'Fund constraints obstacle to research work’

Financial constraints are the key obstacle to conducting innovative research at the universities, academics said at an award giving ceremony in the city yesterday.
They also said that innovative research can identify the causes of problems and find out the solutions, which can help the nation achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Twenty scholars from public and private universities were honoured with 'University Grants Commission (UGC) Award 2002-2005' for their outstanding research works at the ceremony organised by the UGC at its auditorium.
The awardees are Prof Ayesha Begum, Salma Akhter, Prof Md Anwar Hossain, Prof M Bahadur Meah, Prof AS Md Abdul Haseeb, Prof Monsur Musa, Dr Gour Gobinda Goswami, Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Md Abul Hasnat, Dr GM Tarekul Islam, Prof MM Shahidul Hassan, Dr M Tofazzal Islam, Prof Md Samsul Alam, Prof Dr Md Saidur Rahman, Prof Nurul Absar, Prof MM Shahidul Hassan, Prof Mohammad Asadullah, Dr Swarochish Sarker, Jamila Ahmed Chowdhury, Prof Dilara Choudhury and Prof Dr Tajmeri SA Islam.
Speaking on the occasion, UGC Chairman Prof Nazrul Islam said a huge amount of money is needed to conduct better research activities, but the budget is limited.
"We are now trying to get a Tk 500 crore World Bank fund for innovative research work," he said.
He also urged the university teachers to carry out research in the field of power, environment, food, poverty eradication, education system, medical science, information technology and women empowerment.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Mustafa Nurul Islam said the teachers should give top priority to innovative research, which will immensely help the nation develop the education system.
Prof Sirajul Islam, chief editor of Banglapedia, stressed the need for more and more research publications.
He called on the teachers and researchers to take initiatives for joint research collaboration with foreign universities.
UGC Member Prof Dr AHM Zehadul Karim and Prof Monsur Musa also spoke.