Cope with global technological advancement: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said as her government aims at reaching the scientific and technological advancement to a new height, she wants vigorous efforts from scientists and researchers to help the country cope with newer global technologies.

The scientists and researchers will have to give commendable returns to the nation to prepare people for working in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, she said.

The Prime Minister said the government would establish Bangabandhu Novo Theatre in each of the eight divisions, urging all the recipients of the fellowships and research assistances to work for the overall development of the nation.

She said, “We will set up Bangabandhu Novo Theatre in each of our eight divisions to enable our children to get better education on science and technology.”

The Prime Minister was distributing cheques of “Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship” "NST Fellowship" and special research donation among teachers, scientists and researchers.

The Science and Technology Ministry arranged the ceremony at Osmani Smriti Auditorium.

Joining the function virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence here, the Prime Minister said her government has been doing everything possible for the advancement of science and technology mainly to build efficient human force fit for working in the fourth industrial revolution.

As part of the move, she said her government has already given nod to establish four to five Bangabandhu Novo Theatres alongside enacting a required law, adding, "We will also set up the remaining others."

The Premier said the fellowships particularly the Bangabandhu fellowship have been given mainly to attain MES, Mphil, Phd degrees on science and technology with the public money.

She added: "You people who are receiving the fellowships and research assistances, would have to work for the development of the nation with the highest labour and responsibilities."

The Prime Minister said she wanted to see the returns of giving the fellowships and research assistances.

“The world is progressing with invention of newer technologies. We have to match with them as we want to build an efficient human force,” she opined.

She said that Bangladesh is an agriculture-based country for which her government has been made the agriculture mechanised alongside putting emphasis on industrialisation.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4RI) is knocking at our door. We have to build efficient human work forces capable of working for the revolution,” she said.

The Prime Minister said they are giving the fellowships and research assistances keeping in mind the 4RI.

“I believe that we will march forward using talent,” she said emphasizing on utilising the innovative knowledge for the welfare of the people.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Science and Technology Minister Architect Yeafesh Osman handed over the cheques of the fellowships and donations among teachers, scientists, researchers and science students of different universities and research institutes.

Senior Secretary of Science and Technology Ministry Ziaul Hasan delivered the welcome speech.