Evolve new tech to remove poverty

Assuring the scientists of providing all sorts of support in heir innovative efforts, Khaleda asked them to become more active in evolving newer technology and updating existing ones to accelerate the pace of socio-economic progress and remove poverty.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the gold medal award giving ceremony of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS) at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in the city. The prime minister awarded BAS gold medals to 10 renowned scientists of the country in recognition of their outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology.

They were: Dr Arun Kumar Basak, Dr M Saidur Rahman, Dr SM Imamul Huq, Dr M Mukhlesur Rahman Khan, Dr Hasan Askari, M Nazmul Ahsan, Dr S Shahnewaz Ahmed, Dr M Kaykobad, Dr AA Mamu, Dr M Rafiqul Islam and Dr Anwarul Azim Akhand.

Extending her sincere thanks to the gold medal awardees, Khaleda called upon the scientists to go for optimum utilisation of the existing scope and facilities and to overcome various limitations to prove their greatness.

She underlined the need for turning the BAS into a 'centre of excellence', and said the nation expects more from the scientists in the present age of knowledge-based society and globalisation.

The function was addressed also by Science and ICT Minsiter Abdul Moyeen Khan, President of BAS Prof M Shamsher Ali, and Secretary of BAS Prof Naiyyum Choudhury.

National Professor Dr AKM Aminul Haque read out the citation of the awardees.

Prime Minister said that the present government has signed an agreement with the US government for carrying out latest research in the field of science, industry and agriculture.

Khaleda said the government has arranged additional operating fund in revenue budget considering the important role of the agriculture scientists in poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.

New projects, she said, have been taken up on agriculture technology in collaboration with the World Bank to gear up research and expansion activities.

She said the country's agriculture scientists have already taken joint projects with USA and FAO (food and agriculture organisation).

The prime minister said the nation regards highly the scientists who are working sincerely and showed their excellence in their respective fields despite limitations.

Khaleda expressed the hope that the scientists would be successful in their efforts to change the society and ensure welfare to mankind.

Recalling the immense contributions of scientist sin different phases of civilisation, she mentioned the contributions of Ibne Khaldun, Ibne Sina, Abu Rushhd, Al Zeber, Al-Kimi and Al Farabi.

The prime minister said the government has already provided Tk five crore to 'endowment fund' of the BAS and appreciated the activities of the organisation.

Khaleda laid stress on sustainable application of science and technology to accelerate the pace of socio-economic progress to cope with the developed world.

She recalled the contribution of late President Ziaur Rahman in forming science and technology division in1980 and announcing the national science policy.

Khaleda said her government in its last tenure had elevated the science and technology division into a full-fledged ministry and reconstituted the ministry as Science and ICT ministry during the current tenure.

She also listed various steps taken by the government for the development of science and technology.

These included introductions of e-governance, linking the country to information super highway through submarine cable, adoption of a project to set up a hi-tech park at Gazipur, formulation of biotechnology policy and sector-wise guidelines, she added.

Ministers, noted scientists, vice chancellors and academicians were present.