Bangladesh’s multidisciplinary 1st National Youth Research Summit was held at the University of Barishal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s academic and research landscape. The day-long event, organized by the Barishal University Research Society (BURS) under the theme “Multidisciplinary Youth Research Towards a Sustainable Bangladesh”, brought together young researchers, students, and academics from across the nation.
More than 400 participants from over 65 public and private universities joined the summit. The program featured oral and poster presentations, research storytelling, elevator pitches, interdisciplinary networking sessions, a collaboration wall, and expert seminars designed to foster research exchange and innovation.
The summit was graced by Professor Dr. Md. Toufiq Alam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Barishal, as Chief Guest. Professor Dr. Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, attended as Keynote Speaker.
Distinguished guests included Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Pirojpur University of Science and Technology; Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University; Professor Dr. Shafiqul Barai, Vice-Chancellor of Exim Bank Agricultural University; Professor Dr. Shahidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Trust University; Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University; Professor Dr. Subrata Kumar Aditya, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Dhaka; Professor Dr. Suraiya Parvin, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Professor Dr. Muhammad Monzurul Karim, Department of Microbiology; Professor Dr. Md. Rakibul Haque, Department of Management Information Systems, University of Dhaka; and Mr. Muhammad Moshahedullah, Deputy General Manager, Pubali Bank, Barishal Region. The event was presided over by Mr. Md. Azam Khan, President of the Barishal University Research Society.
In his opening remarks, Chief Guest Professor Dr. Md. Toufiq Alam said, “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the University of Barishal. The curiosity, thought, and exploration of young minds will shape the future of research. Research is not a solitary journey — it is a collective art of learning.” He added, “The work of today’s young researchers will influence future policymaking. Research is not just about producing a thesis; it’s about asking and answering ‘what, why, and how.’”
Keynote Speaker Professor Dr. Md. Abu Bin Hasan Susan emphasized the need for collaborative research, noting, “In Bangladesh, the lack of modern laboratories and equipment makes multidisciplinary approaches essential for quality research. Good research thrives on cooperation between fields. Making mistakes in research is not failure — it’s part of the learning process.” He praised BURS for its pioneering initiative and called for greater support for young researchers.
Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Pirojpur University of Science and Technology, attended the closing ceremony as Chief Guest. “Research is the foundation of a sustainable Bangladesh,” he said. “It not only expands the boundaries of knowledge but also identifies deep-rooted social problems and offers sustainable solutions. Young researchers are the architects of tomorrow’s inclusive and resilient Bangladesh.”
The summit began at 9 a.m. with a symbolic tree watering ceremony. In the inaugural session, Md. Azam Khan (Convener), S. M. Sadek (Founder & Director, Bangladesh Research Society), Dr. Hafiz Ashraful Haque (Research Director), and Dr. Md. Khorshed Alam (Chief Advisor) delivered welcome remarks. Students presented their research and displayed posters in multiple conference rooms across the campus.
An expert jury board evaluated the presentations and awarded Sabikun Nahar Sumi with the Best Paper Award and Md. Lagbi Adnan with the Best Poster Award. Additional awards in sub-theme categories went to Professor Armin Khatun, Md. Ferdous Ahmed, Nusrat Jahan, Md. Shahin Ahmed, and Meraz Hossain Chishti, while Mst. Kamrun Nahar Hena was recognized in the storytelling category.
The summit’s Title Sponsor was Pubali Bank PLC, with City Bank as Gold Sponsor and Sonali Bank PLC as Silver Sponsor. BDJobs served as the Career Partner, while Jamuna TV, The Business Standard, Kaler Kantho, and Ajker Patrika were Media Partners. Ispahani and Deco supported the event as Food Partners.
Organizers said the summit served as a platform to unite young researchers from different regions of the country, encouraging knowledge exchange, critical thinking, and collaboration. They added that such initiatives will play a vital role in nurturing creativity, networking, and real-world problem-solving skills among the youth.
Since its establishment, the Barishal University Research Society has been working to promote research culture among students through diverse activities and collaborative projects — and this summit marks one of its most ambitious initiatives to date.
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