Meeting economic, environmental challenges

An International Workshop on nanotechnology "Nanotechnology and its prospects in Bangladesh" was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh on 21-23 September 2012. The Workshop was jointly organized by the University of Dhaka and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Workshop on 21 September at Hotel Sonargaon. All the scientific sessions were held at the Conference room of the Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka. She emphasized the importance of nanotechnology and declared the opening of a nanotech Centre on public-private partnership.
Over 200 delegates from home and abroad actively participated in the Workshop. Over 100 papers and posters on different aspects of research and applications of nanotechnology globally and in Bangladesh were presented at the workshop. Scientists from Canada, USA, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines and also scientists from different disciplines of nanoscience from Bangladesh spoke at the workshop. They emphasized application of nanotechnology in different sectors like: food and agriculture; health and medicine; energy and environment; ICT and microelectronics; industry and consumer goods.
On the last day of the conference, a position paper on nanotechnology was presented by Professor Shamima Choudhury, Convener, Scientific Committee of the Workshop. The paper contained suggestions for research and development of nanotechnology and its application in different sectors and overall upgrading of nanotechnological research activities in the country.
Many comments from the participants were received and these were incorporated in the draft recommendations document presented by Professor Choudhury. Detailed discussion was held on the draft and a number of suggestions were presented from the audience. Based on written and verbal comments and suggestions from the session the recommendations of the Workshop were finalized as follows:
Nanotechnology Roadmap - A roadmap for proper nanotechnology development with clear vision, mission, goals and objectives in line with the Vision 2021 of the government should be developed by the proposed Bangladesh Society for Nanotechnology. The roadmap will include short, medium and long term plans for nanotechnology research, development and application of this emerging technology for the socioeconomic development of the country.
Strengthening of nanotechnology research in Bangladesh
From the good number of presentations made from different academic and research bodies of the country, the workshop observed:
* Nanotechnology research has been initiated in different organizations.
* Proper funding should be ensured for continuation of such research endeavours in different organizations.
* For strengthening of advanced nanotech research a Centre of Excellence for nanotech research as declared by the prime minister in the inaugural ceremony should be established soon with facilities for cutting-edge nanotechnology research in different sectors of economy.
* Curricula development on nanotechnology
* Public Understanding of Nanotechnology- Success of any new technology depends on its acceptance by the public. As such, engagement of the public at all levels of nanotechnology technology development will ensure its proper application.

The writer is convener Scientific Committee and Professor Physics, Dhaka University.