NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY-2011

GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

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 GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY-2011

1. PREAMBLE

1.1 The rapid developments in science and technology in the last century have radically changed
the face of the earth and impacted on transportation and communication, trade and commerce,
education and learning, and agriculture and industry, health and medicine, environment and
ecosystem etc. In fact, these developments brought in a new world order. Countries, which used
these innovations and adapted them to their social conditions, changed their levels from
developing countries to developed ones. Many countries in South and South-East Asia emerged as
Asian Tigers.

1.2 Science and technology has become not only a way of life, but has now been identified as an
instrument of change. However, in order that we use science and technology as a vehicle for
development, the government needs to adopt a science and technology policy reflecting the
commitments of the politicians and legislators for effective use of science and technology in
improving the living conditions of people and their environment. Beside the political commitment,
the bureaucrats, administrators, financial managers, scientists, technologists, planners, people
involved in the communication media and all concerned sectors of the population including people
at the grass-root level have not only to appreciate the role of science and technology, but also to
have a clear understanding about effective application and management of science and technology
for development.

1.3 It is now generally realized that the inherent strength of a nation lies in the skills of its people
which can be acquired and enhanced through the practice of science and technology in every field.
The promotion of scientific knowledge and development of technology, through their increasing
application, create the necessary conditions for socio-economic development of a country.

1.4 Science and technology, as an instrument of change can play a decisive and pivotal role in
achieving the national goals on poverty reduction and ensuring sustainable development through
value addition to resources, creation of jobs, reducing environmental pollution, control and
mitigation of natural hazards, increasing production and improving life style of people belonging
to different strata of the population.

1.5 Human resources, institutions and their physical facilities & infrastructures and finance are
important components of S&T management system, but the most important factor is that S&T
development issues must be integrated with the overall economic development of the country.
Thus, all sectors in which science and technology can play a dominant role for bringing about
changes in the light of millennium development goals (MDG) must be identified and integrated
under the umbrella of economic development plan of the country. Value-addition to products and
processes, which is the ultimate aim of S&T researches, should be a central theme of all
production processes.

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2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Bangladesh has been struggling to meet the basic needs of its people, viz., food, clothing,
shelter, health, education and the like and to substantially raise the living standards throughout the
country. In order to achieve these goals and to keep up with the rest of the world, Bangladesh, too,
must harness science and technology to reach its national goals. It is only through the use of S & T
as effective instruments of change that a happy and prosperous future for the people of Bangladesh
can be ensured.

2.2 Scientific research and development is a vast field in which various ministries, government
and semi-government agencies, universities and private enterprises participate. Coordination of
scientific research in the research institutions and universities and also that between industries and
research organizations are extremely important. Owing to a low base and poor infrastructure, we
have been able to undertake research work in only a relatively small number of areas. In these
areas also, progress of research and development activities has not been very satisfactory so far.
The limitation of resources, shortage of skilled manpower in many areas, inadequate research
facilities and skill development programmes, lack of coordination among scientific organizations,
outmoded science curricula in the educational institutions, dependence on foreign technology,
brain drain and emigration of trained manpower and poor social consciousness of the role of
science and technology in national development-all of these factors have added up to keep us
backward.

2.3 Bangladesh now recognizes that given the limitations of her factor endowments, the mounting
problems of providing for the basic needs of the people, ensuring a reasonable standard of living
and accelerating the pace of economic development cannot be achieved without the help of
science and technology. It is, therefore, essential to provide high national priority to scientific and
technological considerations in the overall development strategy of the country.

2.4 To this end, there is a need for a national science and technology policy (NSTP) for integrating
all science and technology issues with the objective of enhancing sustainable development. It
needs to be stressed that S&T inputs are necessary for enhancing the development activities of all
the economic sectors. Important items necessary for the success of S&T based sectoral
development are: sectoral & sub-sectoral policies, policy instruments, infrastructures, production
facilities, research facilities, S&T manpower and related institutions. It is envisaged that sectoral
policies would consider intra-sectoral issues related to integration of S&T issues (infrastructure,
production and research facilities) to enhance development of respective sectors. On the other
hand, NSTP would address integration of inter-sectoral and cross-sectoral S&T issues necessary
for successful application of science, technology and innovation for the overall socio-economic
development of the country.

2.5 The NSTP of 1986 enunciated the principles on which growth of science and technology ought
to be based. The policy emphasized scientific and technological competence and self reliance and
stressed the need for an effective synchronization of the policy with the socio-economic, cultural,
educational agricultural and industrial policies of the country. Now we are at the beginning of the
second decade of a new century when the advances in science and technology have been

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spectacular with new and emerging areas influencing society and economy resulting in significant
changes in political equations. This has been more pronounced with the present state of
globalization and intellectual property regime. It has thus become imperative for the government
to revisit the NSTP adopted earlier and update it in the light of changing global situation and
reaffirm its commitment to the growth of science and technology which must act as the instrument
of change for accelerating socio-economic development.

2.6 It is imperative that the message of science and technology reaches all cross-sections of people
so as to motivate them in its development. The provision of the national ICT policy and the
facilities of that particular sector can be profitably and efficiently utilized for this purpose.

2.7 New and emerging science and technology including those related to biotechnology, nano-
technology, materials science etc. need to be properly assessed and applied as one of vital enabling
instruments for poverty reduction and national development.

2.8 An effective mechanism is required to establish linkage between S&T policy and the national
development plan so as to facilitate smooth implementation of the stated policy.

2.9 In the light of the above mentioned background, NST policy 1986 and the draft national
science & technology policy, 2006 have been reviewed and the present national science and
technology 2011 have been formulated.

3. VISION

To establish science and technology as the main vehicle of socio-economic development through
effective and innovative leadership in the development, promotion and application of science and
technology and to ensure that traditional as well as modern advances in all branches of science and
technology are effectively applied in all sectors of economy including agriculture, industry,
environment and services for sustainable national development to build a happy, prosperous S&T
led Bangladesh.

4. MISSION

The core theme of the new science & technology policy is to ensure that it becomes an important
and integral component of all development plans and activities in the country. To that end the
policy will have the following missions:

4.1 To place S&T as the basis for formulation of national development plan for economic and
cultural development

4.2. To build a strong foundation for development, promotion and application of S&T for
sustainable prosperity

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4.3 To develop quality human resources, infrastructures and institutions for science and
technology so as to create a strong, creative, innovative and competitive nation in the world wide
knowledge-based society

4.4 To promote basic sciences and innovative practices and ensure effective use of science,
engineering & technology to fulfil basic needs of its people

4.5 To encourage generation, adaptation, transfer and assimilation of technology appropriate for
basic, applied and developmental research

4.6 To ensure the development and use of traditional science & technologies and upgrade
indigenous community knowledge to provide quality goods and services to all sectors

4.7 To encourage research on

• Green technology to harness natural resources

• Ecosystem which acts as a carbon sink and a buffer against climate change
• Information and communications technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology etc.
• Basic Sciences

4.8 To create adequate infrastructure of R&D in science & technology areas of national need and
encourage private sectors to set up R&D centres for quality products

4.9 To provide adequate training and skill development opportunities and promote scientific
literacy to empower and enrich the society

4.10 To strengthen and protect intellectual property rights of various technologies generated in the
country

4.11 To provide special technology support and services to export-oriented industries viz.
agricultural, agro-industrial, pharmaceutical, medicinal and aromatic plants, jute, leather, textiles,
readymade garments, handicrafts etc.

4.12 To develop SME friendly Technology for the sustainable growth of small and medium
enterprises.

5. OBJECTIVE AND POLICY ACTIONS

5.1 Objectives

In recognition of the fact that the formulation of a comprehensive and coherent NSTP, designed to
contribute to the achievement of the country's development objectives is necessary for the
effective application of science and technology for development, the Government of Bangladesh
considers it appropriate to formulate a revised national science and technology policy.

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The prime objective of the updated NSTP is to ensure application(s) of science, technology and
innovation (ST&I) for achieving sustainable economic growth with due attention to employment
generation, poverty alleviation, gender equity and environmental sustainability.

NSTP is designed to fulfill the following objectives:

(a) To attain scientific and technological competence and self-reliance in various sectors and sub-
sectors of the economy to ensure food, agricultural, nutritional, environmental, water, health and
energy security of the people on a sustainable basis

(b) To help increase production and employment in various sectors and sub-sectors of the
economy

(c) To provide an effective synergy between science & technology in all their manifestations on
the one hand and national development and poverty reduction on the other

(d) To be in consonance with the socio-economic, cultural, educational, agricultural, industrial,

environmental and health policies of the nation

(e) To contribute to the global pool of scientific and technological knowledge

(f) To seek out and recognize high talents particularly amongst the younger generation in various
areas of science and technology

(g) To promote regional and international science and technology cooperation towards achieving
the goals of national development and make it a key element of our international relation

(h) To provide guidelines for institutional arrangements or rearrangements in the R&D structure
including capacity building in education and training

(i) To promote the empowerment of women in all science & technology activities and ensure their
full and equal participation

(j) To provide necessary autonomy and freedom of functioning for all academic and R&D
institutions so that an ambience for truly creative work is encouraged

(k) To encourage research and applications to forecast, prevent and mitigate natural disasters and
hazards like earthquakes and floods, drought, cyclones, erosions, sea level rise etc cased by
climate changes.

(l) To encourage research and innovation in areas of relevance for the economy and society,
particularly by promoting close and productive interactions between private and public institutions
in science & technology and public & private partnership in R & D activities

(m) To establish an intellectual property rights (IPR) regime that maximizes the incentives for the
generation and protection of intellectual property by all categories of inventions

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(n) To integrate scientific knowledge with insights from other disciplines, and ensure full
involvement of scientists and technologists in national governance so that the spirit and methods
of scientific enquiry permeate deeply into all areas of public policy making

5.2 Policy Actions

Applications of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) are to be considered for all sectors of
economic and social development. The key areas for policy action are stated as follows.

5.2.1 Policy Formulation

• Sectoral and sub-sectoral policies should be formulated to make development process transparent
and participatory

• Sectoral and sub-sectoral policies should be aimed at achieving sustainable development to meet
both local and global needs

• Importance of technology dynamics (e.g. traditional, conventional, modern and emerging

technologies), globalization and environmental factors should be duly considered in sectoral and
sub-sectoral policies

5.2.2 Policy Instruments

• Introduction of appropriate legal and policy instruments for the implementation of science,
technology and innovation (ST&I).

• Strengthening of intellectual property rights regime (e.g. enactment and enforcement of laws,
strengthening of administrative and judiciary institutions) of the country

• Promotion of awareness about the importance of ST&I among politicians, bureaucrats,

researchers, managers, administrators, academics, professionals, members of the public and other
stake holders

• Mobilization of sufficient research and training funds, venture and investment capitals from
government, public, private and external sources for the promotion and application of ST&I

5.2.3 Infrastructure and Production Facilities

• Strengthening and development of infrastructure to support development

• Strengthening and development of production facilities

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5.2.4 Research Facilities

• Strengthening and development of research facilities for different development sectors under
public and private sector managements

• Promotion and strengthening of research capabilities; which should include policy research,
research on acquisition, transfer, adaptation, development, diffusion and management of local and
imported technologies and research on applied and basic sciences

• Promotion of co-ordinated (multi-institutional & multi-disciplinary) national research

programmes on cross-sectoral issues

• Strengthening and development of research co-ordinating bodies (e.g. research council) for
planning, managing and evaluation of research programmes.

• Creation of R&D facilities for physically disadvantaged group

5.2.5 S&T Manpower

• Strengthening and development of capable S&T manpower at different levels-vocational (non-

formal and formal), school, pre-university, university, formal post-graduate and non-formal post-
graduate (continuing education and training) to meet the needs of research and production systems
of different sectors

5.2.6 Institutions

• Promotion of innovative production and marketing systems in public and private sectors
involving innovative technologies, products, processes, services and institutions

• Establishment and strengthening of regulatory regimes (e.g. regulatory and enforcement

authorities) for effective promotion of ST&I in public and private sectors

• Strengthening and establishment of institutions for standardization of S&T based products and
services

• Strengthening and development of S&T capacities and capabilities for effective management of
natural disasters (e.g. floods, cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis, SLR and landslides)

• Promotion of pro-active collaborative relations among government organizations, public &

private production systems, research organizations, universities and professional bodies for
effective use of trained manpower, natural and physical resources for sustainable development

• Promotion of international cooperation in S&T education and research in achieving national

development objectives

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• Formation of technical advisory committees in all relevant ministries (including MOSICT) for
dealing with S&T matters with relevant scientists and technologists to assist them
• Dissemination of information on sectoral policies, policy instruments, natural resources,
production facilities, research facilities, development of S&T manpower and relevant institutions
to all concerned through print and electronic media for undertaking S&T based development
programme

• Development of concrete guidelines for proper utilization of the findings- Policy formulae,
Strategies, Methods, Committees, Secretariat, Financial rules and regulations, Implementation
procedures, Monitoring and Evaluation, Refreshing etc.

• Creation of database of R&D organization and professionals with provisions of regular updating

6. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NCST) AND

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NCST (ECNCST)

With a view to ensuring that policy formulation and implementation in science and technology
and their cultivation and application in various sectors proceed in a coordinated manner, the
Government of Bangladesh constituted on 16 May, 1983, a centrally institutionalized mechanism
called the National Committee on Science and Technology which is now called National Council
on Science and Technology (NCST) and an Executive Committee of NCST (ECNCST), which
would submit recommendations on the points mentioned in Section 5 and also monitor the
implementation of the directives and decisions of the NCST.

The NCST will

(a) Formulate national policies on science and technology for social and environmental
development and devise strategy for technological self-reliance

(b) Consider recommendations of the Executive Committee of the NCST (ECNCST) on priorities
to specific research programmes, evaluate the quality and effectiveness of research programmes
undertaken by various agencies and assess the extent to which results are put to actual use

(c) Consider measures suggested by the ECNCST for coordination of scientific research and
development activities undertaken by different S&T institutions

(d) Consider the ECNCST recommendations on goal oriented research plans and programmes

(e) Ensure suitable environment for scientific and technological work

(f) Such other matters as may be considered relevant by the government

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6.1 The NCST, headed by the Head of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh,
with State Minister of MOST as the Vice-Chairmen, concerned ministers, concerned secretaries
and prominent scientists/technologists/educationists as its members. The composition of the NCST
will be notified by the Government in a gazette.

6.2 The Government can constitute by gazette notification the ECNCST headed by the State
Minister for The Science and Technology and sub-committees, technical committees, advisory
panels, expert panels and consultants, as required.

7. MAJOR ELEMENTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

For successful application of science, technology and innovation in national development as a first
step it is necessary to assess science and technology issues of different sectors having sectoral
policies. In the subsequent step it may be advisable to develop sectoral policies in development
sectors having no approved policy.

Important elements considered in assessing sectoral policies are executing ministry, extension
agencies, technology transfer process, regulatory agency, testing standardization and quality
control system, research council, research organizations, grassroot level training system, S&T
manpower, postgraduate education, training & research, linkages with other policies, consistency
with national priorities, methods of measuring the performance of policy implementation.

Solution of the problems of the national economy calls for multidisciplinary application of science
and technology. Given the limitation of resources, an integrated approach is essential for evolving
a comprehensive and coherent national science and technology policy which will serve, inter alia,
the following purposes:

7.1 Planning, coordinating and monitoring of all research and development work concerning
science and technology in the country:

Bangladesh has considarable numbers of R&D institutions and supporting facilities administered
by research councils, development agencies, government departments, non-governmental
organizations (NGO’s) and educational institutions. Coordination among them is, however,
inadequate. Often no specific targets are set, no monitoring and control measures exist and not
enough consideration is given to the development of marketable products from these endeavours.
The net result is fragmentation of research activity with little returns accruing from the effort.

In view of this, the role of the NCST as the central coordinating agency assumes critical
importance. The NCST would advise the government on selected areas of research and
development which would help realize the stated objective meant to accelerate economic recovery
and then assign these areas of research and development to the specific agencies best equipped to
carry them to a successful completion and ensure their high performance. The NCST will also
evolve a mechanism for establishing linkages of R&D institutions horizontally amongst
themselves and vertically with the private manufacturing/industrial sector, and ministries dealing
with S&T activities.

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In view of the above mentioned points, it is considered appropriate that the ECNCST should also
carry out the following functions:

(a) Recommend measures for technology assessment, development, adaptation, adoption and
diffusion in the country
(b) Suggest measures to integrate a science and technology plan with the development plans
prepared by the Planning Commission

(c) Introduce effective institutional arrangements in the various organs of the government to help
promote and monitor the implementation of the science and technology plan

(d) Secure funds and allocate them to the various R& D institutions in the light of national
development priorities

(e) Recommend to the government on science and technology related policies in the areas of
taxation, import, export and industrialization with intent to create appropriate infrastructure for
maximizing technology transfer and economic development

(f) Suggest measures to strengthen environmental pollution monitoring and control to ensure
sustainable development

(g) Take adequate steps to popularise science and technology among people in general

(h) Promote regional and international cooperation in science and technology on bilateral and
multilateral basis towards achieving the goals of national development and make it a key element
of international relations

7.2 Engineering Research Council

An Engineering Research Council maybe created to provide vital link in the commercialization of
research results and in acquisition, adoption and adaptation of imported technology. Its prime
objectives will be to:

(a) Identify thrust areas for research in engineering sciences

(b) Promote in-house research and design capability in both public and private sector industries

(c) Coordinate and develop research in the existing engineering research organizations

(d) Provide facilities for inter-agency consultation for adoption, adaptation and assimilation of
foreign technology

(e) Offer other related services to different organizations

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7.3 Identification of fields where solutions are likely to have a significant impact on the
economic and socio-cultural development of the country:

This will be achieved by formulating science and technology plans commensurate with sectoral
priorities arising from national development objectives, establishing targets for each science and
technology sector, critically evaluating the resources required and effectively monitoring the
performance of each sector. Special emphasis must be given for research and development in the
following sectors in view of their overwhelming importance to national development in general,
and poverty reduction in particular:

(a) Environmental Science & Technology:

1. Natural hazards particularly floods, cyclones, earthquakes, draughts, tsunami, sea level rise etc,
control/mitigation.
2. Environment
3. Meteorology
4. Space research and remote sensing
5. Earth sciences
6. Marine sciences
7. Waste management
(b) Natural Resources & Energy:
1. Agricultural, land, livestock, poultry, forestry and fisheries
2. Water resources, land reclamation and deltaic studies
3. Energy
4. Electronics
5. Mining
(c) Health & Related Life Sciences & Technology:
1. Health nutrition and family welfare
2. Biotechnology and genetic engineering
3. Pharmaceuticals and Herbal medicine
(d) Information & Communication Technology:
1. ICT
2. Communications
3. Science City
(e) Others:
1. Large scale industries including engineering and metal industries/industrial sciences
2. Small scale and rural industries.
3. Transportation.
4. Housing and public works, etc.
5. Ecotourism and culture activities
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The NCST upon recommendation of the ECNCST shall identify priority areas warranting special
attention, which will be considered in the context of national development plan .

7.3.1 Strategic planning for individual R&D institution and institutional sustainability:
(a) Each R&D institution should develop a strategic plan, considering its activities/programmes
with short, medium and long-term perspectives, goals and objectives.

(b) R&D programmes of the institutions should have a judicious mix of basic and applied research
focused on one or more of the national problems.

(c) Each R&D organization should make serious efforts to use R&D results for production
purposes or for providing services in order to improve institutional self reliance and sustainability
by gradually reducing dependence on public funds.

In view of the resource constraint, each R&D institution should optimize capacity utilization of the
existing manpower and facilities. The road map for implementation of the strategic plan should be
clearly defined.

7.3.2 Promotion of research and strengthening the competence and capability of research
institutions including the universities:

Nurturing of national talent must be ensured by substantial improvement in the facilities of the
research institutions including the universities through capacity enhancement and infrastructure
building:

7.3.3 Capacity enhancement:

(a) Creation of modern and adequate instrumentation/laboratory facilities in research institutions

(b) In house capacity & capability should be enhanced for repair and maintenance of scientific
instruments. Facilities should be made available to those who do not have adequate facility
capability, sharing of lab facilities should be encouraged at all levels

(c) Strengthening of science and technology information bases through an integrated information
system for all research institutions

(d) ICT, including networking should be an integral part of any R&D institution

7.3.4 Ensure availability of multi-disciplinary manpower for goal-Oriented research:

(a) Sufficient scientific professionals should be made available for goal oriented research
programmes. Efforts should be made to develop this skilled manpower base.

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(b) Make provision for sufficient number of chemical, mechanical, electrical, water resources and
agricultural engineers, for design and engineering services and other facilities for technical
feasibility studies, pilot plant extension studies, design development, etc.

(c) Make provision for properly trained economists and market research specialists for each
research institution

7.3.5 Review mechanism for accountability in R & D organizations:

In goal-oriented research and development project, individual scientists, groups and teams,
operational units and institutes entrusted with the work should be accountable for their total output
within a time frame. The accountability factor should be a built-in element in the R & D
mechanism. The evaluation process should be done by a team of experts.

7.4 Establishment of new organizations & centres of excellence:

Existing research and educational institutions having proven competence and track record may be
turned into centres of excellence in relevant fields through strengthening the respective
infrastructure and where needed, new institution may be established for dealing with field of new
and emerging science & technologies such as ICT, biotechnology and genetic engineering,
materials science, nanotechnology etc. Such centres of excellence will be set up in different parts
of the country with due regard to the availability of top quality manpower.

7.5 Science Education

Basic science education is a very important component of human resource development

programme of any country. The primary function of the science education system is to supply the
society with scientifically literate citizens. An essential prerequisite to a country’s technological
advancement is the necessity of recognition of a good science education system. In summary it can
be said that the basic problems of the developing countries are the weak educational and scientific
infrastructures and lack of appreciation of the importance of science as an essential ingredient of
economic and social development. Science education policy in Bangladesh should aim:

(i) To provide good quality science and technology education

(ii) To generate new technologies
(iii) To adopt technology developed elsewhere to suit local condition
(iv) To transfer technology essentially unchanged but relocated
(v) To devise different appropriate technologies appropriate for the country

7.5.1 Current status of science education at the tertiary level in Bangladesh:

Science education at the tertiary level depends on the input of science students from the primary,
secondary & higher secondary levels. Science education at primary and secondary levels is very
much outdated. The classroom education system in our primary, secondary and higher secondary
schools and colleges lack various appropriate components of science education. The content of
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school science curriculum, the characteristics of science programme, the nature of science
teaching and assessment practices are not in conformity with the present day need of science
teaching. There is no appropriate system for the training, certification, and employment of science
teachers. The number of science students has increased about 10 fold over the last four decades
(mostly because of the rise in population) in almost all the higher secondary educational
institutions but the logistics for science teaching including lab facilities have not increased
accordingly. In effect the facilities have decreased in some institutions.

Policies that influence the practice of school science education in Bangladesh are not congruent
with the purpose of science teaching. These policies do not contain provisions for supplying the
necessary text materials, laboratories with scientific apparatuses, accessories and reagents,
Resources are in short supply and decisions about their allocation are difficult to get. As a result of
these poor conditions of science education the student, becomes less interested in science and opts
for other disciplines, at higher (tertiary) level.

At the tertiary level the status of science education should be more improved, although in most of
the departments of the universities, the curriculum for science education is updated every two to
three years. The theoretical part of the syllabus is somehow completed during the stipulated period
of the session by the teachers. However the students resort to the study of questions on a selective
basis which limit their horizon of knowledge. In exams they may score very high marks which
may not be a true reflection of their depth of knowledge. Majority of the students aim at passing
the examination without comprehending the subject.

7.5.2 Employment opportunities of science graduates:

This is a crucial factor in the development of science education of any country. A science graduate
should get a job in a research laboratory or a teaching & research position in a university or
college or an R&D job in an appropriate industry. But in most cases the science graduates end up
in doing a job (if he gets one at all) which is in no way related to his expertise. Because of this
more & more students are avoiding the study of science.

7.5.3 Ph.D. Programme:

The bulk of the scientific developments in the developed countries are provided by the successful
Ph.D. programme of their universities/Institute. Regular Ph.D programmes in science are not up to
the desire level in different university of Bangladesh due to insufficient facilities & qualified
manpower and as such its contribution to the national development is not significant.

7.5.4 Specialization:

Specialized subjects like biotechnology and genetic engineering, nano-technology, energy

production & management, IT are being taught in our universities. Infrastructure should be
adequately developed to educate manpower in these important areas of knowledge, to get
enormous return from these disciplines for the socio-economic development of our country. As

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Bangladesh is a littoral country so universities either in the public or private sector offering
undergraduate and post-graduate level degree in ocean Sciences require for Bangladesh.

7.6 Improvement of standard of scientific knowledge at all levels from the school to the
university:

This effort will comprise the following:

(a) Adequate emphasis should be given on simple concepts of science and mathematics from the
primary stage and the school curriculum should be oriented in such a way that problem solving
skills of the pupils are enhanced and the inter-disciplinary character of science is reflected.

(b) ICT should be included in the curriculum at secondary and higher levels of education and
curriculum should be updated on a regular basis.

(c) Primary resources for education and training, namely, qualified teachers, physical facilities,
equipment, books, journals, teaching aids, etc. should be ensured.

(d) Adequate provision and proper arrangements for higher training and research in the
universities should be made.

(e) Higher education in science and technology should be accessible to all based on merit which
will be supported by a liberal- government scholarships schemes.

(f) Science education will also be imparted through the Bangladesh Open University and other
modes of distant education.

(g) Scientific & technological libraries should be expanded geographically to bring all cross-
section of people under their coverage. This may also take the form of IT based virtual library,
expansion of scientific documentation centres at different parts of the country.

7.7 Training of personnel and specialized scientific technological staff in the research
institutions/laboratories and industrial establishments:

Manpower training is an essential condition for technical progress. Therefore, policies for the
enhancement of a scientific and technological manpower capacity shall, inter alia, aim at the
following:

(a) Ensure scientific and technological training and higher academic programmes at all levels, on a
continuous basis, at home and abroad, as and when required, so that the research capability of the
scientists and technologists is continuously developed and harnessed.

(b) Give incentives to universities, research institutions, and other educational institutions so that
they may become more responsive to the problems of society, particularly by integrating them
with the production system, economy and the cultural pattern suiting the ethos of the country.

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(c) Develop mechanisms and programmes for professional and technical updating so as to train
specialized personnel required to cover all the links in the chain that relate research and
development to products and marketing.

(d) Facilitate constant training, development and upgrading of labour force, relevant vocational
training, and, in particular, adequate training of researchers and technicians employed by
production units.

(e) Develop an indigenous managerial and administrative capacity in science and technology.

(f) Make a thorough evaluation of the brain-drain problem including the emigration of skilled
manpower with a view to identifying measures for tackling the problem and reversing the exodus
of scientific and technological manpower.

(g) Encourage undertaking of Ph.D programme locally on topics having relevance to our national
needs and infrastructural capacities and such students and supervisors should be adequately
supported financially.

(h) Ensure participation of teachers, scientists and technologists in various seminars, workshops
and conferences at national, regional and international levels to enhance their professional skills
and competence.

(i) Research institutions should develop their own training institution/capacity in keeping with
their R&D and higher academic programmes with short, medium and long term goals.

7.8 Ensure suitable environment for scientific and technological research:

For achieving this objective the following measures are envisaged –

(a) Attractive incentive packages should be offered to talented scientists and technologists.
Appropriate measures should be taken to find young talented scientists through talent hunting with
state patronization.

(b) Scientists and technologists working in the country will be given the opportunity to reach the
highest national grade of pay. They will continue their service in their positions in recognition of
outstanding services in research on the basis of a procedure of assessment and evaluation to be
evolved. Posts of distinguished scientists/researcher should be created in R&D institutions.

(c) Scientists and technologists should not be promoted on the basis of seniority in service alone
but due recognition should be given to meritorious achievements to be evaluated periodically.
Emphasis should be given on merit for the promotion along with seniority. Appropriate service
rules for various scientific organizations should be framed for this purpose.

(d) In order to encourage scientists and technologists to be more effective in their research and
innovation financial incentives must be given to them as research allowance and Ph.D. allowance.
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(e) Scope of lateral entry should be provided at all levels for distinguished scientists and
technologists from outside on the basis of selection.

(f) Scientists' freedom of thought and communication with the world community of scientists
should be given preferential and priority treatment.

(g) A corps of highly skilled technicians should be developed as the first step for setting up of
infrastructure for research.

(h) Scientific academies, associations and societies should be given adequate support so as to
enable them to play their due role in society more effectively and to popularize science and
technology.

(i) Coordination, interchangeability and appropriate linkage between the universities and the
research institutions shall be established so that exchange of scientific personnel between
universities and R & D organizations can take place smoothly.

(j) Maximum autonomy, through appropriate decentralization of power, should be given to the
science organizations to create a sense of freedom and thereby increase efficiency of R&D efforts.

(k) Due incentives in the form of awards and national recognition should be given to scientists and
technologists for meritorious achievements.

(l) Retirement age of the scientific professionals linked to R&D programmes should be increased.
Though Scientists or Technologists whose inventions or innovations or creative works which have
been acknowledged nationally and internationally, the government may offered them the position
of ‘National Scientist’/ Scientist Emeritus / Supernumerary / Honorary scientist for life-time and
be given appropriate remuneration and office in scientific establishments.

7.9 Media and Information

A strong information base is a prerequisite for an S&T plan with self-reliance as one of its
principal objectives. Creation of scientific awareness among the general masses of people through
popularization of science and technology and encouraging innovative activities, especially among
the younger generation is a must. This will be achieved through:

(a) Launching of an intensive nationwide programme for the popularization of science and
technology through the effective use of mass media like radio, television, newspapers and through
scientific societies/associations and science clubs in order to create an environment in which the
general masses of people can apply scientific principles to their daily living. It is through
popularization of science that the problems of environmental degradation and of disaster
management can be communicated to our people in simple parlance.

(b) Strengthening of the National Museum of Science and Technology and launching of mobile
museums to display devices derived from various theories of science and models of various

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instruments, processes and techniques with a view to increasing public understanding of scientific
principles and their practical applications, and with intent to encourage the people's creative
abilities and interest.

(c) Arranging lecture tours by scientists/technologists which stimulate interest in science and
technology among students and young people and encourage them to apply scientific principles to
their daily living and induce them to become scientists and technologists themselves.

(d) Creating awareness among people about the implications of the emerging science and
technology options in areas which impinge directly upon their lives, including social and
economic benefits / aspects through electronic and printing media. Each R&D organization may
establish a Cell / Division to support to disseminate, popularize and promote science &
technology.

A closer interaction of those involved in science & technology, social sciences, humanities, and
other scholarly pursuits should be facilitated to bring about mutual reinforcement, added value,
and impact. ICT facilities should be strengthened and expanded to meet the above mentioned
objectives.

8. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CAPABILITIES / CAPACITY FOR

DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY AND ACHIEVEMENT OF A
NATIONAL CAPACITY/TALENT FOR ADOPTION OF FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY:

The objectives of the development of indigenous technology and efficient assimilation of imported
technology are to:

(a) Guide the formulation of a technology plan which is to be integrated with the national plan

(b) Attain national capacity for autonomous decision-making in technological matters through
promotion of technological competence and self-reliance

(c) Ensure transfer of research results to the production sectors and their optimal utilization by the
national economy

(d) Ensure provision of facilities for transfer and productive utilization of research results through
the institutionalization of engineering design, prototype development, pilot plant and eventually
commercialization of products in the relevant sector corporations and individual units in both
public and private enterprises. Fiscal incentives like, venture capital and tax holiday may be
envisaged for this purpose.

(e) Reduce vulnerability, particularly in strategic and critical areas, making optimal blend of
‘indigenous and imported technological resources.’

(f) Devise appropriate legal, fiscal and financial modalities for selection, importation, absorption,
and adaptation of foreign technology.

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(g) Ensure establishment of institutional facilities for relevant knowledge assimilation and skill
development for learning the absorption process for imported technology.

(h) Generate technologies which are internationally competitive, particularly those with export
potential to make the country economically strong. These aspects require technology foresight,
which involves not only forecasting and assessment of technologies, but also their social,
economic and environmental consequences.

(i) Ensure development of support facilities like information and documentation services,
computer services and soft-ware packages, standardization and quality control.

(j) Ensure due considerations to matters relating to ecology, environment, energy conservation,
employment generation and social justice, etc., while importing a certain technology.

(k) Ensure conservation of environment particularly water resources both ground and surface
water and land resources from pollution. Water harvesting technologies may get priority.

(l) Provide support to emerging technologies like nanotechnology, biotechnology and genetic
engineering, micro-electronics, new and renewable sources of energy, materials, etc.

In order to fulfill the broad aims and objectives of the technology policy outlined above it is
envisaged to strengthen and establish relevant institutions and coordinate activities of the different
organizations in respect of technology transfer. With this strategy in view the relevant institutions
such as the Institute of Appropriate Technology at BUET will be strengthened and given
responsibility for policy research on matters related to technology assessment, forecasting,
evaluation, etc. Such institutions will act in close cooperation with and, among other things, may
receive research assignment from “ National centre for Technology Development and transfer” to
be instituted as a ‘think tank’ for the NCST.

The growth rate in productivity of the Bangladesh economy has been below its true potential and
the contribution to it of technological factor is inadequate. The current Bangladeshi exports today
derive their comparative advantage through labour rather than through the power of technological
innovation. The transformation of the new ideas for the commercial success is of vital importance
to the nation’s ability to achieve high economic growth and global competitiveness. Accordingly
special emphasis will be given not only to R&D, but also to other equally important social,
institutional, and market factors needed for adoption, diffusion, and transfer of innovation to the
productive sectors.

With further development of a policy regime for technology transfer and institution of appropriate
legal, fiscal and financial instruments for imported technology, a national centre for technology
development and transfer may be established in due course to serve as a focal point to provide
information, training, consultancy and extension services in respect of technology transfer. The
proposed National Centre for Technology Development and Transfer may act as an incubation
centre for technology development, adaptation, acquisition and transfer which is a dire need of the

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SMEs in Bangladesh. The initial efforts in such directions may be made through the formation of
an inter-ministerial consultative committee on technology transfer constituted by the NCST.

9. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHT (IPR)

Bangladesh is a party to WTO and its provisions are mandatory for Bangladesh and, in particular,
intellectual property right is to be implemented in its entirety. So the NSTP attaches vital
importance to the need of protecting similar rights and meeting the related obligations. Therefore,
it is urged as follows:

(a) The intellectual property right (IPRs) in all its manifestations such as trade related aspects of
IPR (TRIPs), patent/copy right, etc. will have to be properly taken into account in pursing any
scientific and technological R&D pursuit and to that end all administrative and technical
competence will have to be developed.

(b) Scientists and technologists should be encouraged to develop entrepreneurship and patent their
products, processes and important research findings that have commercial potentials.

(c) The government will take appropriate measures to prevent bio-piracy and patent important
resources related to national bio-diversity

(d) While encouraging use of traditional knowledge with all its manifestations, adequate legal
procedures will be developed to protect IPR`s related to our bio-diversity.

(e) Legal provisions on protection of IPR in case of indigenous resources, traditional community
knowledge, products and processes and also those of others should be updated and enforced.

(f) Traditional medicinal plants, herbs, shrubs will have to be protected from bio piracy through
proper documentation

(g) IPR should be introduced as a part of the curricula at the university level.

10. CREATION OF CENTRAL FACILITIES FOR COLLECTION AND

DISSEMINATION OF SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION AND RESEARCH FINDINGS:

To facilitate rapid documentation and dissemination of indigenously collected information and

those obtained from outside sources, a well organized and institutionalized system is required
which would conform to the international standards and be available within the resource
constraints of the country. In Bangladesh, scientific and technical information are handled at the
moment by several organizations which are collating, cataloguing and storing information in
different fields.

For effective functioning, a three-tier national system is proposed with the following three levels
of operation:

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10.1 The Central Documentation Centre:

Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre (BANSDOC)

As per provision of Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre

(BANSDOC) Act, it will be headed by a Director General. He will appointed by the Government
and his service terms and conditions will be fixed by the Government. It will have the following
basic facilities:

(a) Centralized storage (archiving) and cataloguing

(b) Central physical facility for data line connections and documentation

(c) Liaison with various international documentation agencies, and

(d) Overall administrative control of the national documentation facilities

BANSDOC under the Ministry of Science and Technology will be developed as the central
documentation centre and also the national focal point of regional and international scientific and
technological information centers.

The National Science Library of BANSDOC will be strengthened.

10.2 Four sub-groups situated in convenient institutions to deal with the following subject
areas:

(a) Physical Sciences- to include documentation facilities for all physical, chemical, mathematical,
statistical, and nuclear science subject areas.

(b) Agricultural Sciences- Crop, livestock, fisheries and forestry to cover agriculture food &
nutrition, rural development and social and economic sciences

(c) Medical and biological sciences- to include medical, health, nutrition, biological and public
health areas

(d) Engineering and technology- to include all engineering subjects, architecture, urban planning,
naval architecture & marine engineering, industrial engineering, energy, technology, environment,
housing, communication, transportation, water resources, etc.
These four sub-groups would have independent facilities for storage, documentation, copying,
microfilm/microfiche, etc. in their respective areas. The four agencies would be linked together
directly and through the centralized one tier administrative and functional mechanism

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10.3 Institutional Facilities:

All the scientific institutes (research and educational) would continue to have their library
facilities and subject-matter specialization. These libraries will perform the function of collecting
and documenting basic local information in their respective areas and feed the same to the
respective sub-groups and ultimately to the central storage for permanent documentation and
international exchange.

This three-tier scheme would operate under the general supervision of the NCST.

11. FUNDING FOR THE STR SECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCURE

FOR R&D ACTIVITIES:

In recognition of the fact that science and technology are essential tools for the socio-economic
uplift of a nation, the industrially advanced countries spend large resources on scientific and
technological activity. Typically, they spend between 2 and 3 percent of the total value of their
goods and services i.e. their gross national product (GNP) on research and development (R&D).
Several times this amount is additionally spent in converting the results of the R&D into socially
valued arte facts which are then made readily available to the potential buyers and users.

Efforts should, be made to ensure adequate resources for the effective implementation of science
and technology policies. Apportionment of at least 2% of GNP will be targeted for R&D and the
target will be reached as soon as possible by phase-wise increases in the allocation in this sector.
For this, appropriate financial mechanism will be established and the functions of which would
include:

(a) Linkages of the users of science and technology through their participation in the formulation
and execution of projects concerned.

(b) Special arrangements to ensure continuous financing for science and technology.

(c) The procurement and utilization of funds from national sources, both public and private,
international agencies/organizations and the UN system, which, however, should conform to the
overall national development objectives.

In addition, “Science and Technology Development Trust” will be created for spreading
knowledge and awareness related with science among the students and the other section of people
through informal science education, regular arrangement of science fair from national to
institutional level, providing financial assistance to the science club/organization in arranging
science fair, workshop and other functions, providing financial assistance for the development of
science education in secondary and higher secondary level, inspiring activities for the science
students, science related development works of the students and for participation in the national
and international workshop, congress etc. A “Board of Trustees” will be constituted to run the
activities of the trust and financial assistance has to be provided for the above mentioned activities
form the trust fund.

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12. BILATERAL, SUB-REGIONAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC
AND TECHNICAL COOPERATION:

Bangladesh is totally committed to acquiring scientific and technological capability to be able to

reach her socio-economic goals as soon as possible. Concerted efforts will be made to foster
scientific and technical co-operation with developed and developing countries to build up a sound
science and technology base in the country. In this respect sub-regional, regional and international
collaborative arrangements with agencies like South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation
(SAARC), IAEA Regional Cooperation Agreement (RCA) for Asia and Pacific countries, Forum
for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA), Commonwealth Science Council (CSC), Economic and
Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of
Technology (APCTT) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), Islamic Foundation for Science, Technology and Development (IFSTAD),
COMSTECH, COMSATS, UN Centre for Science and Technology for Development (UNCSTD),
and international organization like IAEA, FAO, UNICEF, WHO, etc. and also other bilateral and
regional arrangements will be given due importance.

Common goals can be effectively addressed by pooling both material and intellectual resources
particularly with countries that share mainly common problems. International collaboration
(bilateral agreements and MOUs) in science & technology should be fully used for furthering
national interest as an important component of foreign policy initiatives.

13. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACTION PLAN

The priorities for the scientific and technological development in the country will be identified on
the basis of the above-mentioned considerations by the NCST for the formulation of appropriate
science and technology action plan (STAP). In drawing up the S & T plan, the NCST will
endeavour to combine sectoral approaches keeping in view the totality of the nation's scientific
and technological needs for relatively short, medium, and long term goals. In the short and
medium term Science and Technology Action Plan, the R&D projects are to be derived from the
committed development programmes on priority basis. The long-term Science and Technology
Perspective Plan is to be formulated for technology based development planning which may
identify country’s priorities with respect to production of goods and provision of services for the
next 20-25 years considering the indigenous or local resources, possible imported resources, and
human resources of the country.

The actual planning and programming should be undertaken by panels of scientists and
technologists belonging not only to the research laboratories and universities alone but also from
design, engineering and manufacturing units, natural resources survey agencies and extension
organizations. This will be done in collaboration with economists, administrators, planners and
other professional groups.

It should be ensured that the scientific and technological projects are derived from committed
development programmes. In short, the S & T plan will be an interactive and collaborative
process.

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13.1 NCST monitoring cell:

A monitoring cell should be formed in the concerned ministry to coordinate, monitor and proper
documentation of the activities of the NCST. The success of the science and technology policy and
the speed with which the various facets of the policy are implemented depend on an efficient
monitoring, review and guidance by the NCST. For the implementation of the policy the NCST
will spell out guidelines in detail for ministries and agencies of the government as well as for
industries and entrepreneurs dealing with science and technology.

14. WAY FORWARD

The formulation of the science and technology policy, the preparation of an S & T Plan, the
provision of adequate financial resources and the effective implementation of the plan can secure
the necessary conditions for proper use of science and technology geared to fulfill national goals.
Implementation of the policies will require a commitment on the part of the government to
undertake the much needed organizational and managerial reforms not only in agencies and
institutions which generate science and technology but also in all public and private enterprises
which use science and technology. In fact, the effectiveness of the science and technology policy
would depend upon the strength of the linkage between the political and scientific/technological
systems. Above all, the entire population must be imbued with self-confidence and pride in the
national capability. Science and technology must be duly harnessed to unleash the creative
potential of the people for transforming Bangladesh into a prosperous nation.

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GLOSSARY :

BANSDOC : Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre

BUET : Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology
CCS&T : Cabinet Committee on Science and Technology
CU : Chittagong University
DU : Dhaka University
ECNCST : Executive Council of National Committee on Science and Technology
ICT : Information & Communication Technology
IPR : Intellectual Property Rights
JU : Jahangirnagar University
MOICT : Ministry of Information & Communication Technology
MOST : Ministry of Science and Technology
NCST : National Council on Science and Technology
NSTP : National Science and Technology Policy
NSTF : National Science and Technology Foundation
R&D : Research and Development
RU : Rajshahi University
S&T : Science and Technology
SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation
STAP : Science and Technology Action Plan
ST&I : Science, Technology and Innovation
STR : Science and Technology Research
SUST : ShahJalal University of Science and Technology

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