Khulna University launches first Collaborative Research Grant Program to boost industry-academia joint research initiatives. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Nov 13, 2025 (BSS) - Khulna University (KU) has made history by introducing the country’s first-ever Collaborative Research Grant Program (CRGP) at the university level to promote joint research between industry and academia.

The collaboration was announced today at the Journalist Liakat Ali Auditorium of the university during a ceremony organized by the Research and Innovation Centre (RIC).

Under the CRGP initiative, a total of Tk 1.92 crore has been allocated for 11 projects. In addition, Tk 2.07 crore has been sanctioned for 39 projects under the Research Grant Program (RGP).

Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim handed over the cheques to the recipients as the chief guest. The VC said that research is indispensable for Bangladesh’s advancement toward a developed nation.

“Through research, new horizons in society, economy, and technology can be opened. With this collaborative grant, a new chapter of joint research between industry and academia begins today,” he remarked.

He further stated that the true value of research lies in its real-life applications for human welfare.

“Researchers must play a creative role in improving agriculture, the environment, and livelihoods in the southwest region. Khulna University aspires not only to achieve academic excellence but also to lead in socially responsible research,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also mentioned that the university has been increasing annual allocations to encourage undergraduate and postgraduate students in research and introducing incentives for publication.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Harunur Rashid Khan and Treasurer Prof. Dr. Md. Nurunnabi were present as special guests.

Prof. Dr. Kazi Mohammad Didarul Islam, Director of the Research and Innovation Centre, presided over the event, while Joint Director Prof. Dr. Md. Mahbub Hossain delivered the welcome address.

Prof. Dr. Md. Safiqul Islam of the Agro technology Discipline and Associate Professor Nisad Nasrin of the Economics Discipline expressed their views on behalf of the grant recipients.

After the ceremony, a workshop on Project Management was held at the same venue. Prof. Dr. Md. Asaduzzaman, Joint Director of RIC, delivered the welcome remarks. Prof. Dr. Md. Mahbub Hossain discussed “Research Project Management,” and Prof. Dr. Khan Mehedi Hasan spoke on “Financial Management in CRGP and RGP.”