East West University commemorates its first Research Day with a dynamic program focused on innovation, student-led research, and academic-industry collaboration in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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East West University in Dhaka launched its inaugural Research Day on May 24, 2025, celebrating research excellence, student innovation, and collaborative academic-industry initiatives. Image: EWU |
Dhaka, Bangladesh — May 24, 2025:
East West University (EWU) hosted its inaugural Research Day 2025 on May 24 at its campus in Aftabnagar, Dhaka, marking a significant milestone in the university’s pursuit of academic excellence and research-driven innovation. This landmark event was designed to highlight the indispensable role of research in national development while promoting strategic collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
The program opened with a formal inaugural session. Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU, delivered the welcome speech, emphasizing the importance of building a sustainable research culture to support Bangladesh’s innovation ecosystem. Mr. Shelley A. Mubdi, Member of the EWU Board of Trustees, was present as the Chief Guest. The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Founding Vice Chancellor of East West University, who underscored the long-term vision of research integration in higher education.
The core of the day’s proceedings included two high-level panel discussions. The first session, titled “Importance of Research in Transforming Bangladesh into an Innovative Nation,” explored how academic research can serve as a cornerstone in building a more progressive, knowledge-based society. The second panel, “Importance of Academia-Industry Collaborative Research: Opportunities and Challenges,” focused on the prospects and barriers in bridging institutional research with real-world industrial applications.
These sessions featured renowned academics such as Professor Haseena Khan, Professor Dr. Rashidul Haque, and Dr. A.K.M. Masud, alongside prominent industry leaders including Humaira Azam, Firoze Mohammad, and Shihab Ahmad. Their engaging discussions provided multi-dimensional insights into Bangladesh's research potential and innovation trajectory.
A key attraction of the event was the “Three-Minute Presentation” competition, where faculty members and students from various departments showcased their ongoing research projects in concise, high-impact formats. This segment not only reflected the breadth of inquiry across disciplines but also encouraged effective science communication and cross-departmental engagement.
The day concluded with a grand Awards Ceremony held at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium, where 72 researchers were formally recognized for their outstanding contributions. Each received a certificate and a commemorative crest. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Professor Dr. Md. Mozammel Huq Azad Khan, from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, in recognition of his distinguished and impactful career in academic research.
The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Dr. M. Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor of EWU, who expressed appreciation to all participating students, faculty, industry partners, and guests. Faculty members and students played an active role throughout the day, making the inaugural Research Day a resounding success and laying the groundwork for an annual tradition that celebrates innovation, academic leadership, and collaborative excellence.