ZCZC
BSS-09
PM-BANGABANDHU-FELLOWSHIP-2-LAST
Sheikh Hasina said, the present government introduced the fellowship project with an objective of creating qualified scientists, technologist and researchers in the country to building a science-friendly society and for development of scientific research in the country following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangabandhu set up BCSIR (Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) through an ordinance in 1973 as he had wanted to build “Sonar Bangladesh” free from hunger, poverty and illiteracy using the science and technology, she continued.
The government has given fellowship of Taka 84.64 crore among 13,713 researchers and students during the fiscal years in between 2009-2010 and 2017-2018 while fellowship of Taka 17.68 crore is being given in the current fiscal 2018-2019, she mentioned.
The premier said Bangladesh would successfully celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation in 2020 and Golden Jubilee of the Independence in 2021.
Recognizing the contribution of scientists and researchers in the country’s huge development carried out by her government, she requested them to give more concentration to education and research works as well.
The government has already declared 2020-2021 as ‘Mujib Barsha’, she said.
Sheikh Hasina added: “Inshallah, we would be able to build Bangladesh as a hunger and poverty free country before celebration of the events.
There would be no hardcore poor in the country at that time, she assured.
Describing April 10 as the historic day, the premier said, “On the 10 April of 1971, the first government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh was formed with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, as the President, Syed Nazrul Islam as Vice-President and Tajuddin Ahmed as Prime Minister.”
Bangalees got prepared for independence since 1948 through waging Language Movement, the 6-point Demand of 1966, mass upsurge of 1969 and Liberation War of 1971 under the undaunted and firm leadership of the Father of the Nation, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said virtually the final chapter had been started for achieving an independent Bangladesh after delivering the Historic March 7, 1971 speech by Bangabandhu, she said.
Bangladesh has finally achieved victory over the Pakistani occupation forces on December 16, 1971 with surrender of 96,000 Pakistani troops to the allied forces, she said, adding that the victory got adequacy as Bangabandhu returned to his homeland on January 10, 1972.
BSS/AHJ/QC/1450 hrs