PM calls for special attention to medical science research

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her call to give special attention to medical science research and urged the country to move forward through new innovations to keep pace with new global technologies.

She said, research can bring success, it is now proven. Research has made us successful in meat and food production. We want our research to continue. But I can't but to admit that, despite the ongoing research work in our agricultural sector and scientific arena, the research in our health sector is very limited. So pay special attention to medical science research.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opined so, while speaking as the chief guest at the 'Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship' awarding ceremony among teachers, scientists, researchers and students of various universities and research institutes on Thursday (March 2) in the morning. On the occasion, the Prime Minister handed over checks for 'Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship' to 10 people, 'NST Fellowship' to 21 people and 'Special Research Grant' to 16 people from various universities and research institutes. The Ministry of Science and Technology organized the program at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Addressing the doctors, the Prime Minister said, "We need research on health matters very much. Health science research is done by a very limited number of people. But while some progress has been made over and over again, more is needed.

“We want our research to continue. But I can't but saying a sad thing that, our agricultural research is going on, scientific research is going on, but our research in the health sector is very limited. So, pay special attention to research in medical science.”

Sheikh Hasina's speech also brought up the discussion that has been going on for the past few years about passing MBBS and joining the administration or police through BCS.

She said, “A group of doctors leave medical practice and research after obtaining the MBBS degree and go into government jobs or politics. There is another class, they are only busy making money. At the same time, they not only practice in government jobs and private practice. After doing government jobs and private practice, there is no more scope left to research.”

In the event, it was informed that from 2010 to 2022-23 financial year, 682 people have been given fellowship worth about 268 crore 70 lakh taka. Under the 'National Science and Technology Fellowship' at the MPhil and PhD level, the Ministry of Science and Technology has given scholarships or grants of about Tk. 15751 million to 25 thousand 701 researchers since 2009-10. Besides, fellowships, scholarships are also being given from the Prime Minister's Educational Assistance Trust.

In addition to fellowships, special grants are being given to scientists and researchers, the Prime Minister said, from 2009-10 to the current financial year, research grants of Tk177 crore 54 lakh have been given for 5 thousand 521 projects.

Sheikh Hasina said, "Those who have received grants for this research or fellowship, you should research with a little sincerity. I also want to know what inventions you have made or how useful they will be in our country.”

Emphasizing on adapting to technology in the changing world, the head of government said that technology is constantly changing and the new era 4th industrial revolution has arrived. As a result, our manpower may be less. But technology has to be used appropriately. Information technology has to be used and for that we need skilled manpower.

“Again, we don't want to go all the way there. We also want to do labor intensive industries. Because, we also have to provide employment for a large population. The thought of how we can move the country forward by combining these two should be in everyone's mind."

He also pointed out that the Awami League government will establish 12 science and technology universities, some agricultural universities, marine science institutes, bio technology institutes and Novo theaters in the country. The Prime Minister also said that the government has also given importance to 'Blue Economy' to utilize marine resources.

Among others, Minister of Science and Technology Architect Yeafesh Osman and senior secretary of the concerned ministry Ziaul Hasan spoke on the occasion. Source: BSS