There is no alternative to critical thinking and research-based knowledge practices in combating false information and misinformation, said Prime Minister’s Economic and Planning Adviser Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an event organized at Dhaka University today to confer the Dean’s Awards on teachers and students.

Addressing the award recipients, Prof Titumir said DU students should not merely follow conventional knowledge, rather, they must ask questions, assess issues through reason and contribute to creating new knowledge.

“The primary responsibility of a public university is to develop a sense of citizenship, skills and innovative capabilities,” he said, adding that DU should be developed not merely as a ‘teaching university’ but as an institution that creates knowledge.

He urged the Dean’s Award-winning students to generate new ideas and theories through research and increase Bangladesh’s contribution to the global pool of knowledge.

At the same time, he said Dhaka University should take the lead in expanding science and mathematics education, developing skills and ensuring research-based education.

Prof Titumir stressed that higher education should not be confined to obtaining certificates. Students must be equipped with genuine knowledge and skills, he said.

He also said that while maintaining academic freedom and autonomy at public universities funded by taxpayers’ money, ensuring good governance, accountability and public interest is equally essential.