In a recent interview on biggani.org, Dr. Mohammad Sagar Hossain highlighted a common situation in Bangladeshi universities—thesis or research topics are often assigned not according to the student’s interests, but rather by lottery or due to circumstances. According to him, this system creates problems both for the quality of research and for the student’s long-term interests.
In the interview, he said that research is not something that can be forced. Without genuine interest and curiosity from within, it becomes difficult for a student to delve deep into research. Often, a student is interested in working on a specific topic, but due to a lack of opportunity, ends up doing a thesis on something else. As a result, the research project turns into just another academic requirement, leaving little space for real inquiry or meaningful learning.
Dr. Sagar Hossain also referred to his own experience. Although in his case, the topic he received via lottery later became a positive experience, he still does not support it as a systematic solution. In his view, there needs to be a match between the student’s interest, their proposal, and the supervisor’s expertise when choosing a research topic. Randomly assigning topics often creates a gap between the student and the subject matter.
In the interview, he suggested an alternative path. Students should, when possible, prepare a brief proposal according to their own interests, and decide the research topic in discussion with their supervisor. The supervisor may choose to refine or adjust the proposal. This way, the student’s interest remains intact, while the supervisor’s experience can guide the research effectively.
This interview on biggani.org compels us to rethink the research culture at the university level. If research is truly to become a place for learning and inquiry, then the process of selecting topics must also include the student’s voice—this is the clear message that comes through in Dr. Mohammad Sagar Hossain’s remarks.
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