BANGLADESH

• INDO-BANGLADESH PROGRAM OF COOPERATION IN
  SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Introduction

Formal interaction on science and technology between India and Bangladesh started with the signing of an Agreement in 1982 on cooperation in the fields of Technological and Scientific Research for Development between the two countries.

In the 5th meeting of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Commission held in New Delhi in March 1997 it was suggested that a Joint Committee be set up at the inter-governmental level to work out a Programme of Cooperation (POC) in Science & Technology keeping in view the interest of both the sides. An Indo-Bangladesh Joint S&T Committee (JSTC) was constituted in July 1998 with Secretary, Science & Technology as the Co-chairman from each side

Programme of Cooperation

A Protocol of Cooperation (POC) on Science & Technology for 1999-2000 was concluded in February 1999 in Dhaka in which various administrative and financial requirements for cooperation in science and technology were underlined. The Protocol was renewed in 2001 for another two years.

Modes of Cooperation:
In the Working Programme, the following modes of cooperation were identified:-

• Joint Projects.
• Exchange visit of Scientists
• Organization of joint symposia, seminars, conferences.
• Exploratory visits

Subject Areas

Agricultural sciences, Biotechnology, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences including Meteorology, Information Technology and Environmental Sciences have been identified for cooperation.

New Project Proposals

Calls for proposals on joint research are invited from time to time by the two Governments jointly. In response to such calls, the scientists from both the countries interested in identified subject areas may formulate joint proposals and submit the same to the respective focal points in the two countries:

Guidelines and Application Format

Detailed guidelines along with application format would be provided at the time of issue of call for proposals. However, the guidelines and application format issued earlier could be accessed at file “Proforma”.

Processing of Proposals and Project Duration

Project proposals received are reviewed by respective focal points and then a commonly agreed list of joint projects are finalized by the Indo-Bangladesh Joint S&T Committee. The processing of proposals normally takes 6-9 months. The project duration is normally 2-3 years.

Financial Support

Under the Programme, financial support is provided to Project Investigators by their respective governments for exchange visits. Support for equipments, consumables and contingencies may be considered on a case to case basis.