Conduct research to diversify exports
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged scientists and researchers to work for the welfare of mankind, as evolution of research and science is inevitable for the country's development.
"We want that you [scientists and researchers] will conduct your researches for people's welfare as fellowships are being given from the public fund," she said.
She also urged researchers to conduct studies to diversify Bangladesh's export basket alongside modernising and mechanising the agriculture sector, reports UNB.
"Research is essential if we want to increase our export items. I hope you all will pay special attention so that our export continues (to thrive) with diversified products," she said.
The premier made the remarks while distributing Bangabandhu Fellowship, National Science and Technology Fellowship and Special Research Grant at an event held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
The PM joined the programme virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.
She said no nation can move forward without science education and research so "you have to continue research and the next generation will do the same following your footsteps".
Hasina said the government has diversified education with the establishment of different types of universities, BSS adds.
"We've emphasised on skilled manpower and that is why we've established 18 new public universities so far from 2009 to develop human resources," she added.
The government has also set up high-tech cities, hi-tech parks and software technology parks to attain economic development through skilled manpower, she said.
The prime minister said after assuming power in 1996, they saw that there was no allocation for research and science education. "So we took initiatives to establish science and technology universities and kept separate funds for research," she continued.
Laying emphasis on research for modernisation and mechanisation of the agriculture sector and expansion of the export basket, the prime minister called on researchers to conduct more study for product diversification.
She also stressed on the necessity of making the research and development (R&D) wing of every industrial factory effective and stronger.
She said the government has been setting up 100 special economic zones across the country, where research is essential.
The premier also suggested inclusion of digital devices as new items to the export basket.
Hasina said the country's food production has increased due to research, as researchers have developed salinity-tolerant and drought-tolerant varieties of rice while research on water-logging-tolerant rice is going on.
Vowing to establish Bangladesh as a developed country, she said Bangladesh is marching forward and none will be able to halt its progress. "When coronavirus could not halt it (the progress), none will be able to do so anymore. It's my belief," she added.
Mentioning that Bangladesh has already sent Bangabandhu-1 satellite to the orbit, she said broadband internet connectivity is being set up throughout the country now. "We'll move forward using sciences," she said.
About reopening of educational institutions, the prime minister said the government will be able to open all educational institutes at the end of this March.
She said teachers and employees of the educational institutes are being given priority in the vaccination programme.
Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman chaired the event where the ministry's senior secretary Md Anwar Hossain delivered the welcome address.
In the ceremony, 77 persons received the Bangabandhu Fellowship while 3,305 were given National Science and Technology Fellowship and 800 got Special Research Grant.
On behalf of the prime minister, Yeafesh Osman handed over the fellowship and grant to the recipients.
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