Scientists and researchers have responsibilities to find out sustainable ways to maintain Bangladesh's current economic and GDP growth, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said today.

"We've to sustain our economic growth [and] only research can give us that solution," she told a programme for distributing Bangabandhu Science and Technology Fellowship, National Science and Technology Fellowship and cheques of the grants for special research.

"We've formulated National Science and Technology Policy 2011 so that we can sustain our economic and GDP growth," she said at the event organised by Science and Technology Ministry at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.

Minister Yafesh Osman was in the chair while Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology Ministry Dr Ruhal Haque spoke at the programme as the special guest. Science and Technology Secretary Md Anwar Hossain delivered the welcome speech.

Sheikh Hasina said scientists and searchers have huge responsibilities towards the nation. "You'll discharge your duties [properly] ... so that future generations can take the country forward. Let no evil force play ducks and drakes with the fate of the people of Bangladesh," she said.

The Prime Minister mentioned that the government is formulating National ICT policy 2018 to ensure the use of science and technology in every sphere of life. Research works are being emphasised for that reason.

She said Bangladesh has gained a huge maritime area and research is essential to explore the potentials from this maritime boundary.

"We've already set up an institute in Cox's Bazar while studies are being conducted at Dhaka and Chittagong universities. We need large-scale research," she said.

'Won't lag behind'

The Prime Minister said the country needs more scientists, technologists and researchers.

She mentioned that the government had awarded fellowships to 13,713 persons worth Tk 84.64 crore from 2009-10 to 2017-18 fiscal. "We're providing fellowships worth Tk 17.68 crore in the current fiscal," she said.

Sheikh Hasina urged the searchers and scientists to identify possible areas where the government can invest for development. "Our work is with the water, air and soil of this country," she reminded everyone.

Earlier, she handed over the fellowships and cheques of the grants for special researches to the post-doctoral students and researchers.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has sent a satellite to space. She noted that more research is needed as one day Bangladesh will send more satellites.

"We've to do some research over the issue. We'll never lag behind," she said. "This is our aim and we're working hard for it."