Admission Coaching For NSU

16/08/2026

Bright GMAT: In 'The Manager’s Handbook', David Dodson, MBA ’87, describes the book as “the book I wished someone had handed me when I first became a manager.” As a lecturer in management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Dodson presents it as a practical guide for managers who are serious about getting things done—including building strong teams by hiring the right people and, when necessary, letting the wrong people go.

Terminating an employee is one of the most difficult responsibilities a manager faces. Leaders often delay the decision because they do not want to hurt someone’s feelings, but postponing it can make the situation worse. According to Dodson, effective leadership requires accepting that difficult conversations are sometimes part of the job.

So how can a manager handle a termination with respect and fairness?

Meet one-on-one. Having another manager or HR representative present can make the employee feel distrusted and may not necessarily provide additional legal protection. Unless circumstances require otherwise, the conversation is best handled privately.

Protect the employee’s privacy. Losing a job can be deeply embarrassing and may be one of the most difficult experiences of someone’s professional life. Hold the meeting somewhere other employees cannot observe. If the employee needs a moment to collect themselves, give them privacy before continuing.

Be direct and brief. Dodson argues that “directness is kindness.” A termination meeting should be short—ideally no more than about 10 minutes—and the message should be unmistakably clear. Avoid vague language that could leave the employee believing the decision is negotiable or that their role is simply changing.

Focus on what comes next. The initial conversation should concentrate on the terms of the separation rather than a detailed explanation of past performance. In the moment, extensive feedback can cause the employee to become defensive or discouraged. If they want a fuller explanation, consider offering a separate conversation after they have had time to process the news.

Prepare for practical questions. Managers should be ready to explain logistics such as final pay, unused vacation, benefits, insurance, and other transition details. As Dodson puts it, “Preparation is compassion.” Employees are likely to feel more secure when they leave knowing what happens next.

Provide a written transition agreement. Give the employee a clear document outlining the terms of the separation and allow appropriate time for review.

Keep the focus off your own emotions. Avoid comments such as “This is so hard for me” or “I hope we can still be friends.” The conversation should not become an outlet for the manager’s discomfort. Nor should responsibility be shifted to a boss, board, or other authority. As Dodson emphasizes, the person making the decision needs to own it.

Ultimately, letting someone go with dignity requires clarity, preparation, privacy, and respect. The goal is not to make an inherently difficult conversation painless, but to handle it in a way that is honest, humane and fair.

Here are some Bright Prep style GMAT practice questions based on the passage, focusing on Reading Comprehension skills such as main idea, inference, application and author’s purpose.

1. Main Idea

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the passage?

A. To argue that employee termination should always involve an HR representative
B. To explain how managers can terminate employees in a respectful and effective manner
C. To demonstrate that most managers are uncomfortable making termination decisions
D. To compare different approaches to employee dismissal
E. To argue that employee performance reviews are ineffective

Answer: B

2. Inference

The passage suggests that managers who postpone terminating an employee because they are concerned about hurting the employee’s feelings are likely to:

A. Improve the employee’s performance
B. Increase the employee’s confidence
C. Make the eventual termination more difficult
D. Avoid potential legal problems
E. Strengthen their relationship with the employee

3. According to the Passage

According to Dodson, why should a manager avoid saying, “This is so hard for me”?

A. It could make the employee question the legality of the termination.
B. It shifts attention from the employee to the manager.
C. It suggests that the manager is uncertain about the decision.
D. It could encourage the employee to negotiate the terms of separation.
E. It makes the meeting unnecessarily long.

Answer: B

4. Application

A manager has decided to terminate an employee. Before the meeting, the manager reviews the employee’s unused vacation balance, insurance status, final paycheck, and separation documents. Which principle from the passage is the manager most clearly following?

A. Respect their privacy
B. Keep it quick
C. Look ahead
D. Preparation is compassion
E. Take responsibility for the decision

5. Inference

Why does Dodson recommend discussing detailed performance feedback in a separate meeting, if necessary?

A. Employees generally do not have the right to receive performance feedback during termination.
B. Performance feedback is irrelevant once a termination decision has been made.
C. The employee may be too emotionally affected by the termination to respond constructively.
D. Performance feedback can create additional legal exposure for the company.
E. Managers generally do not have enough time to discuss performance.

Answer: C

6. EXCEPT Question

According to the passage, all of the following are recommended practices when terminating an employee EXCEPT:

A. Providing information about the terms of separation
B. Holding the meeting privately
C. Preparing answers to practical questions
D. Explaining in detail why the employee failed to meet expectations
E. Communicating the decision clearly and directly

7. Author’s Reasoning

The statement “Directness is kindness” most strongly implies that:

A. Managers should avoid discussing the employee’s feelings.
B. A short and unambiguous explanation can reduce unnecessary uncertainty for the employee.
C. Managers should terminate employees as quickly as possible.
D. Employees generally prefer not to know why they are being dismissed.
E. Managers should communicate termination decisions in writing rather than verbally.

Answer: B

8. GMAT Critical Reasoning

A manager believes that having an HR representative present during every termination meeting demonstrates professionalism and protects the company from potential legal problems. Based on Dodson’s advice, which of the following would most weaken the manager’s reasoning?

A. HR representatives are often responsible for handling separation paperwork.
B. Some employees may feel more comfortable speaking with HR than with their managers.
C. The presence of another manager or HR representative may signal distrust without necessarily reducing legal exposure.
D. Termination meetings can sometimes last longer than 10 minutes.
E. Employees may have questions about benefits and insurance.
..................................
𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑝 𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐺𝑀𝐴𝑇 𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑒

𝐹𝑜𝑟 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠, 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛:

𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 → “𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑔𝑒” 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑓𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑠 → 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑊ℎ𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑢𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 → 𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒/𝑓𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑊ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑟 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑢𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 → 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑞𝑢𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝐺𝑀𝐴𝑇 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑥𝑡-𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑑, 𝑟𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒.

05/08/2026

The July Uprising of 2024 represents one of the most significant episodes of civic mobilization in contemporary Bangladesh. What began as a student-led movement demanding reforms to the public service quota system gradually evolved into a broader political movement that raised questions about governance, accountability, civil liberties, and democratic participation. While interpretations of the movement and its long-term implications continue to differ, its impact on public discourse and political engagement is widely recognized.

Immediate catalyst for the protests was the reinstatement of the government job quota system, a policy that many students argued undermined merit-based recruitment in public employment. However, numerous observers have suggested that the movement reflected broader concerns among sections of Bangladesh's population, particularly young people, regarding employment opportunities, rising living costs, governance, corruption, political participation, and institutional accountability. For many participants, the quota issue became a symbol of wider structural challenges rather than an isolated policy dispute.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the July Uprising was the diversity of its participants. University and college students formed the core of the initial demonstrations, but the movement later attracted support from professionals, civil society organizations, and citizens from different social backgrounds. Digital communication and social media played an important role in organizing demonstrations, disseminating information, and coordinating activities across campuses and cities. These developments reflected the growing influence of digital technologies on civic engagement and collective action in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has a long history of student participation in political and social movements. Students played pivotal roles during the Language Movement of 1952, the Mass Uprising of 1969, and the Liberation War of 1971. Although the political circumstances surrounding each of these events differ considerably, they collectively illustrate the recurring involvement of young people in moments of national transformation. The July Uprising has therefore been viewed by some scholars and commentators as part of this broader historical tradition of youth engagement, while others caution against drawing direct historical parallels because of the distinct contexts in which these movements emerged.

Debate surrounding the quota system also highlighted broader discussions about meritocracy and equal opportunity in public service recruitment. Supporters of reform argued that government employment should prioritize competence, qualifications, and transparency to strengthen public confidence in state institutions. Conversely, advocates of quota provisions emphasized their historical and social objectives, arguing that such policies can promote inclusion and address longstanding inequalities affecting particular groups. The controversy therefore reflected competing perspectives on how fairness and equity should be balanced within public administration.

The movement also illustrated the increasing political awareness of Bangladesh's younger generation. Growing access to digital media has enabled many young Bangladeshis to engage with international debates on governance, transparency, public administration, and democratic participation. Exposure to global experiences has influenced expectations regarding institutional accountability and responsive government. Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that Bangladesh's youth are not politically homogeneous, and opinions regarding the movement, its objectives, and its methods varied across individuals and communities.

Another notable feature of the protests was the support provided by segments of civil society. Medical professionals, lawyers, teachers, journalists, volunteers, and ordinary citizens contributed in different ways, including providing legal assistance, medical care, transportation, and humanitarian support. Such participation suggested that, for many observers, the movement had developed beyond a dispute over public sector recruitment and had become part of a wider national conversation concerning governance, civic rights, and institutional reform.

The protests also attracted considerable international attention. Foreign governments, international organizations, and human rights groups expressed concern regarding reports of violence, restrictions on peaceful assembly, and limitations on freedom of expression. Many called for restraint by all parties, respect for human rights, and dialogue aimed at resolving the crisis through peaceful and constitutional means. These responses underscored the international significance of developments in Bangladesh and the broader importance attached to democratic governance and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Interpretations of the July Uprising remain diverse. Supporters often describe it as an important democratic movement that expanded political participation and demonstrated the capacity of citizens, particularly young people, to influence public debate. Critics and other observers, however, have questioned aspects of the movement's leadership, political consequences, and methods, emphasizing the need for careful historical assessment based on evidence rather than immediate political narratives. As with many significant political events, the full historical significance of the uprising will likely become clearer over time.

Regardless of differing interpretations, the movement highlighted the importance of institutional resilience. Public discussions following the protests have focused on issues such as transparent recruitment systems, judicial independence, administrative accountability, civil liberties, and mechanisms for inclusive political dialogue. Whether these discussions ultimately lead to meaningful institutional reforms remains an important question for Bangladesh's democratic development.

Responsibility for sustaining democratic progress extends beyond governments alone. Civil society, educational institutions, political parties, and citizens all contribute to the effectiveness of democratic governance. For young people in particular, civic engagement need not be confined to periods of protest. Participation in policy discussions, community service, research, entrepreneurship, public administration, and democratic institutions represents equally important avenues through which citizens can contribute to national development.

Bangladesh continues to face the challenge of balancing political stability, economic development, and democratic accountability. The aspirations expressed during the July Uprising—including calls for greater transparency, fairness, merit-based opportunities, and responsive governance—reflect concerns that resonate with many citizens, even if opinions differ regarding the most appropriate means of achieving these objectives. Strengthening public institutions, promoting constructive dialogue, and ensuring equal opportunities remain important components of sustainable democratic development.

From a historical perspective, the July Uprising has already secured a place in Bangladesh's contemporary political history because of its scale, public visibility, and influence on national discourse. Its long-term legacy, however, will depend less on the immediate political outcomes than on whether it contributes to durable institutional improvements and stronger democratic practices. Historical assessments are likely to continue evolving as additional evidence, scholarly research, and public reflection emerge.

Ultimately, the July Uprising demonstrated the capacity of citizens—particularly young people—to organize collectively around issues they considered important. Whether interpreted primarily as a movement for quota reform, a broader campaign for democratic accountability, or a combination of both, it underscored the continuing role of civic participation in shaping Bangladesh's political development. If the discussions generated by the movement encourage more transparent institutions, inclusive policymaking, and constructive democratic engagement, its significance will extend beyond the events of 2024 and contribute to the country's ongoing democratic evolution.

Below are SAT Reading and Writing–style questions based on the rewritten passage. They emphasize central ideas, evidence, vocabulary in context, rhetoric and inference, similar to the 2026 Fall and 2027 Spring NSU admissions and Digital SAT.

Question 1: Central Idea

Which choice best states the central idea of the passage?

A. The July Uprising of 2024 was solely a movement against the public service quota system.

B. The July Uprising evolved from a dispute over public employment policy into a broader discussion about governance and democratic participation, though its interpretation remains debated.

C. Bangladesh's democratic institutions have already been permanently transformed by the July Uprising.

D. International organizations were primarily responsible for resolving the political crisis.

Question 2: Main Purpose

The primary purpose of the passage is to

A. criticize the government's response to the protests.

B. persuade readers that quota systems should be abolished.

C. provide a balanced overview of the July Uprising and discuss its broader political and historical significance.

D. compare Bangladesh's political system with those of other countries.

Question 3: Vocabulary in Context

As used in the passage, the word "catalyst" most nearly means

A. obstacle

B. consequence

C. trigger

D. justification

Question 4: Inference

The passage suggests that digital communication contributed to the July Uprising primarily by

A. replacing traditional news organizations.

B. enabling participants to organize and share information efficiently.

C. convincing international organizations to intervene.

D. preventing disagreements among protesters.

Question 5: Evidence

Which quotation best supports the conclusion that the movement expanded beyond university campuses?

A. "University and college students formed the core of the initial demonstrations..."

B. "...the movement later attracted support from professionals, civil society organizations, and citizens from different social backgrounds."

C. "Digital communication and social media played an important role..."

D. "Bangladesh has a long history of student participation..."

Question 6: Author's Perspective

The author's discussion of historical student movements primarily serves to

A. argue that every political movement follows the same pattern.

B. suggest that the July Uprising occurred in a historical tradition of youth engagement while acknowledging important differences.

C. prove that the July Uprising was more significant than previous movements.

D. criticize earlier generations for failing to achieve reform.

Question 7: Function of a Paragraph

The paragraph discussing both supporters and advocates of the quota system primarily serves to

A. demonstrate that the debate involved competing views of fairness.

B. prove that quotas are ineffective.

C. explain why international organizations supported the protesters.

D. argue that meritocracy is impossible.

Question 8: Text Structure

The passage is organized primarily by

A. chronological narrative followed by discussion of broader implications.

B. comparison and contrast between Bangladesh and neighboring countries.

C. problem-solution throughout every paragraph.

D. cause and effect without historical context.

Question 9: Inference

Which statement would the author most likely agree with?

A. Democratic development depends only on changes in political leadership.

B. Civic participation can take many forms beyond public demonstrations.

C. Young people generally hold identical political views.

D. International organizations should determine domestic policy.

Question 10: Rhetorical Purpose

Why does the author mention international organizations and human rights groups?

A. To argue that foreign governments should lead Bangladesh's reforms.

B. To illustrate that the events attracted global attention and concern.

C. To criticize international media coverage.

D. To demonstrate that the protests were internationally organized.

Answer: B

SAT Reading and Writing Questions
Question 11: Transition

Which transition best completes the sentence?

"The quota system served as the immediate catalyst for the protests. ______, many participants viewed it as part of broader concerns about governance and opportunity."

A. Nevertheless

B. Consequently

C. Similarly

D. For example

Question 12: Precision of Language

Which word best completes the sentence?

"The movement ______ support from professionals, civil society organizations, and citizens from different social backgrounds."

A. attracted

B. invented

C. prevented

D. dismissed

Question 13: Logical Completion

Which sentence most logically follows the discussion of digital communication?

A. Bangladesh has experienced rapid industrialization.

B. These technologies enabled participants to coordinate activities across multiple locations efficiently.

C. Many governments use social media for tourism.

D. University admissions increased during the protests.

Answer: B

Question 14: Best Summary

Which choice best summarizes the passage?

A. The July Uprising was a student protest over quotas that quickly ended without broader significance.

B. The July Uprising emerged from a dispute over public employment, expanded into broader discussions about governance and democratic participation, and continues to inspire debate regarding its long-term legacy.

C. International organizations determined the outcome of the July Uprising.

D. Bangladesh's political history consists entirely of student-led movements.

Answer: B

Question 15: Command of Evidence

Which piece of information from the passage best supports the claim that the movement influenced public discussion beyond its original issue?

A. The protests began at universities.

B. Citizens provided medical assistance and legal support.

C. Public discussions after the protests focused on institutional reforms, including transparency, judicial independence, and civil liberties.

D. Bangladesh has a history of student activism.

Answer: C

These Bright Prep questions closely mirror the College Board Digital SAT style by emphasizing evidence-based reading, inference, rhetorical analysis, vocabulary in context, and concise reasoning rather than simple factual recall.

03/08/2026

Office of External Affairs (OEA), North South University congratulates Ashiquzzaman Dipto and Mahzabin Islam Ninia on being awarded fully funded Semester Exchange Scholarships at Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.

The scholarship provides the students with the opportunity to study at one of Australia's leading universities, gain international academic exposure, experience a diverse learning environment, and develop valuable intercultural, academic, and professional skills.

This achievement highlights the students' academic excellence and reflects North South University's commitment to expanding global learning opportunities through international partnerships. The University wishes both students continued success as they represent NSU and Bangladesh during their exchange program.

Moreover, Bright Prep supports students in identifying and preparing for fully funded undergraduate exchange opportunities by providing guidance on eligibility, applications, university partnerships and scholarship preparation.

Send a message to learn more

01/08/2026

Nurul Kabir director of the Undergraduate Admissions Office said the examination concluded smoothly and announced that the official admission results will be published on the NSU website later this week. Applicants have been advised to regularly check the university's official admissions portal for updates.

Whether you are preparing for private research university admissions at home or abroad, Bright Prep provides expert guidance to help you achieve your target scores in the SAT, TOEFL and IELTS. Our experienced instructors, comprehensive study materials and exam-focused teaching approach equip students with the knowledge, strategies and confidence needed to excel on test day. Through interactive classes, regular mock exams and personalized feedback; we help every learner maximize their potential.

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NSU Holds Fall 2026 Undergraduate Admission Test with Around 7,500 Applicants North South University (NSU) successfully conducted its Undergraduate Admission Test for the Fall 2026 semester on August 1 at its main campus in two shifts. Admission examination was held from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00...

01/08/2026

Mohammad Moniruzzaman Khan a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at North South University and a researcher who has described himself as one of the world's leading scholars has seen 26 of his research papers retracted by international journals.

He served as the lead author on six of the papers and co-authored the remaining 20. According to the journals, the retractions resulted from multiple forms of research misconduct, including fake peer reviews, inconsistencies in data, and plagiarism.

Moniruzzaman Khan's case is not an isolated incident. An investigation by Prothom Alo identified at least 325 research papers linked to Bangladeshi universities and research institutions that were retracted between 2019 and June 2026.

Publishing in reputable academic journals is fundamental to a researcher's professional recognition, career advancement, and intellectual contribution. High-quality publications also strengthen a country's academic reputation. Experts warn that repeated retractions damage the credibility of researchers from Bangladesh, making it increasingly difficult for legitimate research to gain acceptance in internationally respected journals.

Professor Kazi Matin Uddin Ahmed of the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka, whose approximately 450 publications have received nearly 20,000 citations, compared each retracted paper to "a red card in football," emphasizing that the growing number of retractions involving Bangladeshi researchers has become a serious concern.

When allegations are raised against a published study, journals generally follow the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Editors first conduct a preliminary assessment before requesting original data and explanations from the authors. If the responses fail to resolve the concerns, publishers appoint independent investigation panels. Papers are formally retracted if serious misconduct is confirmed.

To prepare this report, Prothom Alo analyzed records from the Retraction Watch database, which tracks withdrawn scientific publications worldwide, alongside its own independent review. The newspaper identified at least 325 retracted papers involving Bangladeshi researchers, although the actual number may be higher because additional retractions may not yet have been recorded.

Each paper was counted only once, even when multiple Bangladeshi researchers or institutions were involved. Most retractions were issued by major publishers, including Elsevier, Springer Nature, Wiley, Hindawi, and IEEE.

The most common reasons cited in retraction notices included manipulation of the peer-review process, inconsistencies between data and findings, plagiarism, duplication of previously published data, citation manipulation, and, in some cases, links to commercial "paper mills" that sell authorship positions.

The investigation found that researchers affiliated with Daffodil International University were associated with 44 retracted papers, followed by North South University with 42, Jahangirnagar University with 32, United International University (UIU) with 21, and the University of Dhaka with 20.

Researchers from the University of Chittagong, the University of Rajshahi, and Begum Rokeya University were each linked to 11 retracted papers. Other institutions included World University of Bangladesh (10), Noakhali Science and Technology University (10), BGC Trust University Bangladesh (10), Bangladesh University of Business and Technology (7), and Gopalganj Science and Technology University (6).

The 26 retracted papers involving Professor Moniruzzaman Khan were published between 2021 and mid-2022 and withdrawn in 2023. All included co-authors from several Saudi Arabian universities.

According to several Bangladeshi researchers, Saudi universities previously offered financial incentives to increase international research output, encouraging collaborations with overseas academics. However, concerns about research quality later emerged, and the number of retractions involving Saudi institutions has increased significantly since 2020.

Moniruzzaman Khan rejected responsibility for the retractions, arguing that the studies had undergone multiple rounds of peer review before publication. He also claimed that although the authors submitted explanations during the investigation process, publishers ignored their responses.

Internal records from North South University's ECE Department show that Moniruzzaman and his student collaborators published approximately 80 research papers within an 18-month period between 2021 and mid-2022, an unusually high output that raised concerns within the faculty.

Professor Shazzad Hosain, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said the university had warned Moniruzzaman at the time because the publication rate appeared abnormal. However, despite these concerns, the university neither launched a formal investigation nor imposed disciplinary action.

The investigation also identified several other Bangladeshi academics linked to retracted publications.

Muntasir Murshed, associated with eight retracted papers, listed affiliations with both North South University and Daffodil International University while working as a research fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). He stated that he used Daffodil's affiliation out of personal affection for the institution and said he was uncertain about the precise reasons behind the retractions. BIDS Director General Professor Enamul Haque described the matter as serious and indicated that institutional action would follow.

At Daffodil International University, lecturer Mominur Rahman was connected to seven retracted papers covering cancer, nanomedicine, Alzheimer's disease, COVID-19, and marine-based pharmaceuticals. Publishers Springer and Elsevier stated that they had lost confidence in the scientific validity of the findings after identifying significant irregularities.

University officials noted that Daffodil offers financial incentives ranging from BDT 20,000 to BDT 50,000 for high-quality publications and also presents annual research awards. The university's Research Division stated that if allegations are substantiated, financial incentives may be recovered.

Other researchers linked to multiple retractions include Talha Bin Emran, Abdul Kader Mohiuddin, Professor Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Professor Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Professor Shapan Chandra Majumder, and Professor Md. Kamruzzaman. The reported reasons for the retractions include fabricated data, plagiarism, fake peer review, citation manipulation, and the reuse of previously published datasets.

Several of these researchers denied intentional misconduct, attributing the retractions to publisher errors, citation inconsistencies, or problems involving co-authors.

Institutional responses have varied considerably.

Begum Rokeya University investigated Professor Towfiqul Islam following the retraction of nine papers and ultimately issued only a formal warning, citing the absence of institutional policies governing research retractions.

United International University stated that it had been unaware of the retractions involving Professor Md. Kamruzzaman until contacted by Prothom Alo and said appropriate action would now be considered.

Similarly, Daffodil International University indicated that it would review the cases involving its affiliated researchers and recover research incentives if misconduct is confirmed.

Experts argue that Bangladesh lacks a comprehensive accountability framework for research misconduct. Although publication records significantly influence academic promotion and institutional recognition, there is often little follow-up when papers are retracted.

Professor Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), said that universities bear the primary responsibility for investigating allegations of research fraud involving their faculty members. If institutions fail to take appropriate action, the UGC may conduct its own investigation and impose disciplinary measures.

Whether universities and the UGC will implement meaningful accountability measures remains an open question as concerns over research integrity continue to grow.

Below are 10 SAT Reading and Writing–style questions based only on the passage. They mirror the style of the digital SAT, including questions on central ideas, evidence, vocabulary in context, inference, and rhetorical purpose.

Question 1: Central Idea

Which choice best states the central idea of the passage?

A. International journals have become increasingly strict in evaluating research papers.

B. A large number of research papers linked to Bangladeshi researchers have been retracted, raising concerns about research integrity and institutional accountability.

C. Saudi universities are responsible for most research misconduct involving Bangladeshi researchers.

D. Research paper retractions rarely affect a researcher's professional reputation.

Answer: B

Question 2: Evidence

Which statement is presented in the passage as evidence that the problem extends beyond a single researcher?

A. Professor Moniruzzaman Khan described himself as a leading researcher.

B. At least 325 research papers involving Bangladeshi researchers were retracted between 2019 and June 2026.

C. Several publishers ignored authors' explanations before retracting papers.

D. Some universities offer financial incentives for publications.

Question 3: Vocabulary in Context

As used in the passage, the word "integrity" most nearly means

A. popularity

B. honesty and adherence to ethical standards

C. intelligence

D. independence

Answer: B

Question 4: Inference

What can reasonably be inferred about the universities discussed in the passage?

A. Every university conducted thorough investigations into retracted papers.

B. Institutional responses to research misconduct varied considerably.

C. Universities generally refused to cooperate with publishers.

D. Most universities immediately dismissed researchers whose papers were retracted.

Question 5: Function of a Detail

Why does the passage mention that Professor Kazi Matin Uddin Ahmed's work has been cited nearly 20,000 times?

A. To suggest that citation counts determine whether research is ethical

B. To establish his credibility when discussing the significance of paper retractions

C. To compare his achievements with Professor Moniruzzaman Khan's

D. To explain why his own research has never been retracted

Answer: B

Question 6: Supporting Evidence

Which detail best supports the claim that some institutions lacked effective accountability mechanisms?

A. Publishers such as Elsevier and Springer Nature issued many of the retractions.

B. Begum Rokeya University issued only a warning because it lacked a policy addressing research retractions.

C. Researchers often publish in internationally recognized journals.

D. Some papers included co-authors from Saudi Arabian universities.

Question 7: Author's Purpose

The primary purpose of the section describing the COPE investigation process is to

A. criticize journal editors

B. explain how publishers determine whether research should be retracted

C. argue that peer review should be eliminated

D. demonstrate that publishers rarely investigate allegations

Answer: B

Question 8: Inference

Based on the passage, why might repeated paper retractions create long-term challenges for Bangladeshi researchers?

A. Researchers may be prohibited from publishing internationally.

B. International journals may become less willing to trust research originating from Bangladesh.

C. Universities will stop funding scientific research.

D. Publishers will discontinue peer review.

Question 9: Text Structure

How is the passage primarily organized?

A. It presents a problem, provides evidence and examples, and concludes by discussing accountability.

B. It compares research policies in several countries.

C. It narrates the career of one professor chronologically.

D. It explains how to conduct scientific research.

Answer: A

Question 10: Synthesis

Which conclusion is most strongly supported by the passage?

A. Research misconduct is limited to Bangladesh.

B. Financial incentives always lead to fraudulent research.

C. While journals have mechanisms for identifying problematic research, institutional oversight in Bangladesh has often been inconsistent.

D. All retracted papers contained fabricated data.

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