Speeches of the BAAS Presidents (1976-2011)

Abstract

Bangladesh Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) owes its origin in 1975 to the Indian Science Congress Association established in 1914 and more closely to the Pakistan Association for the Advancement of Science. Before the establishment of independent Bangladesh in the year 1972, Pakistan Science Conferences were held annually either in East Pakistan (Presently Bangladesh) or in West Pakistan (Presently Pakistan). Dr. M. O. Ghani, Agricultural Development Commissioner was the President of the then Pakistan Association for the Advancement of Science (PAAS) in 1958 and spoke on ‘Development of Science’ in Pakistan. Dr. S. D. Choudhury, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, and Professor M. Innas Ali, Dean of Faculty of Science of Dhaka University were also the Presidents of the Association in the years 1967 and 1970 respectively.

This book is a compilation of a monograph consisting of speeches delivered at different times by the Presidents of the Bangladesh Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS). This endeavor of compiling the speeches was taken up by Prof. Dr. Aminul Islam, who was also the President of BAAS. He has taken all the pains to collect them and bring it to light for the future generation of scientists. As one goes through these speeches, one can easily appreciate the scenarios that existed in the domain of science during the period when the speeches were prepared. This compilation shows a great feeling deep in the minds of the editors of this book about the progress and betterment of science and the scientists as well. These inner sentiments will motivate the new generations to do great work.