Speakers: Scientific researches imperative to utilize opportunities of 4th industrial revolution – Dhaka Tribune

Govt should include nanotechnology as an interdisciplinary subject to the national agenda, say experts

There is no alternative to create opportunities for researchers to work as the country is on the verge of entering into the fourth industrial revolution, according to speakers at a webinar.

They were speaking at a webinar titled, Bangabandhu's Thought on Science and Technology organized by Bangladesh Nano Society (BNS) on Saturday.

Many of our world-class scientists and researchers are working as frontiers at different renowned global organizations. We want our government to make it a priority to include nanotechnology as an interdisciplinary subject to the national agenda, said Dr Md Tofazzal Islam, a professor and founding director of the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), as the opening remarks.

One of the keynote speakers at the event Dr Senjuti Saha, scientist and director of Child Health Research Foundation, said: Nanotech is inevitable in scientific progress and transformations taking place in todays world. It has also played a big role in producing Covid-19 vaccines.

Speaking of Bangabandhus contribution to the countrys progress in science, this young researcher said: I dont know any other leaders in the contemporary world who thought about science the way Bangabandhu did. He always used to say - Research is power,

The Atomic Energy Commission was established in 1973 by the instruction of Bangabandhu, he allocated 265 acres of land just for research of nanotechnology in the same period. It is unimaginable that he thought about nanotech at that time, said Dr Saha.

Father of the Nation inaugurated the first artificial satellite of the country, just before he was murdered on August 15, 1975, she added.

Screenshot of the webinar

Dr Lutful Hassan, the vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University, said: The base of agriculture could be stronger in the upcoming future, with the use of nanotechnology,

He also suggested that nanotechnology could be used to reduce the cost of pesticides, assessing soil conditions and new technologies that help farmers to reduce the time and cost to apply insecticides.

Attending the discussion as the chief guest, State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam, said: On the 8th Five-Year Plan, we are promoting a strong inclusion of research and technology as were standing on the verge of a fourth industrial revolution. I have already proposed to allocate 1% of our total GDP into research and innovation, which still requires approval.

Mentioning the successful implementation of nanotechnology in the desalination process of water in the southern region of the country, the state minister pointed out how tech can be used for the betterment of marginalized people.

Bangabandhu always used to bridge the gap between the needy and the providers. Even being in power for just four years, he drafted and implemented the first five-year plan of the country. Even now, my ministry does not lack planning; we are continuously trying to accommodate evidence-based policy decisions, the state minister said during the webinar.

On the demand of a dedicated institute for nanotechnology, the state minister responded positively.

I wholeheartedly support the idea of a dedicated institute for nanotechnology. It will not cost much. However, there are some procedures before passing it to the planning commission, Id urge you to go through that. Ill see to it personally, he said.

Pointing out the importance of nurturing good quality scientists and researchers, President of Bangladesh Nano Society Professor Al Nakib Chowdhury said: Our researchers are working on nanotech on their own, just for the sake of their passion. However, there is no alternative to patronizing our researcher to see a greater impact of nanotechnology in the nations progress. Id urge the minister to consider a proper remuneration for them.

The webinar was moderated by Dr Mohammad Mahbub Rabbani, general secretary of Bangladesh Nano Society (BNS).

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Speakers: Scientific researches imperative to utilize opportunities of 4th industrial revolution - Dhaka Tribune