Bangladesh Academy of Sciences(BAS) is almost as old as Bangladesh. But it is not a well-known organization to Bangladeshi young academics and researchers, let alone general people. Because this organization does not have that many activities. Even during this global pandemic of COVID-19, BAS is one of the least heard names in Bangladesh. At this time of national crisis, expert voices from the fellow of BAS should and could have been heard. But that did not happen. We know only about one webinar by BAS during this COVID-19.
It is difficult for BAS to be an active organization at its present format. It needs restructuring. Reformation needed in the council. The number of members in the council should be increased- a number of vice president should be appointed with specific responsibilities such as
- Fellowship affairs,
- Foreign affairs,
- Science communication,
- Science promotion,
- Scientific performance review
- Higher education
- Scientific awards
For each theme of the vice presidents, one working group can be formed. Each group arranges relevant activities throughout the year. Forming working groups centering each vice president, BAS can activate and engage more than 100 fellows( no clear information about the fellows on the website) and have a tremendous impact in the scientific arena of the country. This way BAS can allow its fellows to be involved and BAS be an effective organization.
Hope BAS fellows will raise their voice and bring necessary changes.
In this digital age, the website of any organization reveals how active is the organization. Visiting the website of national science academies in the south Asian regions, it seems that BAS is the least active organization. It does not have any vision or mission statement. The list of fellows is not accessible. No contact email for the president, secretary, and council members. A Facebook page of BAS was found but no update since December 2016.
We hope the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences will be a dynamic and effective organization under the leadership of professor AK Azad Chowdhury and Professor Hasina Khan and it will be reflected in its website.
