Science Diplomacy has been identified as a potential tool for the scientific advancement of any country and in improving the relationship with other countries. The scientific advancement of any country is very important to achieve the SDG goals and make progress in any sector. But Science Diplomacy is unfamiliar or new term to the policymakers and scientists’ community of Bangladesh. There is no Science Diplomacy wing or initiative in the foreign ministry of Bangladesh. Nothing significant can be found if we search the website of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Bangladesh and Bangladesh Academy of Sciences(BAS). The newly formed National Young Academy of Bangladesh(NYAB) has not taken any initiative yet for Science Diplomacy.
Among the South Asian countries, India has made significant progress in Science Diplomacy. They have a science diplomacy forum, Science diplomacy Journal and Magazine, a separate wing in the foreign ministry, and science Counsellor (S&T) in the Embassy of India in a good number of countries. Science and technology agreement is one of the tools of Science Diplomacy. India has signed bilateral science and technology agreements with 83 countries.
Pakistan has initiated science diplomacy. It is mentioned in the website of Foreign ministry fo Pakistan “Cognizant of the potential of science diplomacy to advance Pakistan’s national interests and participate effectively in the global science and technology ecosystem, the Ministry launched its Science Diplomacy (SD) initiative with the designation of a Focal Point (Science Diplomacy Division) to act as a liaison between national science and technology (S&T) stakeholders and international partners.”
Nepal also has a Science Diplomacy initiative.
Bangladesh should make immediate initiatives. Foreign Affairs Ministry, Science and Technology Ministry, BAS, and NYAB should come together and take some initiative for Science Diplomacy for Bangladesh.
The importance of Science Diplomacy has increased after the global pandemic as it has stalled progress in many sectors and complicated and intensified challenges.
Immediate initiatives from all four above mentioned important bodies related to science Diplomacy are crucial for Bangladesh at this critical time of the world.
