NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

The Bangladesh Gazette, Extraordinary, Published by Authority, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Science and Technology Division
NOTIFICATION, Dhaka, the 24th February, 1986
No. STD-S-XIII.Sc.P(16)/86/410. - The National Science and Technology Policy of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh is published herewith for general information.

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 Science has been described as "the means of understanding the natural environment", while technology is "the means of controlling and managing it". Hence Science and Technology together cover the gathering and generation of information about the material world and the application of that information for the welfare of mankind.

1.2 The advanced countries of the world are where they are today primarily because of their ability to use science and technology as effective tools for achieving their national objectives. These countries have changed the life-styles of their peoples through the cultivation and application of science and technology. The developing countries have fallen behind primarily because of their backwardness in this respect.

1.3 It is now generally realized that the inherent strength of a nation lies in the skills of its people which can be acquired and enhanced through the practice of science and technology in every field. The promotion of scientific knowledge and development of technology, through their increasing application, create the necessary conditions for socio-economic uplift of a country. Technological progress is thus the crucial determinant in the realization of the twin objectives of eradication of poverty and acceleration of socio-economic development

1.4 Bangladesh has been struggling to meet the basic needs of its people, viz., food, clothing, shelter, health, education and the like and to substantially raise the living standards throughout the country. In order to achieve these goals and to keep up with the rest of the world, Bangladesh, too, must harness science and technology to reach its national goals. It is only through the use of S & T as effective instruments of change that a happy future for the people of Bangladesh can be ensured.

1.5 Scientific research and development is a vast field in which various Ministries, Government and Semi-Government agencies, universities and private enterprises participate. Coordination of scientific research in the research institutions and universities is extremely important. Owing to a low base a poor infrastructure, we have been able to undertake research work in only relatively small number of areas. In these areas also, progress of research a development activities has not been very satisfactory so far. There were other constraints including the lack of a rational, coherent and comprehensive Nation Science and Technology Policy to guide decision-making on the quantum and distribution of resources for scientific and technological research and the lack of a clear perception of the very special nature of R & D institutions and the management. The limitation of resources, shortage of skilled manpower in in many areas, inadequate research facilities and skill development programmes, lack of coordination among scientific organizations, outmoded science curricula in the educational institutions, dependence on foreign technology, brain drain and emigration of trained manpower and poor social consciousness of the role of 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 endowments, the mounting problems of providing for the basic needs of the people, ensuring a reasonable standard of living and accelerating the pace of economic development cannot be tackled without the help of science and technology. It is, therefore, essential to provide high national priority to scientific and technological considerations in the over-all development strategy of the country.

1.7 With this end in view, a National Science and Technology Policy was formulated in 1980. However, it consisted mostly of broad objectives without definite guiding principles and did not form a part of the over-all national development plan. In the absence of any effective mechanism, no concerted effort could be made even for partial implementation of the policy.

2. AIMS AND STRATEGY

2.1 In recognition of the fact that the formulation of a comprehensive and coherent national science and technology policy, designed to contribute to the achievement of the country's development objectives, is necessary for the effective application of science and technology for development, the Government of Bangladesh considers it appropriate to formulate a new National Science and Technology Policy. The Policy is designed to fulfil the foolowing primary aims:

(a) To attain scientific and technological competence and self-reliance, to help increase production and  employment in various sectors and sub-sectors of the economy.

(b)  To be in consonance with the socio-economic, cultural, educational, agricultural and industrial policies of the nation.

(c) To contribute to the world-wide pool of scientific and technological knowledge.

(d) To seek out and recognize high talents in various areas of science and technology.

(e) To strengthen cooperation in science and technology between developed and developing countries, and particularly among developing countries themselves.

(f) To provide guideline for institutional arrangements or rearrangements in the R&D structure (including education and training) for attainment of the above objectives.

2.2 With a view to ensuring that policy formulation in science and technology and their cultivation and application in various sectors will proceed in a coordinated manner, the Government of Bangladesh constituted on 16 May, 1983, a centrally institutionalized mechanism called the National Committee on Science and Technology (NCST) to perform the following functions:

(a) Recommend national policies on Science and Technology.

(b) Recommend priorities to specific research programmes, evaluate the quality and effectiveness of research programmes  undertaken by various agencies and assess the extent to which results are put to actual use.

(c) Suggest measures for coordination of scientific research and development activities.

(d) Recommend approval to research plans and programmes.

(e) Such other matters as may be considered relevant by the Government.

2.3 The NCST, headed by the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, has a Vice-Chairman, six concerned Ministers, eight concerned Secretaries and seven prominent scientists/technologists as members. The composition of the 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 implementation of its directives and decisions. The NCST may be assisted by sub-Committees, Technical Committees, Advisory Panels, Expert Panels and Consultants, as required.
 

3. MAJOR ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Solution of the problems of the national economy calls for multidisciplinary application of science and technology. Given the limitation of resources, an integrated approach is essential for evolving a comprehensive and coherent national science and technology policy which will serve, inter alia, the following purposes:

3.1 Organize and coordinate all Research and Development work concerning science and technology in the
       country:
Bangladesh now has more than sixty R&D institutions and supporting facilities administered by Research Councils, Development Agencies, Government Departments and Non-Governmental organizations. There is, however, little coordination among them. Often no specific targets are set, no monitoring and control measures exist and not enough thought is given to the development of marketable products from these endeavours. The net result is fragmentation of research activity with little returns accruing from the effort.

In view of this, the role of the NCST as the central coordinating agency assumes critical importance. The NCST would advise the Government on selected areas of research and development which would help realize the stated objective meant to accelerate economic recovery and then assign these areas of research and development to the specific agencies best equipped to carry them to a successful completion and ensure their high performance. The NCST will also evolve a mechanism for establishing linkages of R&D in horizontally amongst themselves and vertically with the Ministries deal S&T activities.

In view of the above, it is considered appropriate that the NCST also serve the following functions.

(a) Recommend measures for technology assessment, development, adaptation, adoption and diffusion in the country.

(b) Suggest measures to integrate a Science and Technology Plan with the Development Plans prepared by Planning  Commission.

(c) Introduce effective institutional arrangements in the various organs of the Government to help promote and monitor the  implementation of the Science and Technology Plan.

(d) Secure funds and allocate them to the various R& D institution the light of national development priorities.

(e) Recommend to Government on science and technology related policies in the areas of taxation, import, export and industrialization with intent to create appropriate infrastructure for maximizing technology transfer and economic development.

(f) Suggest measures to strengthen environmental pollution monitor and control.

(g) Take adequate steps to popularize science and technology among people in general.\

(h) Promote regional and international cooperation in science and technology on bilateral and multilateral basis. It is generally recognized that engineering research is needed to provide the vital link in the commercialization of research results and in adoption, adaptation and digestion of imported technology. However, in Bangladesh, although research in agricultural and medical sciences have been organized through the aegis of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) and the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) respectively, institution engaged in engineering research in such areas as water resources, housing transport, etc. have not yet been able to develop any dynamic and well-coordinated research programme.

An Engineering Research Council may, therefore, be created in line with the Medical Research Council . Its prime objectives will be to :

(a) identify thrust areas for research in engineering sciences;

(b) promote in-house research and design capability in both public and private sector industries.;

(c) coordinate and develop research in the existing engineering research organizations;

(d) provide facilities for inter-agency consultation for adoption adaptation and digestion of foreign technology; and

(e) offer other related services to different organizations.

3.2 Careful selection of the problems facing the country in each vital sector, where solutions are likely to have a significant impact on the economic and socio-cultural development of the country:

This will be achieved by formulating science and technology plans commensurate with sectoral priorities arising form national development objectives, establishing targets for each science and technology sector, critically evaluating the resources required and effectively monitoring the 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 Studies.

(3) Health and Family Planning

(4) Energy.

(5) Large Scale Industries including Engineering and Metal Industries.

(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 educational institutions, R& D organizations and the industries.

Some of the indicative thrust areas identified in these sectors. on which R & D is needed and which are vital for solution of immediate problems of life and living of the largest number of our people, are shown in Annexure 'B'
 

3.3 Promotion of research and strengthening the competence and capability of research institutions including the universities:

Nurture of national talent must be ensured by substantial improvement in the facilities of the research institutions including the universities through the provision of:

(1) Support Services : This will be done through -

(a) Creation of modern and adequate instrumentation facilities in research   institutions
(b) Establishment of a central workshop facility for effective maintenance and repair of scientific instruments and also design and manufacture of equipment specially required for research.
(c) Strengthening of science and technology information bases through an integrated information system for all research institutions.
(d) Development of computer capabilities and provision for time- sharing networks of computer systems.
 
(2) Availability of Multi-disciplinary Manpower for Goal-Oriented Research : This will be achieved through-

(a) Provision for sufficient number of chemical, mechanical, electrical and agricultural
     engineers, in addition to sufficient number of available scientists, for design and
     engineering services and other facilities for technical feasibility studies, pilot plant
     extension studies, design development, etc.

(b) Provision for properly trained economists and market research specialists for each
     research institution.
 
 (3) Review Mechanism for accountability in R & D organizations :

In goal-oriented research and development project, individual scientists; groups and teams, operational units and institutes entrusted with the work should be accountable for their total output within a time frame. The accountability factor should be a built-in element in the R & D mechanism.

While in an undeveloped economy like ours goal-oriented research will continue to be emphasized, certain proportion of basic research must also be carried out in the universities, R & D organizations and other enterprises because it provides solid foundation for applied research and development. This type of research will be carried out by those with originality and innovativeness of a high order. Successful accomplishment of basis research automatically results in the creation of manpower imbued with great intellectual quality, self-confidence and the ability to find new and innovative solutions to problems.
 
 
3.4 Establishment of scientific and research institutions/laboratories/Centres of Excellence where research of high quality can be carried out in selected areas of national importance:

Such institutions or centres will provide for training facilities at the highest level and undertake major projects relevant to national development needs. With a few exceptions, establishment of new scientific research institution/laboratories/Centres of Excellence will be avoided, Attention will be given to judicious utilization of available resources for developing the existing institutions such as Universities, BAEC, BCSIR, BIRDEM, etc. into centres excellence. However, in view of the great potential of bio-technology for the developing countries, a National Institute will be established to carry out research on bio-technology: Other such centres of excellence would be in Computers and Lasers, Such 'centres of excellence' will be set up in different parts of the country with due regard to the availability of high grade manpower

3.5 Improvement of standard of scientific 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 mathematics from the primary stage and the school curriculum should be oriented in such a way that problem solving skills of the pupils are enhanced and the inter-disciplinary character of science is reflected.

(b) Primary resources for education and training, namely, qualified teachers, physical facilities, equipment, books, journals, teaching aids, etc. should be ensured.

(c) Adequate provision and proper arrangements for higher training and research in the universities should be made.

(d) Access to higher education in science should be selective and based on merit which will be supported by liberal Government scholarships.

(e) Opportunities including 'Open Universities' for expansion of science education may be introduced and to that end library services should also be expanded and improved.

3.6 Training of personnel and specialised scientific and technological staff in the research institutions/laboratories and industrial establishments :

Manpower training is an essential condition for technical progress. Therefore, policies for the enhancement of a scientific and technological manpower capacity shall, inter alia, aim at the following -

(a) Ensure scientific and technological training at all levels, on continuous basis, at home and abroad, as and when required, so that the research capability of the scientists and technologists is continuously developed and harnessed.

(b) Give incentives to universities, research institutions and other educational institutions so that they may become more responsive to the problems of society, particularly by integrating them with the production system and the cultural pattern of the country.

(c) Develop mechanisms and programmes for professional and technical updating so as to train specialized personnel required to cover all the links in the chain that relate research and development to products and marketing.

(d) Facilitate constant training , development and upgradation of labour force, relevant vocational training, and, in particular, adequate training of researchers and technicians employed by production units.

(e) Develop an indigenous managerial and administrative capacity in science and technology.

(f) Make a thorough evaluation of the brain-drain problem including the emigration of skilled manpower with a view to identifying measures for tackling the problem and reversing the exodus of scientific and technological manpower.

(g) Launch a nation-wide quality improvement programme for S&T personnel which will include promotion of doctoral programmes in the universities of the country.

(h) Give adequate importance to local research-based degree holders.

(i) Ensure participation of teachers, scientists and technologists in various seminars, workshops and conferences - both at national and international levels - to increase their working efficiency.

Besides building up professionals , technicians, managers and skilled workers 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 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 technological research:

For achieving this objective the following measures are envisaged -

(a) Top talented scientists will be attracted to the field of science and technology.

(b) Scientists and technologists working in the country will be given the opportunity to reach the highest national grade of pay and, in exceptional circumstances, even a higher grade, while continuing in his position in recognition of outstanding services in research on the basis of a procedure of assessment and evaluation to be evolved.

(c) Scientists and technologists should not be promoted on the basis of seniority in service alone but due recognition should be given to meritorious achievements to be evaluated periodically. Appropriate service rules for various scientific organizations should be framed for this purpose.

(d) Scope of lateral entry should be provided for distinguished scientists 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.

(f) A corps of highly skilled technicians should be developed as the first step for setting up of infrastructure for research.

(g) Scientific academies, associations and societies should be given adequate support so as to enable them to play their due role in society more effectively and to popularize science and technology.

(h) coordination, interchangeability and appropriate linkage between the universities and the research institutions shall be established so that exchange of scientific personnel between universities and R & D organizations can take place smoothly.

(i) Maximum autonomy, through appropriate decentralization of power, should be given to the science organizations to create a sense of freedom and thereby increase efficiency of R&D efforts.

(j) Due incentives in the form of awards and national recognition should be given to scientists and technologists for meritorious achievements.

3.8 Creation of scientific awareness among the broad masses of people through popularization of science and technology and encouraging innovative activities, especially among the younger generation:

This will be achieved through-

(a) Launching an intensive nation wide programme for the popularization of science and technology through the effective use of mass media like radio, television, newspapers and through scientific societies/associations and science clubs in order to create an environment in which the broad masses of people can apply scientific principles to their daily living.

(b) Strengthening of the National Museum of Science and Technology and launching of mobile museums to display devices derived from various theories of science and models of various instruments, processes and techniques with a view to increasing public understanding of scientific principles and their practical applications, and with intent to encourage the people's creative abilities and interest; and

(c) Arranging lecture tours by scientists/technologists which stimulate interest in science and technology among students and young people and encourage them to apply scientific principles to their daily living and induce them to become scientists and technologists themselves.

3.9 Establishment of national capability for development of indigenous technology and attainment of a national capacity for the assessment, selection, acquisition, adoption and adaptation of foreign technology:

It is recognized that the Technology Policy for the country will cut across many policy areas and development sectors. The basic objective of the Technology Policy will be the development of indigenous technology and efficient assimilation of imported technology.

Its aim will, inter alia, be to:

(a) guide the formulation of a Technology Plan which is to be integrated with the national plan.

(b) attain national capacity for autonomous decision-making in technological matters through promotion of technological competence and self-reliance.

(c) ensure transfer of research results to the production sectors and their optimal utilization by the national economy.

(d) ensure provision of facilities for transfer and productive utilization of research results through the institutionalization of engineering design, prototype development and commercialization of products in the relevant sector corporations and individual units in both public and private enterprise.

(e) reduce vulnerability, particularly in strategic and critical areas, making optimal blend of indigenous and imported technological resources.

(f) devise appropriate legal, fiscal and financial instruments for selection, importation, absorption and adaptation of foreign technology.

(g) ensure establishment of institutional facilities for relevant knowledge assimilation and skill development for learning the absorption process for imported technology.

(h) generate technologies which are internationally competitive, particularly those with export potential.

(i) ensure development of support facilities like information and documentation services, computer services and soft-ware packages, standardization and quality control.

(j) ensure due considerations to matters relating to ecology, environment, energy conservation, employment generation and social justice, etc. while importing technology.

(k) provide support to emerging technologies like biotechnology, genetic engineering, micro-electronics, new and renewable sources of energy, etc.

In order to fulfil the broad aims and objectives to the Technology Policy out-lined above it is envisaged to strengthen and establish relevant institutions and co-ordinance activities of the different organizations in respect of technology transfer. With this strategy in view the present Institute of Appropriate Technology at BUET will be strengthened and given responsibility for policy research on matters related to technology assessment, forecasting, evaluation, etc. The Institute will act in close cooperation with and, among other things, may receive research assignment from a Technology Transfer Study Centre, to be instituted as a think tank for the NCST.

With further development of a policy regime for technology transfer and institution of appropriate legal, fiscal and financial instruments for imported technology, a National Centre for Technology Development and Transfer may be instituted in due course to serve as a focal point to provide information, training, consultancy and extension services in respect of technology transfer.

3.10 Creation of Centralized facilities for collection and dissemination of scientific information and research findings:

A strong information base is a prerequisite for an S&T plan with self-reliance as one of its principal objectives. To facilitate rapid documentation and dissemination of indigenously collected information and that obtained from outside sources, a well organized and institutionalized system is required which would conform to the international standards and be available within the resource constraints of the country. In Bangladesh, scientific and technical informations are handled at the moment by several organizations which are collecting, collating, cataloguing and storing information in different fields. For effective functioning, a three-tier national system is proposed with the following three levels of operation:

A. The Central Documentation Centre: This would be headed by a highly qualified and experienced expert supported by a number of 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,

(c) Liaison with various international documentation agencies, and

(d) Overall administrative control of the national documentation facilities.

The Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre (BANSDOC), now a unit of the BCSIR, will be developed as the central documentation centre directly under the Science and Technology Division. The National Science Library will form a part of the Central Documentation Centre.

B. Four sub-groups situated in convenient institutions to deal with the following subject areas:

(a) Physical Sciences to include documentation facilities for all physical, chemical, mathematical, statistical, and nuclear subject areas.

(b) Agriculture, livestock, fisheries and rural development group to cover agriculture, food and nutrition, rural development and social and economic sciences.

(c) Medical and Biological group to include medical, health, biological and economic sciences.

(d) Engineering and Technology group to include all engineering subjects, architecture, planning, energy, technology, environment, housing, communication, transportation, water resources, etc.

These four sub-groups would have independent facilities for storage, documentation, copying, microfilm/microfiche, etc., in their respective areas. The four agencies would be linked together directly and through the centralized first tier administrative and functional mechanisms.

C. Institutional Facilities: All the scientific institutes (research and educational) would continue to have their library facilities and subject-matter specialization. These libraries will perform the function of collecting and documenting basic local information in their respective areas and feed the same to the respective sub-groups and ultimately to the central storage for permanent documentation and international exchange. This three-tier scheme would operate under the general supervision of the National Committee on Science and Technology (NCST)

3.11 Ensure adequate fund for the STR sector for development of infrastructure for R&D activities:

In recognition of the fact that science and technology are essential tools for the socio-economic uplift of a nation, the industrially advanced countries spend large resources on scientific and technological activity. Typically, they spend between 2 and 3 percent of the total value of their goods and services i.e. their Gross National Product (GNP) on research and Development (R&D). Several times this amount is additionally spent in converting the results of the R&D into a socially valued artefact which is then made readily available to the potential buyer and user.

By contrast, the expenditure on R&D in our country does not constitute more than 0.3% of the GNP whereas the international standard is a minimum of 1% of GNP of the developing countries. It has been found from experience that R&D funding below a level of 1% of GNP does not create any significant impact on economic development.

Special efforts should, therefore, be made to ensure adequate resources for the effective implementation of science and Technology Policies. Apportionment of at least 1% of GNP will be targeted for R&D and the target will be reached as soon as possible by phasewise increases in the allocation in this sector. For this, appropriate financial mechanism will be established and the functions of which would include:

(a) Linkages of the users of science and technology through their participation in the formulation and execution of projects concerned.

(b) Special arrangements to ensure continuous financing for science and technology.

(c) The procurement and utilization of funds from national sources, both public and private, international agencies/organizations and the United 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 contribution of 1% of the total budget of all productive sectors. This contribution will be compulsory for both public and private sector industries and such contribution will be tax-free. The NCST may allocate funds to various scientific organizations and distribute them through the Science and Technology Division which would also monitor and evaluate the impact of such expenditure. The administration of the programmes will, however, remain with the respective Ministries.

3.12 Ensure bilateral, sub-regional, regional and international scientific and technical collaboration:

Bangladesh is totally committed to acquiring scientific and technological capability to be able to reach her socio-economic goals as soon as possible. Concerted efforts will be made to foster scientific and technical co-operation with developed and developing countries to build up a sound science and technology base in the country. In this respect sub-regional, regional and international collaborative arrangements with agencies like South Asian Association for Regional co-operation (SAARC), Commonwealth Science Council(CSC), Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development (IFSTAD), UN Centre for Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD), etc. and also other bilateral arrangements will be given due importance. 

4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PLAN

The priorities for the scientific and technological development in the country will be identified on the basis of the above considerations by the NCST for the formulation of appropriate Science and Technology Action Plan. In drawing up the S & T plan, the NCST will endeavor to combine sectoral approaches keeping in view the totality of the nation's scientific and technological needs.

The actual planning and programming should be undertaken by panels of scientists and technologists belonging not only to the research laboratories and universities alone but also to design, engineering and manufacturing units, natural resources survey agencies and extension organizations. This will be done in collaboration with economists, administrators, planners and other professional groups. It should be ensured that the scientific and technological projects are derived from committed development programmes. In short, the S & T plan will be an interactive and collaborative process. 

5. A LOOK AHEAD

5.1 The success of the science and Technology Policy and the speed with which the various facets of the policy are implemented depend on an efficient monitoring, review and guidance by the NCST. For the implementation of the policy the NCST will spell out guidelines in detail for Ministries, agencies of the Government as well as for industries and entrepreneurs dealing with science and technology.

5.2 The formulation of Science and Technology Policy, the preparation of an S & T Plan, the provision of adequate financial resources and the effective implementation of the Plan can secure the necessary conditions for proper use of science and technology geared to fulfil national goals. In themselves, these are not sufficient. Implementation of the policies will require a commitment on the part of the Government to undertake the much needed organizational and managerial reforms not only in agencies and institutions which generate science and technology but also in all public and private enterprises which use science and technology. In fact, the effectiveness of Science and Technology Policy would depend upon the strength of the linkage between the political and scientific technological systems.

5.3 Above all, the entire 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 nation.

ANNEXURE A

NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Ministry of Education
Science and Technology Division

A. National Committee on Science and Technology was formed, vide Cabinet sion Resolution No. N-Com-I/83/211-Committee, dated 16 May, 1983 with the following composition and terms of reference:
 
A. Composition of the NCST

Chairman.

(a) Head of the Government (CMLA).
Vice-Chairman.

(b) DCMLA, Chief of Air Staff.
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 Commission   and   BCSIR (To be nominated for a term of two years).

The seven nominated Scientists are as follows-

(i) Dr. Mohammad Ibrahim, President, Bangladesh Diabetic Association

(ii) Dr. A. K. M. Aminul Haque, Vice-chancellor, Bangladesh Agricultural   University

(iii) Dr. Md. Abdur Raquib, Vice-Chancellor, Rajshahi University

(iv) Dr. Abdul Matin Patwari, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh University  of   Engineering and Technology

(v) Chairman, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission

(vi) Chairman, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

(vii) Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.

(q) Secretary, Science and Technology Division - Member-Secretary.
 

B. Terms of reference of the NCST

(a) Recommend national policies on Science and Technology.

(b) Recommend priorities to specific research programmes, evaluate the quality and effectiveness of research programmes undertaken by various agencies and the extent to which results are put to actual use.

(c) Suggest measures for co-ordination of Scientific research and development activities.

(d) Recommend approval to research plans and programmes.

(e) Such other matters as may be considered relevant by the Government.
 
 An Executive Committee of the NCST was formed to oversee the implementation of its directives and decisions with the following composition:

C. Composition of Executive Committee of the NCST

Chairman

(a) DCMLA, Chief of Air Staff (Vice-Chairman, NCST).
    Members

(b) Concerned Ministers.

(c) Concerned Secretaries.

(d) Three eminent Scientists (To be nominated by the Chairman, NCST for a term of  two years.)

The three nominated Scientists are as follows : -

(i) Dr. Abdul Matin Patwari, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

(ii) Chairman, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission

(iii) Chairman, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

(e) Secretary, Science and Technology Division - Member-Secretary.

(Note: The term of office of the nominated scientist members has been extended for two years up to 8th June, 1987, vide No. STD-S-XIII-Sc. P(1)/83, dated 22nd October 1985 )
 

ANNEXURE 'B'

INDICATIVE THRUST AREAS IN WHICH R&D IS NEEDED 

(1) Agriculture, Land, Livestock, Poultry, Forestry and Fisheries:
Besides rice and wheat, greater attention will be paid to development of high yielding varieties of pulses, edible oil, sugar cane, jute, cotton, etc. Emphasis will be given on the integrated pest management and farming system. Extensive research work will be undertaken on the effect of micronutrients on fertilizer uptake, on livestock, poultry, forestry and fisheries development. Attention will also be given to the production of vegetables and fruits. 

(2) Flood Control, Water 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 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, initiate adoption of new methods in the provision of health facilities and family planning programmes.

(4) Energy:
R&D efforts will be directed to attain self-reliance in the execution of convention commercial projects (e.g. power generation, transmission and distribution, development of gas fields, etc.) so that we can not only design these ourselves but increase the efficiency of their performance.

Special attention will be paid to the development of renewable sources of energy and widespread development of small plants to meet rural energy needs maintaining ecological balance. Adaptive research will be carried out for devising viable means of using solar and wind energy and biomass.

(5) Large Scale Industries including Engineering and Metal Industries:
Among others, particulars attention will be given to economic production of basic materials for intermediate and wage goods as well as raw materials and capital goods for small scale industries, steel and its alloys, basis chemicals and pharmaceuticals for both humans and animals, plastics, PVC and synthetic fibres, machine tools and metallurgy. Provision for carrying out in-house research and enhancing design development capabilities in large as well as small scale industries will be made.

(6) Small Scale and Rural Industries:
Efforts will be made for improvement in technologies and design for traditional cottage and other small scale industries, engineering industries to support agricultural development as well as for processing agricultural products, components of large industries, consumer goods, etc.

(7) Transportation:
Efforts will be made for improvement in quality, economy in construction of roads and railways and efficiency in use of road vehicles, water crafts and other means of transportation.

(8) Communications:
Special efforts will be made for development of information transmission media like telephone, telegraph, radio, TV, etc.

(9) Housing and Public Works:
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 provision of interaction and coordination among educational institutions, R&D organizations and industries:

In order to encourage industrial exploitation of research results obtained in educational institutions and R&D organizations and facilitate solution of problems faced in the production sectors, efforts will be made for appropriate modernization of scientific and technological education system and formulation of requisite curriculum to ensure effective interaction and coordination among educational institutions, R&D organizations and industries.

Besides the above, the following would figure in the priority projects:

(1) Substantial increase of electricity generation by the year 2000 A.D and use of nuclear power to that end.

(2) Production an processing of raw jute, tea, leather and rubber.

(3) Manufacture of engines for automobiles, power pumps and power tillers.

(4) Production of different grades of steel and alloys.

(5) Development of electronics industries.

(6) Establishment of Petro-chemical complex with natural gas.

(7) Arrangement for studying Oceanography, Meteorology, Hydrography and marine-oriented other physical sciences.

(8) Exploration and preservation of indigenous plant wealth through germ plasm collections, herbaria and establishing nature reserves (biosphere reserves).

(9) Application of biotechnology (including genetic engineering) in health science and agriculture.

By order of the President
A. M SHARAFUDDIN
Secretary

Source: BCC