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BCSIR and BUFT Sign MOU to Boost Research and Skills Development

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 1:17 GMT by The Daily Star

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BCSIR and BUFT Sign MOU to Boost Research and Skills Development

Bangladesh’s scientific and creative communities have taken a significant step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) and the Bangladesh University of Film and Television (BUFT). The historic agreement, signed on 10 March 2024 at the BCSIR headquarters in Dhaka, sets the stage for a new era of interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at enhancing both research output and industry‑relevant skills.

What the MOU Covers

While the full text of the MOU is not publicly released, several key components have been highlighted by the signatories:

Why the Partnership Matters

Bangladesh has long recognized the importance of knowledge‑based development. In the last decade, the government has pursued initiatives such as the Digital Bangladesh vision, which seeks to harness information technology to spur economic growth. Yet, there remains a gap between the creation of scientific knowledge and its communication to the public and to industry stakeholders.

Dr. A. K. M. Abdul Haque, Director General of BCSIR, emphasized this point in his remarks: “Science can only have a meaningful impact if it reaches people in a language they understand. By partnering with BUFT, we can translate research into compelling visual narratives that inspire innovation, inform policy, and engage the next generation of scientists.”

Similarly, BUFT Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Nazmus Samad highlighted the growing demand for media professionals who understand science: “The media landscape is increasingly data‑driven and content‑rich. Our students need to be equipped with scientific literacy, and our faculty need tools to present research in a format that resonates with audiences. This MOU bridges that gap.”

In addition to bridging academia and industry, the partnership is expected to generate ripple effects across the creative economy. By integrating scientific content into film and television, BUFT can create new content genres—such as science‑fiction dramas, investigative documentaries, and educational series—that will enrich Bangladeshi media and open up export opportunities.

Contextualizing BCSIR and BUFT

Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR)

Established in 1972, BCSIR is Bangladesh’s premier research agency, tasked with conducting basic and applied research across a wide range of disciplines. It operates more than 40 research laboratories in fields such as materials science, biotechnology, environmental science, and information technology. BCSIR’s mandate includes the development of indigenous technologies, capacity building, and fostering collaborations with industry and academia.

Bangladesh University of Film and Television (BUFT)

Founded in 2019 under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, BUFT is one of the country’s newest higher‑education institutions dedicated to the creative arts. The university offers programmes in film direction, cinematography, screenwriting, sound design, and media studies. With a mission to produce skilled professionals who can contribute to the burgeoning media and entertainment industry, BUFT has already forged partnerships with local broadcasters and production houses.

Anticipated Outcomes

While the MOU is still in its early stages, stakeholders have already outlined concrete milestones:

1. Pilot Science‑Based Documentary Series
   The first joint project will focus on Bangladesh’s biodiversity. BUFT students will film wildlife across the Sundarbans and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with BCSIR’s ecologists providing scientific insights. The resulting series will be broadcast on national television and streamed on online platforms.

2. Annual “Science‑Media” Summit
   Launched in 2025, this summit will bring together researchers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Themes will rotate each year, covering topics such as “Smart Agriculture,” “Renewable Energy,” and “Public Health Communication.”

3. Student Internship Programme
   Over 30 BCSIR scientists will intern at BUFT’s media studio each year, learning film production, editing, and digital marketing. In return, BUFT will host research interns who will assist in data collection and analysis for ongoing BCSIR projects.

4. Co‑Developed Curriculum Modules
   Both institutions will co‑design modules that incorporate scientific concepts into media courses. For instance, a course titled “Visualizing Data” will teach students how to translate complex datasets into engaging infographics and videos.

Global and Local Implications

On a global scale, this partnership is a case study in how scientific research institutions can partner with creative arts schools to create more effective public engagement. Similar collaborations have emerged in the United Kingdom (e.g., the Royal Society’s partnership with the National Film and Television School) and in the United States (e.g., the National Science Foundation’s “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Communication” programs). Bangladesh’s initiative could serve as a model for other developing countries seeking to make science more accessible.

Locally, the MOU aligns with several national strategies. The National Science Policy 2021‑2030 emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research, while the National Digital Strategy 2025 highlights digital storytelling as a key driver of economic growth. By integrating these policy frameworks, BCSIR and BUFT can leverage public funds and international grants more effectively.

Conclusion

The BCSIR‑BUFT MOU marks a watershed moment for Bangladesh’s research and creative sectors. By combining the analytical rigor of BCSIR with the narrative power of BUFT, the partnership promises to create a new pipeline of knowledge‑driven content that can educate, inspire, and drive innovation. While the specifics of the collaboration will unfold over the coming years, the foundational agreement signals a clear commitment to bridging science and media—an essential step for a nation that seeks to become both scientifically advanced and culturally vibrant. As the world increasingly values interdisciplinary collaboration, Bangladesh’s bold move could well position it as a leader in the emerging field of science communication and media innovation.