Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, briefly called as BCSIR, sometimes called as science laboratory, is one the two largest multidisciplinary research organization in Bangladesh. Many countries in the world have such organizations.
Whatever might be its contribution in the research output of Bangladesh, it’s image is not that reach in the eyes of public, like most other government research organizations in the country.
Pathetic part is that BCSIR is hardly run by its scientists. University professors were usually appointed its chairman. However, that did not proof well for it, as people from outside hardly knew it, own it and run it well.
But what is the present situation, is it better than previous one? Government officials, BCS cadres are now leading BCSIR as chairman and member of governing body. The governing body also include professors/researchers as part-time member of the the body. However, none of the five full time members of the governing body has PhD degree or research experiences though there are many BCS cadres with PhD degrees. Such appointment is not expected and good for research and leadership development
Ideally any research organization should be led by the researchers/scientists of that organization. To lead a research organization, someone needs to have research experience and leadership ability/administrative ability. Those who are leading a research organization, lack one of the two, research organization will not run well.
So appointing people from BCS administration cadre, even without PhD and research experience in the governing body of BCSIR is not a good example. It is also demotivating for the scientists and weaken the organization from inside.
Over the year, leadership from scientists should have been developed, particularly in the last ten years as same person is leading science ministry for such a long time. we are sorry to observe that situation has not improved; rather deteriorated.
However, without delay measures need to be taken so that BCSIR scientists can lead BCSIR. For this, scientists should be trained on leadership, administration and financial management. A training curriculum and training organization for scientists should be set up soon.
On the short term approach, government can arrange online leadership training from world reputed universities. A training program titled “Leadership Principles for Engineers, Scientists, and Researchers‘ offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a very good one.
Government can buy organizational or bulk access and make it compulsory for scientists to obtain the certificate for this program. Even the score of this program can be considered in the promotion marking and appointment in the leadership position such as head of laboratory, division and institutes and even chairman.
Hope government will take such far-reaching steps for research organizations.
