Hats off to Farhana Sultana for her innovation

It is often said that Bangladesh does not do well in research, particularly in the field of science and technology. However, there are a few institutions in our country, that have proved otherwise. International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) is one such institution. Its assistant scientist Farhana Sultana has recently brought glory for all of us as she has reportedly won the grand prize at a global competition, for her innovation -- developing a machine to produce jute cellulose-based sanitary pads. She developed and piloted the jute cellulose-based disposable pad, which is an alternative solution for menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls in Bangladesh.
Farhana's innovation has made us proud. Now, we need to focus on quality research work, if we are to find innovative and timely solutions to the myriad problems the country is facing. We also need to encourage our teachers and students to get involved in research work, and set up more research-based institutions.

Afroza Sheikh,
Dania, Dhaka,
[email protected]