We could not agree more with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who on Thursday urged researchers in Bangladesh to ensure that their research is of practical use, and is useful for the well-being of the country.
Bangladesh has a great many minds when it comes to the field of research, but due to a dearth of opportunities and the right culture and environment, most of them leave for distant shores. And the sparse research that is being carried out is often conducted for selfish purposes, where the practicality of the research results are left out of the equation. In that sense, the prime minister’s words are a welcome reproach, and hopefully will be taken as guidance for future endeavours.
The world is changing rapidly, and we are on the verge of the fourth industrial revolution. Each phase of the industrial revolution has brought its own sets of problems and opportunities, and the nations that have been able to capitalize on these opportunities now stand atop firmly in the world order.
And in order to take advantage of the coming technological revolution, we need to figure out the areas where we can best spread our wings and take our nation to the next level. It is good that the government is willing to fund research in this direction through their own funds, but again, the results have to be practical. Without tangible results, we would be fools to think that we can continue to keep pace and indeed take advantage of the coming changes over the next few decades.
In that sense, the importance of practical research is more important than it has ever been. And if we don't act now, who knows when we will get such an opportunity again.
The funds need to be utilized properly. Researchers have to work hand in hand with entrepreneurs, businessmen, and other problem solvers and stakeholders of the society. Bangladesh has grand ambitions and to let this chance pass to leapfrog and take the country to newer heights would be foolish at best, and fatal at worst.
