Bangladesh 2004

World Space Week 2004 Report

In recognition of UN-declared World Space Week, the Bangladesh Astronomical Society arranged a week-long programme to celebrate this important event all over the country.

Dhaka

The Inaugural Session of the World Space Week-2004 was held in the auditorium of Mirpur Bangla High School, Section-11, Mirpur, Dhaka on Monday, 4 October afternoon. Among the speakers who had participated in the deliberation are Dr. K.M. Sirajul Islam, the Vice-President of Bangladesh Astronomical Society and the former Director of Science Museum, Dr. Mobarak Ali Akand, the Treasurer of Bangladesh Astronomical Society and the former Director of Science Museum, Mr. F. R. Sarker, the General Secretary of Bangladesh Astronomical Society and the National Coordinator for World Space Week in Bangladesh, Dr. Ali Asgar, former Head of Physics Department, Bangaldesh University of Science & Technology (BUET) Prof. Habibur Rahman, former Director of Science Museum, Prof. Sultan Mahmood, Dept. of Physics, Asia Pacific University, Mr. Syed Abdul Kaium, Head Master of Mirpur Bangla High School, Mr. Siba Ranjan Datta, Science Teacher, Mirpur Bangla High School and Master Amit, a kid Astronomer. The Meeting was overflowed with attendees despite heavy rains and inclement weather. The following summarizes the speeches:

Dr. K, M. Serajul Islam in his speech outlined the need of the studies of Astronomy and Space Science in Bangladesh and urged the government to come forward to encourage these activities.
Dr. Mobarak Ali Akand told about his experience in Astronomical activities and programs during his tenure as the Director of Science Museum and opined that government should take appropriate steps for its improvement.
Mr. F.R. Sarker explained the implication of the celebration of World Space Week. He presented a Video Show on various topics on Space Science including his participation in the 47th Session of the UN COPUOS in Vienna. He emphasized the need for greater space education in Bangladesh and proposed formation of a Bangladesh Space Agency.
Dr. Ali Asgar explained the different aspects of Space Science and commented that a nation can not survive neglecting the scientific research as such we need to put special emphasis on the studies of Astronomy and Space Science.
Prof. Habibur Rahman Chowdhury spoke that he has observed in the Science Museum the keen eagerness for the students to learn about Astronomy.
Prof. Sultan Mahmood said that his University would encourage the students to learn more about Astronomy.
Mr. Syed Abdul Kaium emphasised the need for study of Astronomy and Space Science in Bangladesh.
Mr. Siba Ranjan Datta explined to the students why they should learn Astronomy and Space Science indispensably.
Mr. Amit, a kid Astronomer delivered a lecture on the metamorphosis in the Universe in English language.

Enayetpur

This year, one of the locations for celebration of World Space Week was Enayetpur, a tiny village in the district of Sirajganj, about 80 miles northwest of Dhaka. The first event was held on 5 October. Despite the inclement weather, thousands of students and space enthusiasts brought a colourful rally and paraded over the main road chanting slogans with 'Space for Sustainable Development'. Traffic on the road was blocked and police helped the students to walk on the road smoothly. Wearing Caps, Badges and hoisting placards of World Space Week-2004 in their hands the students strolled on the road with joy and enthusiasm. The Rally was peaceful and the students were happy and hilarious. Villagers rushed to the spot to enjoy this unusual function. After the end of the Rally, a Meeting was held where speakers, among others, participated in deliberation, were Mr. F. R. Sarker, the General Secretary of Bangladesh Astronomical Society and the National Coordinator for World Space Week in Bangladesh, Mr. Abdul Matin, Head Master, Enayetpur High School, Prof. Lokendra Nath Ghose, Principal, Khamargaram College, Mr. Badal Chandra Roy, the Head Master of Meherunnessa Girls High Schools, Mr. Saidul Islam, a social worker. and Mr. Abul Kassem Mal, founder of Khamargram College. The speakers expressed their satisfaction for arranging celebration of the World Space Week–2004 at Enayetpur and told the students to concentrate on the studies of Space Science as it would be most essential subject in future. Mr. F. R. Sarker in his keynote speech explained the implication of the celebration of World Space Week. Then he replied to all the questions the students as well as the general people asked to learn from him. It was a very serene and joyous moment and the audience insisted to stay more time even after the declaration of the end of the Meeting.
The Aga Khan School, Dhaka celebrated World Space Week. The program included students designing Lance's Lab, writing essays, giving presentations, quizzes, and building models.

Sylhet

Sylhet Astronomical Society, SUST Astronomical Society and Bangladesh Astronomical Society jointly organized a Seminar on October 6, in the Auditorium of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, (SUST), in Sylhet, about 200 miles east of Dhaka. A large number of students of the University participated. Among those who spoke were Dr. Abdul Hai Chowdhry, Associate Professor of Deptt. of Physics, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet; Mr. F. R Sarker, General Secretary, Bangladesh Astronomical Society; Mr. A A M Reaz, Assistant Professor of M. C. College, Sylhet; and Mr. Asif, General Secretary, Sylhet Astronomical Society. The speakers discussed about the importance of space education and urged the government to include Astronomy and Space Science in the curriculum of the University. Mr. Sarker explained the importance of space education and the role of Spaceweek International Association, entrusted in global coordination of the celebration of the World Space Week on October 4-10. Later he conducted a question and answer session followed by a video presentation on different space-related topics.

For the latest information on World Space Week in Bangladesh, please visit:
http://www.bangastrosociety.org/intro.html