Strong ties in science, tech with US stressed
A United States science envoy to Bangladesh yesterday put emphasis on strengthening mutual collaboration and cooperation in the field of science and technology to address different challenges, including climate change vulnerability, food security and public health.
Priority should be given to the development of mechanisms to address the climate change issue, to have better food production and to ensure public health safety by using the knowledge of science and technology, said Dr Rita Colwell.
Colwell, a renowned marine microbiologist, made the remarks while exchanging views with journalists at the American Recreation Association (American Club) in the city.
She has worked with different organisations in Bangladesh for more than 35 years to prevent the spread of cholera.
Terming science, technology and engineering as key tools for a country's economic growth, Colwell stressed the need for expansion of science and technology-based education in Bangladeshi universities.
She also promised to discuss with the US government the issue of more scholarships for Bangladeshi students in science and technology.
Aiming to make school going children more interested in science and technology, she opined that there should be more science related topics with graphics and easy explanations in textbooks.
"Bangladesh has tremendous intellectual potential," she said, adding that the country had the opportunity to become a food-exporting country in future.
Saying that garments and textile industries were rising sectors in the country, Colwell suggested using science and technology based knowledge for the betterment of the sectors.
She also urged newsmen to disseminate science and technology related news accurately in a more attractive manner to make people interested in it.
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