Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman lauded the Science Olympiad for playing a significant role in encouraging students to take up science studies.
Speaking at the competition's prize distribution ceremony at the Curzon Hall Friday, Yeafesh dubbed the Olympiad a nurturing ground for brilliant young minds.
The Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS), vernacular daily Samakal and First Security Islami Bank organised the event where 800 school and college students from across Bangladesh participated.
Yeafesh said the declining number of science students was alarming. “We need to attract more students to study science through this kind of Olympiad,” he said, adding that new inventions would come to light through such initiatives.
“A nation cannot move forward without studying science and without scientists, there can be no inventions. Without inventions, we will not be able to achieve success,” he added.
“You are the future of the country. You have to take the mantle of leadership in coming days. Enlighten yourself with the light of science,” he told the participants.
Prof Dr Nayeem Chowdhury, former secretary of BAS and the coordinator of the Science Olympiad 2016, said such events gave the students chance to show off their talents.
BAS president Dr Mesbahuddin Ahmed encouraged new ideas. “Bring us new scientific ideas and we will make sure that you get necessary aid to make them happen,” he said.
