Scientists and politicians
Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Abdus Salam established the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Italy with the objective of developing the third world countries through utilization of basic sciences. Prof. Abdus Salam was from a developing country, Pakistan. He wanted to establish the research centre in a developing country but he was not given support to establish such an important institute by any country of the third world. The reasons are political, social and financial. But the most important reason was lack of importance given by the politicians to the issue. To tell it more clearly many political leaders of the developing countries did not understand what the famous scientist was going to do at that time. Now many politicians and scientists of those countries understand what mistake they committed by turning down the request of Prof. Abdus Salam.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given priority to establishing a “Science and Technology based Digital Bangladesh” in her party's election manifesto. The long expected election of Bangladesh is over and it has created an excellent example. The countries like the USA, Japan and India have praised Bangladesh for the successful holding of parliamentary election. According to the reports of international observers, the election was free, fair and peaceful. The International Republican Institute (IRI), a Washington based election monitoring body, has said the results of the ninth parliamentary election held on 29th December 2008 are an accurate reflection of the will of Bangladeshis. Being voters of Bangladesh, we feel proud of their comments.
As a scientist and recipient of TWAS Fellowship, I should say we have a lot to learn from TWAS in Italy if we want a real Digital Bangladesh. This is high time for all to look into the matter. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may be requested to give high priority to the issue and to create an environment so that the politicians and the scientists come closer and sit together to design a model in the context of the country to develop a real “Science and Technology based Digital Bangladesh”.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments