This article is adapted from Bangladesh National Tour by Muhammad Raushan Ali in Wedding, D., & Stevens, M. J. (Eds.). (2009). Psychology: IUPsyS Global Resource (Edition 2009) [CD-ROM]. International Journal of Psychology, 44(Suppl. 1).

Psychology as an academic discipline began in the first quarter of the 20th century. The first psychology laboratory in Bangladesh was established in 1921 at the University of Dhaka in the Philosophy Department under the chairmanship of Professor G. H. Langely. Psychology is now taught at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels in three universities, namely the University of Dhaka, University of Rajshahi and National University. Bachelor (Honors), Masters, M. Phil., and Ph. D. degrees are offered at the University of Dhaka and the University of Rajshahi. Among the specialized courses, which are taught at these universities, include clinical psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, educational psychology, counseling and community psychology, environmental psychology, and psychology and national development.

Research

Although the first psychology laboratory was established in 1921 at the University of Dhaka, research here in psychology remained neglected until the end of the 1960s. With the introduction of a 3-year B.A. honors course in 1967 at the University of Dhaka, research in psychology got a momentum. Dr. Muhammad R. Ali and Dr. Abdur Rahman joined the department in 1967 where Dr. Mir F. Zaman was previously. These three Western trained professors formed a team to supervise research students as well as to carry out their own research. The University of Rajshahi soon followed suit and started research on various fields of psychology. Major fields of research include experimental and physiological, social, developmental, clinical, and industrial organizational areas.

The fact remains that there is very little application of the research findings for industrial and social development. There is very little impact of psychological research on national development.

There is a dominant focus on academic and basic research. Similarly, psychologists are not coming forward to carry out research on social problems.

Psychology Education

At the moment, B.A. / B.Sc. (Honors), M.A. / M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. levels of education are offered on the general and applied fields of psychology. The Bangladesh Institute of Psychological Services and Human Resource Development (BIPSHRD) is preparing to offer diploma and certificate courses in applied psychology such as counseling, psychotherapy, human resources development and management, medical psychology, etc.

Regulations

There are no special government regulations/requirements for the training of professional, applied psychologists.

Bangladesh psychologists do not have a formal code of ethics.

Publications

Bangladesh Journal of Psychology (1972, annual)
Bangladesh Psychological Studies (1991, annual)
Dhaka University Journal of Psychology (1968, annual)
Bangladesh Psychological Abstracts (1982, 5/year)

Updated June 2007