The government has taken an initiative to reward scientists for their contributions in improving the country’s agriculture sector.
The agriculture ministry has already started rewarding researchers with cash incentives, equivalent to their monthly basic salaries.
At the end of March, the ministry disbursed Tk2.65 crore among 1,222 researchers working at differentstate-run agricultural institutes. The initiative will help scientists to concentrate on research and avoid working in private companies for extra money, a ministry official said.
Jamsed Hossain Khandaker, joint secretary of the agriculture ministry’s research wing, told the Dhaka Tribune that the rewarding system for researchers was introduced for the first timeby the present government.
“We hope that they will be rewarded from now on for their contributions and as recognition for their inventions,” Jamsed said.
Salary increments would also be given to those who have special achievements and higher degrees.
The government, meanwhile, has decided to extend the retirement age for scientists to 65 years from 60 so they can serve the nation longer.
“There is also a plan to introduce an annual award for scientists. The agriculture ministry has already sent a proposal to the law ministry for approval.
