Shahariar Islam Sovon :
In the pursuit of academic excellence, Bangladesh grapples with the pervasive issue of plagiarism, underscoring the formidable challenges facing its educational landscape. Despite concerted efforts by institutions authority to combat academic dishonesty, concerns persist regarding the broader societal, political, and ethical factors that hinder effective resolution.
Former Chairman of Bangladesh National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman told The New Nation that family education plays a pivotal role in fostering moral values. He asserts a correlation between a lack of moral upbringing and the propensity for plagiarism, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address this issue.
In the wake of these challenges, calls for educational reform resonate strongly. Academicians advocate for a shift in pedagogical paradigms towards nurturing creativity and research skills among students. They argue that encouraging originality and critical thinking can serve as potent deterrents against plagiarism.
Dhaka University takes a proactive stance in combating plagiarism, unveiling a comprehensive policy titled “The Rules for the Prevention of Plagiarism.” This policy imposes penalties for students, teachers, or researchers found guilty of academic misconduct, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to upholding academic integrity.
Moreover, the adoption of sophisticated plagiarism detection software, “dubd21,” underscores the university’s commitment to ensuring the authenticity of scholarly work. By leveraging technology, Dhaka University aims to bolster its efforts in maintaining academic standards and integrity.
However, recent revelations of plagiarism involving several faculty members, including Associate Professor Abul Kalam Lutful Kabir, cast a shadow over the university’s endeavors. Allegations that 98% of Kabir’s PhD thesis was plagiarized underscore the systemic nature of the issue, necessitating a concerted response from academia and society at large.