Meeting on University Ranking Held

A meeting regarding university ranking was held on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU). The meeting was presided over by the honorable Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, who is also the Chair of the University Ranking Committee 2025.

Present at the meeting were BMU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Hawlader, Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahreen Akhter, Registrar Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Professor Dr. Shamim Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Surgery Professor Dr. Md. Ruhul Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Basic and Paraclinical Sciences Professor Dr. Saif Ullah Munshi, Dean of the Faculty of Preventive and Social Medicine Professor Dr. Md. Atikul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman, Associate Professor Dr. Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammad Shoaib Momen Majumder, Assistant Professor Dr. Md. Faruq Ishtiaq, among others, including the chairpersons of various departments.

An important presentation on ranking-related matters was delivered by the Member Secretary of the University Ranking Committee, Associate Professor Dr. Fariha Hasin.

Chairpersons who provided their insights and valuable guidance included Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Mannan (Department of Neonatology), Professor Dr. Syed Abdul Wadud (Department of Ophthalmology), Professor Dr. Mostafa Kamal (Department of Anesthesiology), Professor Dr. Taskina Ali (Department of Physiology), Professor Dr. Bidhan Chandra Das (Department of Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic and Liver Transplant), and Professor Dr. A K M Akhtaruzzaman (Head of ICT).

The meeting focused on understanding ranking systems, proposing strategic directions, and discussing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Through this session, a strategic institutional commitment was reaffirmed to improve BMU’s position in national and international university rankings.

The primary discussion topics included aligning the university’s strategic priorities with global ranking standards, increasing research output and international collaborations, investing in faculty development, improving the information system for accurate data reporting, and ensuring effective performance monitoring. The committee emphasized the need for a data-driven, institution-wide approach that integrates academic, research, and administrative activities to achieve excellence in ranking.

The honorable Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, delivered a guiding speech aiming to improve the university's ranking. He stated that many factors are associated with university ranking. Modernizing journal clubs and digital libraries, enhancing international cooperation and mutual understanding, and ensuring high-quality research are crucial. He emphasized, “Research is a testimony to the truth. Through research, it is possible to prevent diseases affecting thousands or even millions of people. Therefore, teachers and residents must enthusiastically engage in quality research,” which will play a vital role in advancing the university’s ranking.

Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam stressed the growing importance of global ranking, institutional reputation, academic credibility, and international competitiveness. He also expressed his vision, stating that now is the right time to include BMU in the ranking process, which will play a pivotal role in the university’s development, progress, and global recognition.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research & Development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Hawlader mentioned that ranking is closely linked to high-quality research. To ensure such research, it is essential to increase funding and ensure the financial resources required for international-standard research.

Associate Professor of Public Health and Informatics and Member Secretary of the Ranking Committee, Dr. Fariha Hasin, presented a detailed comparative analysis on globally recognized ranking frameworks such as Times Higher Education (THE), QS, and ARWU, along with BMU's future potential and ranking strategies.

Participants discussed how university rankings can aid in improving the quality of education, research, and innovation, as well as help attract high-quality faculty, students, and strategic partners. A shared vision emerged among all attendees that long-term institutional commitment, strategic planning, and a culture of continuous improvement based on measurable outcomes are key to enhancing BMU’s position.

It is noteworthy that both nationally and internationally, university rankings significantly influence an institution’s perception and reputation. Rankings affect the ability to attract top-tier students and faculty, secure international collaborations, and raise research funding. Rankings also serve as a standard for institutional performance evaluation and policy-making. In light of the growing global competition in education, speakers emphasized that BMU must align with ranking standards to remain competitive and relevant.

Edited by: Dr. Saiful Azam Ronzu
Photography: Md. Arif Khan
News by: Prosunto Mazumder