A very hopeful message was published in a national daily on February 6, 2014 quoting that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is looking for honest and efficient resource persons to speed up the development activities in the country. She likes to appoint those who are known for clean track records and competence as mentioned. Two advisers, one with the background of natural science and other on medical science have completed their tenure of service at Prime Minister's Office and their contracts are not renewed. They probably failed to create clean track records in their tenure according to reports of media. At least two science advisers from various science disciplines are expected to be recruited soon by the Prime Minister. It is also learned that the PM has a plan to focus on development activities to counter criticism over the election and that is the reason she has opted to appoint officials who are not only well experienced in respective fields but have a clean image to the society that means they must not have record of corruption or dishonesty at any stage of their professional career or in civil society. It is really a praiseworthy initiative of the Prime Minister and she is expected to have the right experts she is looking for.
Science advisers have immense opportunities of serving the nation and the country as well. But the selection of the right person for the post is not an easy task. There are thousands of science graduates or Ph D holders in the country and many of them have long experience in academic or research fields. With all the required qualifications in science, there are some Freedom Fighters who have remarkable contribution to the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. Now who should be given the first priority to serve the nation as science adviser to the respected Prime Minister?
As a senior citizen of the country, this scribe feels that the incumbent should have following qualifications: A science adviser must be a citizen of Bangladesh (single nationality) and a Freedom Fighter of 1971. He should be in the age range of 60-80 years. He must have university degree preferably Ph D in science discipline, be fluent in English and some foreign languages. The incumbent must have record of qualifying in the Public service first commission examinations and experience in related field. Not a single case of corruption in the court will be accepted in his professional and social career. He must be a person of clean character in respect of honesty and sincerity.
Teaching experience at tertiary level and research experience at university, industry and research centres, participaton in the international events and achievement of awards and fellowships from international organisations like Commonwealth, UNESCO and the famous universities are very much expected from the candidate to achieve the prestigious post of science adviser to the PM.
On recommendation of the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the candidate must have served the universities in the position of Vice Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor or treasurer and he must earn much experience in academic and administrative fields.
Practical experience in industries or research organisations in the developed countries and clear concepts on digital activities and exploration of mineral resources like Zircon, Ilmenite, Rutile and Garnet are also very important for the science adviser who must have vast knowledge to explain importance of solid minerals of billions of dollars lying down uncared in coastal region of Bangladesh. Publications on science and technology dependent Digital Bangladesh should be given top importance. He will acquire knowledge of shaping the country by science.
As a citizen of the country, he must have success stories in personal and family life. He should be empowered with ICT knowledge as well as knowledge of rural farming. He must have the capacity of sharing ideas and exchanging views with people of all walks of life and have created unique example of honesty and extreme tolerance capaciry in educational and professional career. Personal contacts with all science and technological international organisations will be considered extra qualifications.
Prof Dr Lutfor Rahman is Chairman, Computer Science and Engineering, Stamford University. Email: [email protected]
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
