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Bangladesh Computer=20
Council (Ministry of Science and Information = &=20 Communication Technology) Phone: 8144046, Fax:=20 88-02-9124626,, Email: bcc@bcc.net.bd=20 , Web: http://www.bcc.net.bd/ |
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Bangladesh Computer=20
Council (Ministry of Science and Information = &=20 Communication Technology) Phone: 8144046, Fax:=20 88-02-9124626,, Email: bcc@bcc.net.bd=20 , Web: http://www.bcc.net.bd/ |
The Bangladesh = Gazette
Extraordinary
GOVERNMENT OF =
THE PEOPLES=20
REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH
MINISTRY =
OF=20
EDUCATION
Science and =
Technology=20
Division
NOTIFICATION
Dhaka, the 24th February, 1986
No. STD-S-XIII.Sc.P(16)/86/410. - The National Science =
and=20
Technology Policy of the Government of the People's Republic of =
Bangladesh is=20
published herewith for general information.
1. PREAMBLE
1.1 Science has been described as "the means of understanding the = natural=20 environment", while technology is "the means of controlling and managing = it".=20 Hence Science and Technology together cover the gathering and generation = of=20 information about the material world and the application of that = information for=20 the welfare of mankind.
1.2 The advanced countries of the world are where they are today = primarily=20 because of their ability to use science and technology as effective = tools for=20 achieving their national objectives. These countries have changed the=20 life-styles of their peoples through the cultivation and application of = science=20 and technology. The developing countries have fallen behind primarily = because of=20 their backwardness in this respect.
1.3 It is now generally realized that the inherent strength of a = nation lies=20 in the skills of its people which can be acquired and enhanced through = the=20 practice of science and technology in every field. The promotion of = scientific=20 knowledge and development of technology, through their increasing = application,=20 create the necessary conditions for socio-economic uplift of a country.=20 Technological progress is thus the crucial determinant in the = realization of the=20 twin objectives of eradication of poverty and acceleration of = socio-economic=20 development
1.4 Bangladesh has been struggling to meet the basic needs of its = people,=20 viz., food, clothing, shelter, health, education and the like and to=20 substantially raise the living standards throughout the country. In = order to=20 achieve these goals and to keep up with the rest of the world, = Bangladesh, too,=20 must harness science and technology to reach its national goals. It is = only=20 through the use of S & T as effective instruments of change that a = happy=20 future for the people of Bangladesh can be ensured.
1.5 Scientific research and development is a vast field in which = various=20 Ministries, Government and Semi-Government agencies, universities and = private=20 enterprises participate. Coordination of scientific research in the = research=20 institutions and universities is extremely important. Owing to a low = base a poor=20 infrastructure, we have been able to undertake research work in only = relatively=20 small number of areas. In these areas also, progress of research a = development=20 activities has not been very satisfactory so far. There were other = constraints=20 including the lack of a rational, coherent and comprehensive Nation = Science and=20 Technology Policy to guide decision-making on the quantum and = distribution of=20 resources for scientific and technological research and the lack of a = clear=20 perception of the very special nature of R & D institutions and the=20 management. The limitation of resources, shortage of skilled manpower in = in many=20 areas, inadequate research facilities and skill development programmes, = lack of=20 coordination among scientific organizations, outmoded science curricula = in the=20 educational institutions, dependence on foreign technology, brain drain = and=20 emigration of trained manpower and poor social consciousness of the role = of=20 science and technology in national development-all of these factors have = conspired to keep us backward.
1.6 Bangladesh now recognizes that given the limitations of her = factor=20 endowments, the mounting problems of providing for the basic needs of = the=20 people, ensuring a reasonable standard of living and accelerating the = pace of=20 economic development cannot be tackled without the help of science and=20 technology. It is, therefore, essential to provide high national = priority to=20 scientific and technological considerations in the over-all development = strategy=20 of the country.
1.7 With this end in view, a National Science and Technology Policy =
was=20
formulated in 1980. However, it consisted mostly of broad objectives =
without=20
definite guiding principles and did not form a part of the over-all =
national=20
development plan. In the absence of any effective mechanism, no =
concerted effort=20
could be made even for partial implementation of the policy.
=
| 2. AIMS AND STRATEGY | ![](3D"http://www.bcc.net.bd/p_up.gif") |
2.1 In recognition of the fact that the formulation of a = comprehensive and=20 coherent national science and technology policy, designed to contribute = to the=20 achievement of the country's development objectives, is necessary for = the=20 effective application of science and technology for development, the = Government=20 of Bangladesh considers it appropriate to formulate a new National = Science and=20 Technology Policy. The Policy is designed to fulfil the foolowing = primary aims:=20
(a) To attain scientific and technological =
competence and=20
self-reliance, to help increase production and employment in=20
various sectors and =
sub-sectors of the economy.
(b) To be in consonance with the = socio-economic,=20 cultural, educational, agricultural and industrial policies of the = nation.
(c) To contribute to the world-wide pool of=20 scientific and technological knowledge.
(d) To seek out and recognize high talents = in=20 various areas of science and=20 technology. &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; =20
(e) To strengthen cooperation in science and =
technology between developed and developing countries, and particularly=20
among =
developing=20
countries themselves.
(f) To provide guideline for institutional=20
arrangements or rearrangements in the R&D structure (including =
education and=20
training) for attainment =
of the=20
above objectives.
2.2 With a view to ensuring that policy formulation in science and = technology=20 and their cultivation and application in various sectors will proceed in = a=20 coordinated manner, the Government of Bangladesh constituted on 16 May, = 1983, a=20 centrally institutionalized mechanism called the National Committee on = Science=20 and Technology (NCST) to perform the following functions:
(a) Recommend national policies on Science and = Technology.=20
(b) Recommend priorities to specific research =
programmes,=20
evaluate the quality and effectiveness of research=20
programmes =
undertaken=20
by various agencies and assess the extent to which results are put to =
actual=20
use.
(c) Suggest measures for coordination of = scientific=20 research and development activities.
(d) Recommend approval to research plans and = programmes.=20
(e) Such other matters as may be considered = relevant by=20 the Government.
2.3 The NCST, headed by the President of the People's Republic of =
Bangladesh,=20
has a Vice-Chairman, six concerned Ministers, eight concerned =
Secretaries and=20
seven prominent scientists/technologists as members. The composition of =
the=20
NCST, with its terms of reference, is shown in Annexure-A.
=
2.4 There is also an Executive Committee of the NCST to oversee the=20
implementation of its directives and decisions. The NCST may be assisted =
by=20
sub-Committees, Technical Committees, Advisory Panels, Expert Panels and =
Consultants, as required.
| 3. MAJOR ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE AND = TECHNOLOGY=20 POLICY | |
Solution of the problems of the national economy calls for = multidisciplinary=20 application of science and technology. Given the limitation of = resources, an=20 integrated approach is essential for evolving a comprehensive and = coherent=20 national science and technology policy which will serve, inter = alia, the=20 following purposes:
3.1 Organize and coordinate all Research and =
Development work concerning science and technology in the=20
=20
country:=20
&nb=
sp; =20
Bangladesh now has more than sixty R&D institutions and supporting=20
facilities administered by Research Councils, Development Agencies, =
Government=20
Departments and Non-Governmental organizations. There is, however, =
little=20
coordination among them. Often no specific targets are set, no =
monitoring and=20
control measures exist and not enough thought is given to the =
development of=20
marketable products from these endeavours. The net result is =
fragmentation of=20
research activity with little returns accruing from the effort.
In view of this, the role of the NCST as the central coordinating = agency=20 assumes critical importance. The NCST would advise the Government on = selected=20 areas of research and development which would help realize the stated = objective=20 meant to accelerate economic recovery and then assign these areas of = research=20 and development to the specific agencies best equipped to carry them to = a=20 successful completion and ensure their high performance. The NCST will = also=20 evolve a mechanism for establishing linkages of R&D in horizontally = amongst=20 themselves and vertically with the Ministries deal S&T activities. =
In view of the above, it is considered appropriate that the NCST also = serve=20 the following functions.
(a) Recommend measures for = technology assessment, development, adaptation, adoption and diffusion = in the=20 country.
(b) Suggest measures to =
integrate=20
a Science and Technology Plan with the Development Plans prepared by=20
&nb=
sp; =20
Planning Commission.
(c) Introduce effective=20
institutional arrangements in the various organs of the Government to =
help=20
promote and monitor=20
&nb=
sp;=20
the implementation of the Science and Technology Plan.
(d) Secure funds and = allocate them=20 to the various R& D institution the light of national development=20 priorities.
(e) Recommend to =
Government on=20
science and technology related policies in the areas of taxation, =
import, export=20
and =
&nb=
sp;=20
industrialization with intent to create appropriate infrastructure for=20
maximizing technology transfer and economic=20
&nb=
sp;=20
development.
=
(f)=20
Suggest measures to strengthen environmental pollution monitor and=20
control. =
; =
&=
nbsp; =20
(g) Take =
adequate=20
steps to popularize science and technology among people in general.\ =
(h) Promote regional and=20
international cooperation in science and technology on bilateral and=20
multilateral basis.=20
&nb=
sp; It=20
is generally recognized that engineering research is needed to provide =
the vital=20
link in the commercialization of=20
&nb=
sp;=20
research results and in adoption, adaptation and digestion of imported=20
technology. However, in Bangladesh, although=20
&nb=
sp;=20
research in agricultural and medical sciences have been organized =
through the=20
aegis of the Bangladesh Agricultural=20
&nb=
sp;=20
Research Council (BARC) and the Bangladesh Medical Research Council =
(BMRC)=20
respectively, institution engaged=20
&nb=
sp; in=20
engineering research in such areas as water resources, housing =
transport, etc.=20
have not yet been able to develop any=20
&nb=
sp;=20
dynamic and well-coordinated research programme.
An Engineering Research Council may, therefore, be created in line = with=20 the Medical Research Council . Its prime objectives will be to : =
(a) identify thrust areas for research in engineering=20 = sciences; &nbs= p; = ; = =20
(b) promote in-house research and design capability in both = public and=20 private sector industries.;
(c) coordinate and develop research in the existing engineering = research organizations;
(d) provide facilities for inter-agency consultation for = adoption=20 adaptation and digestion of foreign technology; and
(e) offer other related services to different=20 organizations.
3.2 Careful selection of the problems facing the country in = each vital=20 sector, where solutions are likely to have a significant impact on the = economic=20 and socio-cultural development of the country:
This will be achieved by formulating science and technology plans=20 commensurate with sectoral priorities arising form national development=20 objectives, establishing targets for each science and technology sector, = critically evaluating the resources required and effectively monitoring = the=20 performance of each sector. Special effort must be made for research and = development in the following sectors:
(1) Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Poultry, Forestry and = Fisheries.
(2) Flood Control, Water Resources, Land Reclamation and = Deltaic=20 Studies.
(3) Health and Family Planning
(4) Energy.
(5) Large Scale Industries including Engineering and Metal = Industries.=20
(6) Small Scale and Rural Industries
(7) Transportation.
(8) Communications.
(9) Housing and Public Works.
(10) Scientific and Technology Education including provision of = interaction and
coordination = among=20 educational institutions, R& D organizations and the=20 industries.
Some of the indicative thrust areas identified in these sectors. on =
which R=20
& D is needed and which are vital for solution of immediate problems =
of life=20
and living of the largest number of our people, are shown in Annexure =
'B'=20
3.3 Promotion of research and = strengthening the=20 competence and capability of research institutions including the=20 universities:
Nurture of national talent must be ensured by substantial improvement = in the=20 facilities of the research institutions including the universities = through the=20 provision of:
(1) Support Services : This will be done =
through -=20
=20
&nb=
sp; &nbs=
p; =20
(a) Creation of modern and adequate instrumentation facilities in=20
research institutions
&nbs=
p; =
; =20
(b) Establishment of a central workshop facility for effective =
maintenance and=20
repair of scientific instruments=20
&nb=
sp; &nbs=
p; =20
and also design and manufacture of equipment specially required for =
research.=20
=20
&nb=
sp; &nbs=
p; =20
(c) Strengthening of science and technology information bases through an =
integrated information system for=20
&nb=
sp; &nbs=
p; =20
all research institutions.
&nbs=
p; =
; =20
(d) Development of computer capabilities and provision for time- sharing =
networks of computer systems.
=
(2)=20
Availability of Multi-disciplinary Manpower for Goal-Oriented Research : =
This will be achieved through-
(a) Provision for sufficient number of chemical, mechanical, = electrical=20 and agricultural
engineers, in = addition to=20 sufficient number of available scientists, for design and=20
engineering services and other = facilities for=20 technical feasibility studies, pilot plant =
=20 extension studies, design development, etc.(b) Provision for properly trained economists and market = research=20 specialists for each
research = institution.=20
(3) Review Mechanism for accountability in R = & D=20 organizations=20 : = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; =20
In goal-oriented research and development project, individual = scientists;=20 groups and teams, operational units and institutes entrusted with the = work=20 should be accountable for their total output within a time frame. The=20 accountability factor should be a built-in element in the R & D = mechanism.=20
While in an undeveloped economy like ours goal-oriented research will =
continue to be emphasized, certain proportion of basic research must =
also be=20
carried out in the universities, R & D organizations and other =
enterprises=20
because it provides solid foundation for applied research and =
development. This=20
type of research will be carried out by those with originality and=20
innovativeness of a high order. Successful accomplishment of basis =
research=20
automatically results in the creation of manpower imbued with great =
intellectual=20
quality, self-confidence and the ability to find new and innovative =
solutions to=20
problems.
3.4 =
Establishment of=20
scientific and research institutions/laboratories/Centres of Excellence =
where=20
research of high quality can be carried out in selected areas of =
national=20
importance:
Such institutions or centres will provide for training facilities at = the=20 highest level and undertake major projects relevant to national = development=20 needs. With a few exceptions, establishment of new scientific research=20 institution/laboratories/Centres of Excellence will be avoided, = Attention will=20 be given to judicious utilization of available resources for developing = the=20 existing institutions such as Universities, BAEC, BCSIR, BIRDEM, etc. = into=20 centres excellence. However, in view of the great potential of = bio-technology=20 for the developing countries, a National Institute will be established = to carry=20 out research on bio-technology: Other such centres of excellence would = be in=20 Computers and Lasers, Such 'centres of excellence' will be set up in = different=20 parts of the country with due regard to the availability of high grade = manpower=20
3.5 Improvement of standard of = scientific=20 knowledge at all levels from the school to the university: =
This effort will comprise the following -
(a) Adequate emphasis should be given on simple concepts of = science and=20 mathematics from the primary stage and the school curriculum = should be=20 oriented in such a way that problem solving skills of the pupils = are=20 enhanced and the inter-disciplinary character of science is = reflected.=20
(b) Primary resources for education and training, namely, = qualified=20 teachers, physical facilities, equipment, books, journals, = teaching aids,=20 etc. should be ensured.
(c) Adequate provision and proper arrangements for higher = training and=20 research in the universities should be made.
(d) Access to higher education in science should be selective = and based=20 on merit which will be supported by liberal Government = scholarships.
(e) Opportunities including 'Open Universities' for expansion = of=20 science education may be introduced and to that end library = services=20 should also be expanded and improved.=20
| |
3.6 Training of personnel and specialised scientific and = technological staff=20 in the research institutions/laboratories and industrial establishments=20 :
Manpower training is an essential condition for technical progress. = Therefore, policies for the enhancement of a scientific and = technological=20 manpower capacity shall, inter alia, aim at the following -=20
(a) Ensure scientific and technological training at all levels, on=20 continuous basis, at home and abroad, as and when required, so that = the=20 research capability of the scientists and technologists is = continuously=20 developed and harnessed.
(b) Give incentives to universities, research institutions and = other=20 educational institutions so that they may become more responsive to = the=20 problems of society, particularly by integrating them with the = production=20 system and the cultural pattern of the country.
(c) Develop mechanisms and programmes for professional and = technical=20 updating so as to train specialized personnel required to cover all = the links=20 in the chain that relate research and development to products and = marketing.=20
(d) Facilitate constant training , development and upgradation of = labour=20 force, relevant vocational training, and, in particular, adequate = training of=20 researchers and technicians employed by production units.
(e) Develop an indigenous managerial and administrative capacity in = science=20 and technology.
(f) Make a thorough evaluation of the brain-drain problem including = the=20 emigration of skilled manpower with a view to identifying measures for = tackling the problem and reversing the exodus of scientific and = technological=20 manpower.
(g) Launch a nation-wide quality improvement programme for S&T=20 personnel which will include promotion of doctoral programmes in the=20 universities of the country.
(h) Give adequate importance to local research-based degree = holders.
(i) Ensure participation of teachers, scientists and technologists = in=20 various seminars, workshops and conferences - both at national and=20 international levels - to increase their working = efficiency.
Besides building up professionals , technicians, managers and skilled = workers=20 through the creation of training facilities in the country, high quality = manpower needed to provide leadership and maintain the continuity of the = build-up process has to be created. This will be done in the country and = also=20 abroad in co-operation with advanced countries on the basis of a 'sister = institution' concept under national and international support.
3.7 Ensure suitable environment for =
scientific and=20
technological research:
| For achieving this objective the following measures are = envisaged=20 - | |
(a) Top talented scientists will be attracted to the field of = science and=20 technology.
(b) Scientists and technologists working in the country will be = given the=20 opportunity to reach the highest national grade of pay and, in = exceptional=20 circumstances, even a higher grade, while continuing in his position = in=20 recognition of outstanding services in research on the basis of a = procedure of=20 assessment and evaluation to be evolved.
(c) Scientists and technologists should not be promoted on the = basis of=20 seniority in service alone but due recognition should be given to = meritorious=20 achievements to be evaluated periodically. Appropriate service rules = for=20 various scientific organizations should be framed for this purpose. =
(d) Scope of lateral entry should be provided for distinguished = scientists=20 and technologists from outside on the basis of selection
(e) Scientists' freedom of thought and communication with the world = community of scientists should be given preferential and priority = treatment.=20
(f) A corps of highly skilled technicians should be developed as = the first=20 step for setting up of infrastructure for research.
(g) Scientific academies, associations and societies should be = given=20 adequate support so as to enable them to play their due role in = society more=20 effectively and to popularize science and technology.
(h) coordination, interchangeability and appropriate linkage = between the=20 universities and the research institutions shall be established so = that=20 exchange of scientific personnel between universities and R & D=20 organizations can take place smoothly.
(i) Maximum autonomy, through appropriate decentralization of = power, should=20 be given to the science organizations to create a sense of freedom and = thereby=20 increase efficiency of R&D efforts.
(j) Due incentives in the form of awards and national recognition = should be=20 given to scientists and technologists for meritorious=20 achievements.
3.8 Creation of scientific awareness among the broad masses of people = through=20 popularization of science and technology and encouraging innovative = activities,=20 especially among the younger generation:
| This will be achieved through- | |
(a) Launching an intensive nation wide programme for the = popularization of=20 science and technology through the effective use of mass media like = radio,=20 television, newspapers and through scientific societies/associations = and=20 science clubs in order to create an environment in which the broad = masses of=20 people can apply scientific principles to their daily living.
(b) Strengthening of the National Museum of Science and Technology = and=20 launching of mobile museums to display devices derived from various = theories=20 of science and models of various instruments, processes and techniques = with a=20 view to increasing public understanding of scientific principles and = their=20 practical applications, and with intent to encourage the people's = creative=20 abilities and interest; and
(c) Arranging lecture tours by scientists/technologists which = stimulate=20 interest in science and technology among students and young people and = encourage them to apply scientific principles to their daily living = and induce=20 them to become scientists and technologists themselves.
=20
3.9 Establishment of national capability for development of = indigenous=20 technology and attainment of a national capacity for the assessment, = selection,=20 acquisition, adoption and adaptation of foreign technology:
=It is recognized that the Technology Policy for the country will cut = across=20 many policy areas and development sectors. The basic objective of the = Technology=20 Policy will be the development of indigenous technology and efficient=20 assimilation of imported technology.
Its aim will, inter alia, be to:
(a) guide the formulation of a Technology Plan which is to be = integrated=20 with the national=20 = plan. &n= bsp; =20
(b) attain national capacity for autonomous decision-making in=20 technological matters through promotion of technological competence = and=20 self-reliance.
(c) ensure transfer of research results to the production sectors = and their=20 optimal utilization by the national economy.
(d) ensure provision of facilities for transfer and productive = utilization=20 of research results through the institutionalization of engineering = design,=20 prototype development and commercialization of products in the = relevant sector=20 corporations and individual units in both public and private = enterprise.
(e) reduce vulnerability, particularly in strategic and critical = areas,=20 making optimal blend of indigenous and imported technological = resources.
(f) devise appropriate legal, fiscal and financial instruments for=20 selection, importation, absorption and adaptation of foreign = technology.
(g) ensure establishment of institutional facilities for relevant = knowledge=20 assimilation and skill development for learning the absorption process = for=20 imported technology.
(h) generate technologies which are internationally competitive,=20 particularly those with export potential.
(i) ensure development of support facilities like information and=20 documentation services, computer services and soft-ware packages,=20 standardization and quality control.
(j) ensure due considerations to matters relating to ecology, = environment,=20 energy conservation, employment generation and social justice, etc. = while=20 importing technology.
(k) provide support to emerging technologies like biotechnology, = genetic=20 engineering, micro-electronics, new and renewable sources of energy,=20 etc.
In order to fulfil the broad aims and objectives to the Technology = Policy=20 out-lined above it is envisaged to strengthen and establish relevant=20 institutions and co-ordinance activities of the different organizations = in=20 respect of technology transfer. With this strategy in view the present = Institute=20 of Appropriate Technology at BUET will be strengthened and given = responsibility=20 for policy research on matters related to technology assessment, = forecasting,=20 evaluation, etc. The Institute will act in close cooperation with and, = among=20 other things, may receive research assignment from a Technology Transfer = Study=20 Centre, to be instituted as a think tank for the NCST.
With further development of a policy regime for technology transfer =
and=20
institution of appropriate legal, fiscal and financial instruments for =
imported=20
technology, a National Centre for Technology Development and Transfer =
may be=20
instituted in due course to serve as a focal point to provide =
information,=20
training, consultancy and extension services in respect of technology =
transfer.=20
3.10 Creation of Centralized facilities for = collection=20 and dissemination of scientific information and research = findings:=20
A strong information base is a prerequisite for an S&T plan with=20 self-reliance as one of its principal objectives. To facilitate rapid=20 documentation and dissemination of indigenously collected information = and that=20 obtained from outside sources, a well organized and institutionalized = system is=20 required which would conform to the international standards and be = available=20 within the resource constraints of the country. In Bangladesh, = scientific and=20 technical informations are handled at the moment by several = organizations which=20 are collecting, collating, cataloguing and storing information in = different=20 fields.
For effective functioning, a three-tier national system is proposed = with the=20 following three levels of=20 operation: &nb= sp;
| |
A. The Central Documentation Centre: This would be = headed by=20 a highly qualified and experienced expert supported by a number of=20 subject-matter specialists. It will have the following base facilities: =
(a) Centralized storage and cataloguing,
(b) Central physical facility for data line connections and = documentation,=20
(c) Liaison with various international documentation agencies,=20 = and &nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp;
(d)=20 Overall administrative control of the national documentation = facilities.=20
The Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre = (BANSDOC), now a unit of the BCSIR, will be developed as the central=20 documentation centre directly under the Science and Technology Division. = The=20 National Science Library will form a part of the Central Documentation = Centre.=20
B. Four sub-groups situated in convenient institutions to = deal with=20 the following subject areas:
(a) Physical Sciences to include documentation facilities = for all=20 physical, chemical, mathematical, statistical, and nuclear subject = areas.
(b) Agriculture, livestock, fisheries and rural development = group to=20 cover agriculture, food and nutrition, rural development and social = and=20 economic sciences.
(c) Medical and Biological group to include medical, health, = biological and economic sciences.
(d) Engineering and Technology group to include all = engineering=20 subjects, architecture, planning, energy, technology, environment, = housing,=20 communication, transportation, water resources, etc.
These four sub-groups would have independent facilities for = storage,=20 documentation, copying, microfilm/microfiche, etc., in their = respective areas.=20 The four agencies would be linked together directly and through the=20 centralized first tier administrative and functional mechanisms.=20
C. Institutional Facilities: All the scientific = institutes=20 (research and educational) would continue to have their library = facilities and=20 subject-matter specialization. These libraries will perform the function = of=20 collecting and documenting basic local information in their respective = areas and=20 feed the same to the respective sub-groups and ultimately to the central = storage=20 for permanent documentation and international exchange.
This three-tier scheme would operate under the general supervision = of the=20 National Committee on Science and Technology (NCST)
3.11 Ensure adequate fund for the STR sector = for=20 development of infrastructure for R&D activities:
In recognition of the fact that science and technology are essential = tools=20 for the socio-economic uplift of a nation, the industrially advanced = countries=20 spend large resources on scientific and technological activity. = Typically, they=20 spend between 2 and 3 percent of the total value of their goods and = services=20 i.e. their Gross National Product (GNP) on research and Development = (R&D).=20 Several times this amount is additionally spent in converting the = results of the=20 R&D into a socially valued artefact which is then made readily = available to=20 the potential buyer and user.
By contrast, the expenditure on R&D in our country does not = constitute=20 more than 0.3% of the GNP whereas the international standard is a = minimum of 1%=20 of GNP of the developing countries. It has been found from experience = that=20 R&D funding below a level of 1% of GNP does not create any = significant=20 impact on economic development.
Special efforts should, therefore, be made to ensure adequate = resources for=20 the effective implementation of science and Technology Policies. = Apportionment=20 of at least 1% of GNP will be targeted for R&D and the target will = be=20 reached as soon as possible by phasewise increases in the allocation in = this=20 sector. For this, appropriate financial mechanism will be established = and the=20 functions of which would include:
(a) Linkages of the users of science and technology through their=20 participation in the formulation and execution of projects concerned. =
(b) Special arrangements to ensure continuous financing for science = and=20 technology.
(c) The procurement and utilization of funds from national sources, = both=20 public and private, international agencies/organizations and the = United=20 Nations system, which, however, should conform to the overall national = development objectives.
Besides, a centralized fund for R&D activities shall be created = out of a=20 contribution of 1% of the total budget of all productive sectors. This=20 contribution will be compulsory for both public and private sector = industries=20 and such contribution will be tax-free. The NCST may allocate funds to = various=20 scientific organizations and distribute them through the Science and = Technology=20 Division which would also monitor and evaluate the impact of such = expenditure.=20 The administration of the programmes will, however, remain with the = respective=20 Ministries.
3.12 Ensure bilateral, sub-regional, = regional and=20 international scientific and technical collaboration:
Bangladesh is totally committed to acquiring scientific and = technological=20 capability to be able to reach her socio-economic goals as soon as = possible.=20 Concerted efforts will be made to foster scientific and technical = co-operation=20 with developed and developing countries to build up a sound science and=20 technology base in the country. In this respect sub-regional, regional = and=20 international collaborative arrangements with agencies like South Asian=20 Association for Regional co-operation (SAARC), Commonwealth Science=20 Council(CSC), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific = (ESCAP),=20 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization = (UNESCO),=20 Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development (IFSTAD), UN = Centre=20 for Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD), etc. and also other = bilateral arrangements will be given due importance.
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&nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; =20
4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PLAN
The priorities for the scientific and technological development in = the=20 country will be identified on the basis of the above considerations by = the NCST=20 for the formulation of appropriate Science and Technology Action Plan. = In=20 drawing up the S & T plan, the NCST will endeavor to combine = sectoral=20 approaches keeping in view the totality of the nation's scientific and=20 technological needs.
The actual planning and programming should be undertaken by panels of =
scientists and technologists belonging not only to the research =
laboratories and=20
universities alone but also to design, engineering and manufacturing =
units,=20
natural resources survey agencies and extension organizations. This will =
be done=20
in collaboration with economists, administrators, planners and other=20
professional groups. It should be ensured that the scientific and =
technological=20
projects are derived from committed development programmes. In short, =
the S=20
& T plan will be an interactive and collaborative process. =
=20
5. A LOOK AHEAD
5.1 The success of the science and Technology Policy and the speed = with which=20 the various facets of the policy are implemented depend on an efficient=20 monitoring, review and guidance by the NCST. For the implementation of = the=20 policy the NCST will spell out guidelines in detail for Ministries, = agencies of=20 the Government as well as for industries and entrepreneurs dealing with = science=20 and technology.
5.2 The formulation of Science and Technology Policy, the preparation =
of an S=20
& T Plan, the provision of adequate financial resources and the =
effective=20
implementation of the Plan can secure the necessary conditions for =
proper use of=20
science and technology geared to fulfil national goals. In themselves, =
these are=20
not sufficient. Implementation of the policies will require a commitment =
on the=20
part of the Government to undertake the much needed organizational and=20
managerial reforms not only in agencies and institutions which generate =
science=20
and technology but also in all public and private enterprises which use =
science=20
and technology. In fact, the effectiveness of Science and Technology =
Policy=20
would depend upon the strength of the linkage between the political and=20
scientific technological systems.
5.3 Above all, the =
entire=20
population must be imbued with self-confidence and pride in the national =
capability. Science and Technology must be duly harnessed to unleash the =
creative potential of the people for transforming Bangladesh into a =
prosperous=20
nation.
ANNEXURE 'A`
NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE =
AND=20
TECHNOLOGY
Ministry of=20
Education
Science and Technology Division
A. National Committee on Science and Technology was formed, =
vide=20
Cabinet sion Resolution No. N-Com-I/83/211-Committee, dated 16 May, 1983 =
with=20
the following composition and terms of reference:
=
| A. Composition of the = NCST | |
Chairman. &nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; =20
(a) Head of the Government (CMLA).
=20 = &= nbsp; &n= bsp;=20 Vice-Chairman.(b) DCMLA, Chief of Air Staff.
=20 = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; =20 Members.(c) Minister for Commerce and Industry.
(d) Minister for Works.
(e) Minister for Health and Population Control
(f) Minister for Agriculture
(g) Minister for Education
(h) Minister for Local Government and Rural Development.
(i) Cabinet Secretary.
(j) Secretary, Industries Division
(k) Secretary, Education Division
(l) Secretary, Local Government Division
(m) Secretary, Health Division
(n) Secretary Agriculture Division
(o) Member, Planning Commission dealing with Science and = Technology.
(p) Seven eminent Scientists including the Chairman of Atomic = Energy=20 Commission and BCSIR (To be =20
nominated for a term of two=20 years).
The seven nominated Scientists are as follows-=20
(i) Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim, President, Bangladesh Diabetic = Association
(ii) Dr. A. K. M. Aminul Haque, Vice-chancellor, Bangladesh=20 Agricultural University
(iii) Dr. Md. Abdur Raquib, Vice-Chancellor, Rajshahi University=20
(iv) Dr. Abdul Matin Patwari, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh=20 University of Engineering and =20 =
&nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; =20 Technology(v) Chairman, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission
(vi) Chairman, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial = Research.=20
(vii) Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research = Council.
(q) Secretary, Science and Technology Division - = Member-Secretary.=20
| B. Terms of reference of the NCST=20 | |
(b) Recommend priorities to specific research programmes, evaluate = the=20 quality and effectiveness of research programmes undertaken by various = agencies=20 and the extent to which results are put to actual use.
(c) Suggest measures for co-ordination of Scientific research and = development=20 activities.
(d) Recommend approval to research plans and programmes.
(e) Such other matters as may be considered relevant by the =
Government.=20
An Executive Committee of the NCST was formed to =
oversee=20
the implementation of its directives and decisions with the following=20
composition:
C. Composition of Executive Committee of the NCST
Chairman
(a) DCMLA, Chief of Air Staff (Vice-Chairman,=20 NCST).
Members(b) Concerned Ministers.
(c) Concerned Secretaries.
(d) Three eminent Scientists (To be nominated by the Chairman, NCST = for a=20 term of two years.)
The three nominated Scientists are as follows : - =
(i) Dr. Abdul Matin Patwari, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh = University=20 of Engineering and Technology.
(ii) Chairman, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission
(iii) Chairman, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and = Industrial=20 Research.
(e) Secretary, Science and Technology Division -=20 Member-Secretary.
(Note: The term of office of the nominated =
scientist members=20
has been extended for two years up to 8th June, 1987, vide No.=20
STD-S-XIII-Sc. P(1)/83, dated 22nd October 1985 )
ANNEXURE 'B'
INDICATIVE THRUST AREAS IN = WHICH R&D=20 IS NEEDED
| |
(1) Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Poultry, = Forestry and=20 Fisheries:
Besides rice and wheat, greater attention will be paid to development =
of high=20
yielding varieties of pulses, edible oil, sugar cane, jute, cotton, etc. =
Emphasis will be given on the integrated pest management and farming =
system.=20
Extensive research work will be undertaken on the effect of =
micronutrients on=20
fertilizer uptake, on livestock, poultry, forestry and fisheries =
development.=20
Attention will also be given to the production of vegetables and fruits. =
(2) Flood Control, =
Water=20
Resources, Land Reclamation and Deltaic Study:
Special attention will be paid to averting recurring floods, studying =
soil-water management and optimizing level of irrigation water. =
Provision will=20
also be made for land reclamation and deltaic studies.
(3) Health and Family Planning : =
R&D work will be undertaken to improve efficiency and, if = necessary,=20 initiate adoption of new methods in the provision of health facilities = and=20 family planning programmes.
(4) Energy:
R&D efforts will be directed to attain self-reliance in the = execution of=20 convention commercial projects (e.g. power generation, = transmission and=20 distribution, development of gas fields, etc.) so that we can not only = design=20 these ourselves but increase the efficiency of their performance.
Special attention will be paid to the development of renewable = sources of=20 energy and widespread development of small plants to meet rural energy = needs=20 maintaining ecological balance. Adaptive research will be carried out = for=20 devising viable means of using solar and wind energy and biomass.
(5) Large Scale Industries including =
Engineering=20
and Metal Industries:
Among others, particulars attention will be given to economic =
production of=20
basic materials for intermediate and wage goods as well as raw materials =
and=20
capital goods for small scale industries, steel and its alloys, basis =
chemicals=20
and pharmaceuticals for both humans and animals, plastics, PVC and =
synthetic=20
fibres, machine tools and metallurgy. Provision for carrying out =
in-house=20
research and enhancing design development capabilities in large as well =
as small=20
scale industries will be made.
(6) Small Scale and Rural Industries: =
Efforts will be made for improvement in technologies and design for=20
traditional cottage and other small scale industries, engineering =
industries to=20
support agricultural development as well as for processing agricultural=20
products, components of large industries, consumer goods, etc.
(7) Transportation:
Efforts will be made for improvement in quality, economy in = construction of=20 roads and railways and efficiency in use of road vehicles, water crafts = and=20 other means of transportation.
(8) Communications:
Special efforts will be made for development of information = transmission=20 media like telephone, telegraph, radio, TV, etc.
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(9) Housing and Public=20 Works: &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; = ; = &= nbsp; &n= bsp; &nb= sp; &nbs= p; =20
Technological improvement will be made for realizing low cost housing =
ensuring durability and maximizing use of local materials, etc.
(10) Scientific and Technological Education = including=20 provision of interaction and coordination among educational = institutions,=20 R&D organizations and industries:
In order to encourage industrial exploitation of research results = obtained in=20 educational institutions and R&D organizations and facilitate = solution of=20 problems faced in the production sectors, efforts will be made for = appropriate=20 modernization of scientific and technological education system and = formulation=20 of requisite curriculum to ensure effective interaction and coordination = among=20 educational institutions, R&D organizations and industries.
Besides the above, the following would figure in the priority = projects:
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