'Train local professionals to extract natural resources'

The government should take initiatives to train local professionals to extract natural resources in order to reduce dependency on foreign experts, former chief justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman said yesterday.
He also said that the country often falls victim to massive natural disasters, but no steps have been taken so far to protect the life and property from such catastrophes.
Justice Rahman was speaking at a national symposium on 'Engineering and Technological Education at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet)' as the chief guest.
Buet organised the symposium as part of the celebrations marking 60 years of engineering education in Bangladesh.
Buet Vice-Chancellor Prof AMM Safiullah chaired the event. VC of the University of Asia Pacific Abdul Matin Patwari and Convener of the organising committee Prof Md Mazaharul Hoque were also present.
Presenting a keynote paper, former Buet VC Prof Iqbal Mahmud said engineering education was recognised as a separate academic discipline about 200 years ago and since then engineers have been trying to shift their focus from a natural world to a man-made world.
He said intellectual challenge for the undergraduate should be substantially equivalent to international standard.
"To face the challenge of 21st century, we have to provide education that helps develop innovative ideas. Humanities, arts and social sciences are now a must for creative engineers," he added.