Science for rescuing politics
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Prof. Lutfor Rahman
The TV talk shows are more war of words than anything else. In parliament, the situation is no better. A parliament, with strong opposition, benefits the government and the citizens alike. The strength of lawmakers does not depend on muscle power. Knowledge is more important for them. Criticism alone creates the opportunity to rectify the mistakes of a government. The opposition's undeniable role in parliament has to be accepted by the government. The opposition must do its home work to bring the problems to focus.
It is important for a democratic government to know where it is faltering. The law makers, whether in the treasury benches or in the opposition, needs to have the parliamentary skill to better use their time in parliament. There can be no effective parliamentary government without strong opposition.
Differences between the ruling party and the opposition is quite normal in any democracy. They are competitors and not enemies. Political parties fight for national interests, not for their own interests. Sometimes the situation goes beyond control. Consensus among the political parties on national issues is essential. Bangladesh needs consensus among its political parties. Consensus is difficult to reach when the parties are at loggerheads. Quantum mechanics replaced Newtonian physics. Physicists like the late Dr. M. A. Wajed Mia, the former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission knew well that Newtonian science is based on discrete independent systems, but quantum mechanics thinks that everything is interconnected. International relations needs science to address its critical issues.
Science can make breakthroughs where diplomacy cannot. An example is the role of science in arms control verifications. Science alone can break the barriers.
Science and technology can solve and create problems almost simultaneously. Bangladesh's problems are moral and ethical. Lack of compassion, greed, aggressiveness and arrogance tend to aggravate the problem. Politics and science need to come closer.
A former vice chancellor of a Science and Technology University in Rural Bangladesh and Science Connect Country Ambassador, email lutfor@agni.com, the writer can be reached at email: lutfor@agni.com
The TV talk shows are more war of words than anything else. In parliament, the situation is no better. A parliament, with strong opposition, benefits the government and the citizens alike. The strength of lawmakers does not depend on muscle power. Knowledge is more important for them. Criticism alone creates the opportunity to rectify the mistakes of a government. The opposition's undeniable role in parliament has to be accepted by the government. The opposition must do its home work to bring the problems to focus.
It is important for a democratic government to know where it is faltering. The law makers, whether in the treasury benches or in the opposition, needs to have the parliamentary skill to better use their time in parliament. There can be no effective parliamentary government without strong opposition.
Differences between the ruling party and the opposition is quite normal in any democracy. They are competitors and not enemies. Political parties fight for national interests, not for their own interests. Sometimes the situation goes beyond control. Consensus among the political parties on national issues is essential. Bangladesh needs consensus among its political parties. Consensus is difficult to reach when the parties are at loggerheads. Quantum mechanics replaced Newtonian physics. Physicists like the late Dr. M. A. Wajed Mia, the former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission knew well that Newtonian science is based on discrete independent systems, but quantum mechanics thinks that everything is interconnected. International relations needs science to address its critical issues.
Science can make breakthroughs where diplomacy cannot. An example is the role of science in arms control verifications. Science alone can break the barriers.
Science and technology can solve and create problems almost simultaneously. Bangladesh's problems are moral and ethical. Lack of compassion, greed, aggressiveness and arrogance tend to aggravate the problem. Politics and science need to come closer.
A former vice chancellor of a Science and Technology University in Rural Bangladesh and Science Connect Country Ambassador, email lutfor@agni.com, the writer can be reached at email: lutfor@agni.com