An Interview With Dr Mamun Habib – Comments On Open Access In Bangladesh

Dr Md Mamun Habib on the right

Dr. Md. Mamun Habib, assistant professor at the Department of Operations Management at the American International University Bangladesh (AIUB) held a speech recently addressing his students, and the occasion was a new book launching ceremony. The book in question was, we are proud to declare, published by InTech, entitled “Management and Services”, edited by the aforementioned Dr. Md. Habib. He is the editor/editorial board member/reviewer of a number of books, respected international conferences and journals, including Journal of Operations Management (JOM) – Elsevier, Journal of Supply Chain Management (JSCM) – Wiley-Blackwell, Scientific Journals International; and he has already published more than 20 research papers. We asked him a few questions regarding his experience with InTech’s publishing process and his views on the Open Access movement in Bangladesh.  

1.) Dear Dr. Habib, first of all we would like to thank you for acting as the editor of the book “Management and Services”, which was published in October 2010 by the InTech Publishing Group. It is a pleasure to see scientists from developing countries supporting the Open Access movement. Can you tell us more about your views on Open Access worldwide and in Bangladesh?

It is a really great honor for me that I could work as the editor of the book “Management and Services” with InTech. Although I have about 20 research papers published so far, this is my first editorial book and second book chapter, however, my feelings are different here due to the Open Access Movement of InTech. My first book chapter was published in “International Retailing: Text and Readings” by Excel books from India.

Excellent! Open Access is a milestone for researchers. Especially, for developing countries, like Bangladesh, it unlocks the frontiers for further development in research areas as we are striving for educational development only.

2.) How are people in Bangladesh getting used to information technology and the Internet? Are scientists aware of such a movement and is it widely accepted?

The usage of Information Technology and the Internet was not popular in Bangladesh few years before. But nowadays, Bangladeshi people, including students, teachers and researchers, are enjoying using IT and internet. At present, the rate of development is satisfactory in that sector.

Of course! Scientists, i.e., researchers are aware of such a movement and it is widely accepted especially among researchers. My AIUB colleagues are also delighted with Open Access Books.

3.) Do universities and funding institutions (and government) support Open Access?

Not yet! A supportive role from universities and funding institutions (and government) towards Open Access is absent now. Hopefully, this sort of culture would start in the near future.

4.) What does Bangladesh (and the scientific community) need to do to become more aware of Open Access?

Emphasize the use of internet as well as online searching. The Bangladesh Government is trying to promote ICT development that would be fruitful in order to become more aware of Open Access.

5.) Are students in your country happy with their libraries? Are students aware of Open Access?

Students are not at all satisfied with their libraries due to the lack of physical infrastructure and collections.

Due to the lack of computers, most of the students are not aware of Open Access. Students from few universities, such as AIUB (American International University – Bangladesh), are aware of Open Access. The present Bangladesh Government has taken different initiatives for ICT development.

The Book Launching Ceremony at AIUB

6.) Do respected scientists leave Bangladesh after they have finished college?

Yup! More than 50%, respected scientists leave Bangladesh after finishing their degree.

7.) What would make researchers from Bangladesh understand that to gain back their research output for free is important?

Adequate research funds, sponsors that would create understanding for Bangladeshi researchers that need to gain back their research output for free, this is important.

8.) What would you change in research departments? Is there room for any changes?

As the Convener of the Research Group (of the Dept. of Operations Management of Faculty of Business Administration, AIUB), I always focus on the significance of research, and encourage its accomplishment.

In Bangladesh, at this time, research works development is not a common scenario like educational development.

9.) What would free scientific books do for researchers from Bangladesh?

Free scientific books would support Bangladeshi researchers to become more involved in research, explore new ideas as well.

10.) Can you tell us a bit more about your experiences with Open Access and about publishing with InTech? Would you recommend our collection of Open Access books to your students?

I hope that Open Access publishing is of great benefit to all researchers around the world. I am overwhelmed by joy and delighted to have worked with InTech as the editor of one book, “Management and Services”. Their excellent, efficient and dedicated job is highly appreciated.

Definitely, I recommend the book collection of InTech Open Access to my students for their studies and research. Consequently, I show your website in the class for their convenience.

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