Rajshahi Hosts National Science Fair as Minister Signals Bigger Budget for Science Sector
The divisional phase of the 47th National Science and Technology Week and Science Fair is underway in Rajshahi under the arrangement of the divisional administration and supervision of the National Museum of Science and Technology.
The event, being held at the auditorium of Rajshahi College, features exhibitions and presentations by young innovators alongside the 10th National Science Olympiad and the 10th Science Quiz Competition 2026.
A total of 48 teams from different colleges are participating in the Science Olympiad. The fair was inaugurated on Sunday, May 17, through the release of balloons and festoons by Mizanur Rahman Minu.
Before the inauguration ceremony, the minister visited various exhibition stalls presented by participating students. In his opening speech, he hinted at increased allocations for the science and technology sector in the upcoming national budget.
“We will allocate much more funding for science in the next budget so that Bangladesh can move further ahead,” he said.
Addressing the young science enthusiasts, the minister stressed that patriotism must come first. He said many of today’s wealthiest individuals achieved success through science and technology, noting that organizations like NASA recruit top chemists, physicists, and astronomers from around the world by offering extensive opportunities and facilities.
He urged students not to permanently settle abroad after gaining higher education or research experience.
“You may go abroad to learn and discover new things, but Bangladesh must always come first. Return to serve your country. The people of this country contribute to your education,” he said.
Referring to oral saline solution as a major Bangladeshi contribution, the minister said the invention of oral rehydration saline had saved countless lives worldwide by helping combat diseases such as cholera at low cost.
He also highlighted the achievements of renowned Bangladeshi-American structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan, designer of Chicago’s iconic Willis Tower, and praised eminent scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose for his pioneering work on radio waves and plant physiology.
Mentioning nuclear scientist M. A. Wazed Miah, who studied at Rajshahi College, the minister said the institution has a long tradition of excellence in science education and research.
He further stated that the government is preparing laws to prevent agricultural land from being destroyed or acquired for industrial and construction purposes. He also emphasized the importance of scientific advancement in addressing food shortages during times of crisis.
Referring to the government’s canal excavation initiatives, the minister discussed water scarcity caused by the impacts of the Farakka Barrage and recalled how former President Ziaur Rahman introduced IRRI rice varieties from Indonesia, which were later improved by Bangladeshi scientists and contributed to the country’s food self-sufficiency.
The welcome speech at the event was delivered by Professor Md. Asaduzzaman, Director of the Rajshahi Region of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education.
The programme was chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid. Among the special guests were Member of Parliament Professor Nazrul Islam, District Council Administrator Advocate Ershad Ali Esha, Rajshahi Range Deputy Inspector General of Police Mohammad Shahjahan, Additional Police Commissioner Mohammad Al Mamun, Police Superintendent Mohammad Naimul Hasan, and Rajshahi College Principal Dr. Md. Ibrahim Ali.
DBTech/RTC/MUM/OR
