The three-day long ‘Science and Industry-Technology Fair 2024’ ended on Saturday afternoon at the Dhanmondi campus of Bangladesh Council of Science and Industry Research – BCSIR. Dhaka South Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh urged to create smart scientists in this meeting of young scientists.
Senjuti Saha, a microbiological scientist of Child Health Research Foundation who was present at the event, said that smart Bangladesh must be created through scientific practice.
Member of Parliament actor Ferdous urged to increase funds for research. He said, “A country can never develop without the progress and development of science. The Government of India has taken and implemented multi-dimensional initiatives and continues to do so. Since we have a technology-savvy Prime Minister, I believe that our talented students will come forward to implement Smart Bangladesh through technology development and innovation.”
Chairman of BCSIR, Prof. Dr. Md. Aftab Ali Sheikh said, not only the science fair, science practice should be increased throughout the year.
Prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners at the closing ceremony.
In the event, 12 people were awarded who stood 1st to 3rd in categories A (6th-8th class), B (9th-10th class), C (11th-12th class) and D (self-taught).
Sadia Tasnim of Shimul Memorial North-South School got the first prize for ‘Smart IoT systems in agriculture and modern security system in homes or institute project’ in ‘A’ category; Armin Islam of Holy Cross Girls’ High School got the first prize for ‘Flame extinguisher machine project’ in ‘B’ category; Zabir Zarif Akhtar of St. Joseph Higher Secondary School got 1st prize for ‘Multipurpose home appliance circuit and electric shock proof system project’ in ‘C’ category. In category ‘D’, Apoorba Majumdar Prattay of Expert Electronics got first prize for ‘Malti power-based lamp for various purposes at low-cost project’.
While speaking as the chief guest, DSCC Mayor Barrister Sheikh Taposh said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given us the vision of building a smart Bangladesh to move forward in this era of the fourth industrial revolution. Our sustainability ambitions put science at the forefront. That is why, in the light of our education policy, top priority is given to prepare talented students in this era of 4th Industrial Revolution. Because there is no substitute for research in technology development and innovation. Therefore, more allocations should be increased for science and technology research and we will work on the target.”
Claiming that no one had made a significant contribution to the science and technology research of this country before Sheikh Hasina, Barrister Sheikh Taposh said, “Before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina became the prime minister, no significant budget was allocated for the science and technology research of this country. But after assuming charge in 2009, she gave the highest priority to this sector. Today, I was told by the chairman of BCSIR that Tk 9 crores of funds have been allocated only for research. I think this is also not enough. I believe, if we bring it to the attention of the Prime Minister, including the Minister of Science and Technology, the Members of Parliament from this area and myself, it may be converted from Tk 9 crore to 90 crores.”
Although, science education was once lagging behind; as a result of Sheikh Hasina’s multifaceted initiatives, students’ interest and workplaces in science and technology education are increasing, said the mayor. Earlier, our students used to think that when they grow up, they will go abroad for studies. I have no opportunity to work in this country, I have no opportunity to develop my intellect. But as you have noticed, in this journey from 2009 to 2024, many of our children are returning to Bangladesh ignoring the many opportunities outside the world. Participating in the development of the country with patriotism and devotion for the country. They are returning to the country because the Prime Minister has given unlimited opportunities for science and research. Similarly, today a speaker said, he returned to the country 7 years ago and is working for the country.”
Chairman of BCSIR Professor Dr. Md. Bangladesh Safe Food Authority member, Professor Dr. Aftab Ali Sheikh chaired the event. Mohammad Shoaib and others also spoke at the conclution event.
The 3-day long Science and Industrial Technology Fair 2024 started from February 1. 202 projects were submitted in this year’s event. Out of these, 77 projects were featured in the exhibition.