Education Adviser Professor Dr. C. R. Abrar has called for giving top priority to science and research to ensure sustainable development, build a knowledge-based economy, and address future challenges. He made the remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop titled “Strengthening Research and Development to Meet National and Global Needs: Use of Affordable and High-Tech Solutions,” organized by the Ministry of Education at the Secretariat.

Dr. Abrar expressed concern over the declining enrollment in science education and the slow pace of research in Bangladesh. He highlighted that private universities face serious delays of six to eight months in obtaining government clearance for research grants, which hampers effective fund utilization. He urged the removal of unnecessary disparities between public and private universities and proposed a fast-track system for responsible institutions. He also noted that Bangladesh invests only about 0.3 percent of its GDP in research—far below regional and global standards.

The adviser emphasized the need to connect expatriate Bangladeshi researchers, promote knowledge exchange, and build a strong research ecosystem integrating basic and applied sciences through coordinated efforts among government, academia, and the private sector.