In the face of uneven urbanisation, diverse critical urban challenges, and climate vulnerability of cities, Bangladesh must strengthen its urban research so that effective policies and practices can help build sustainable cities. With no national urban research institutes in place, universities are the incubators for crosscutting urban studies.

In this public lecture, Professor Mohammad Fayek Uzzaman – Vice Chancellor of Khulna University, shared the potentials of urban research and challenges in creating a supportive research environment in Bangladesh. Professor Shamim Mahabubul Haque and Assistant Professor Dr Shilpi Roy shared key findings and innovative research approaches from different collaborative urban research projects at Khulna University, such as the Centre Sustainable, Healthy and Learning Cities and Neighbourhoods.

Presenters:

• Professor Mohammad Fayek Uzzaman – Vice Chancellor, Khulna University
• Professor  Shamim Mahabubul Haque – Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Khulna University
• Assistant Professor Dr Shilpi Roy – Co-Investigator for the Centre Sustainable, Healthy and Learning Cities and Neighbourhoods (SHLC), Department of Urban and Rural Planning, Khulna University

Background:

Public universities have a commitment to bring change to their country and beyond. Research is prioritised in all Bangladeshi Universities, but there is a significant shortage of funding, infrastructure and management support. Creating a supportive environment for research remains a challenge.

The presenters will discuss the successes and challenge of Khulna University’s urban research. Professor Mohammad Fayek Uzzaman is an important figure in policy formulation for Universities in Bangladesh will present available institutional supports and relevant management issues. Through discussion with the audience, this public lecture will aim to co-understand how we can ensure a better future for urban and other research in the universities of Bangladesh.