The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

President Professor Dr Iajuddin Ahmed on Thursday emphasised the need for taking coordinated efforts for raising the general level of scientific efficiency so that the nation could apply the results of science to the fullest possible extent for national economic development.

"The role of science, as you know, is boundless in chronological development of the human civilisation.

In consequence of immense progress of science and technology, human tread has been possible at every corner of the globe," he added.

The President said this while addressing the Academy Gold Medal Award Ceremony 2008 organised by Bangladesh Academy of Sciences at Bangladesh National Museum at Shahabagh here.

President of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Professor Dr M. Shamsher Ali, Vice-President National Professor Dr AKM Aminul Haque and Secretary Professor Dr Naiyyum Choudhury also spoke on the occasion.

The President awarded 13 scientists of the country for their great contribution to the development of science and technology.

Professor Iajuddin said formal recognition to the scientists of the country would usher a new horizon in uplifting innovative and creative activities as well as research and development in the field of science and technology.

Professor Iajuddin, however said, science education in the country has been decreasing day by day owing to manifold reasons, depriving the nation from the services of the talented students. "We have to address the major causes with putting utmost importance in this regard," he added.

He also hoped that the government would consider the expansion of science education in the country on priority basis for the sake of the national interest.

He suggested extensive and special programmes such as stipend activities for science education, laboratory facilities, special incentives and training programme for the science teachers should be taken at the secondary and higher secondary levels for popularising science education in the country.

The President said in spite of very limited infrastructure and environment, the scientists in the country have been contributing to the nation through their untiring efforts.

"It is not possible to evaluate the contribution and achievement of a scientist by any scale or means; their contribution is universal transcending the boundaries of time and territory," he said.

"Let our scientists march forward with the firm steps to apply science and technology for the socio- economic development of the country," he added.

Professor Iajuddin welcomed the scientists who have made immense contributions to the nation building activities through their brilliant endeavours.

He also thanked the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences for awarding the talented scientists with gold medals, providing them fellowships, grants and other supports for promoting science education in secondary and higher secondary levels.