The First National Research Festival 2026, jointly organized by the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) and Research & Integrated Thought (RIT), has successfully concluded, bringing together students, researchers, academics, and representatives from higher education institutions across Bangladesh.

 

Held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the day-long festival took place at the Shaheed Minar and Buddhijibi Chattar on the University of Chittagong campus. The event aimed to foster a research culture in the country’s higher education institutions, encourage innovative thinking among students, and strengthen connections between students and the research community.

 

## Participation from 31 Universities

The festival witnessed the participation of students from 31 universities across Bangladesh, creating an opportunity for young researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with academics from diverse disciplines. The event served as a platform for promoting research collaboration and encouraging evidence-based thinking among university students.

 

## Three Major Components of the Festival

The festival featured three major components designed to showcase student research and facilitate academic exchange.

Research-Based Poster Presentations: Students presented their research findings through academic posters, demonstrating their research interests, analytical skills, and innovative ideas.

 

University and Institutional Exhibitions: Stalls hosted by various universities and institutes showcased their academic activities, research initiatives, and institutional contributions to knowledge development.

 

Research Discussions and Panel Sessions: Researchers and academics participated in discussions and panel sessions covering a wide range of disciplines, including Business Studies, Social Sciences and Arts, Biological Sciences, and Science and Engineering. These sessions provided opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogue and the exchange of research perspectives.

 

## Distinguished Guests and Academic Participation

The festival was attended by distinguished guests, including the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mohammad Al-amin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Md. Safiqul Islam, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rajshahi Professor Dr. Saleh Hassan Naqib, former Vice-Chancellor of Rangamati University of Science and Technology Dr. Md. Atiyar Rahman, former Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dr. A.F.M. Khalid and others. 

Their participation added significance to the gathering and highlighted the importance of academic engagement, research development, and student participation in advancing higher education in Bangladesh.

 

## Promoting a Research-Oriented Academic Culture

The successful completion of the First National Research Festival 2026 marks an important initiative toward strengthening research engagement among university students in Bangladesh. By bringing together participants from 31 universities and creating opportunities for research presentations, exhibitions, and academic discussions, the festival encouraged collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines.

 

Jointly initiated by CUCSU and RIT, the festival reflects a commitment to nurturing young researchers, promoting innovation, and building stronger connections among students, academics, and research institutions.

The event stands as a platform for encouraging future research initiatives and contributing to the development of a more research-oriented higher education environment in Bangladesh.