Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam has stressed the need to strengthen education and research to build the university on a solid academic foundation.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of the “Public Administration International Conference”, organised by the Department of Public Administration at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on the university campus on Saturday.

The VC also called on industries and alumni to extend financial and other support to strengthen research at the university.

Highlighting the need for greater research funding, Professor Obaidul Islam said government funding constraints leave little room in the budget after regular operational expenses are covered.

“Therefore, creating an independent research fund is imperative,” he said.

He urged the university to strengthen collaboration with domestic and international industries, research centres and alumni to ensure adequate financial support for students and researchers.

The VC also stressed the need to reform public administration, saying it should become more open, neutral and citizen-centric.

He said the primary responsibility of administrators is to serve citizens rather than rule over them.

The inaugural session was chaired by Department of Public Administration Chairperson Professor Dr Syeda Lasna Kabir.

DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Abdus Salam attended the event as the guest of honour, while Social Sciences Faculty Dean Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman was present as a special guest.