In particular, research funding must be reconsidered with greater seriousness. The funds allocated for research at our universities are, in most cases, limited in relation to 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. Consequently, many promising research projects come to a halt before they can even be implemented.
A substantial increase in government and institutional investment in research is therefore an urgent necessity. However, increasing the budget alone will not be sufficient. Transparent, competitive, and results-oriented funding mechanisms must also be ensured so that genuine researchers have fair access to research support.
We must also adopt a firmer approach to 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. Research integrity is not merely an ethical concern; it is also the foundation of a country's academic credibility.
Finally, we need to change our perspective on another important issue.
We often evaluate research success by the number of publications, degrees awarded, or researchers supervised. However, the true value of research 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. **Qualitative excellence, not competition over numbers, should be the guiding principle of our research policy.**
The current limitations of Bangladesh's research system are not the problem of any single individual, department, or university. They are part of a broader institutional reality. Consequently, the solution must also be coordinated and long-term. What is needed includes transparent and merit-based faculty recruitment, the selection of active and qualified research supervisors, the upgrading of university journals to international standards, rigorous implementation 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.
A nation's progress towards a knowledge-based society depends on the quality of its research. Universities are not merely institutions that award degrees; they are centres for generating new knowledge, developing critical thinking, and seeking solutions to complex social problems.
Therefore, if we genuinely wish to make research one of the driving forces of national development, we must move beyond personal criticism and short-lived reactions and commit ourselves to structural reform of the research system.
Only by ensuring qualitative improvements at every level—from faculty recruitment and research supervision to academic journals and research infrastructure—can we lay the foundations for a strong, creative, and internationally competitive research culture in Bangladesh.