President M Abdul Hamid yesterday emphasized the need for giving more attention to development-based research works to face the global competition successfully on the threshold of the 21th century, reports BSS. “Enhance the research areas of the Asiatic Society. . . Inspire young researchers for national development,” the president told academics and scholars at the 17th biennial council of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh in the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

President Hamid urged scientists, researchers, scholars and intellectuals to highlight Bangladesh's history, heritage, culture and outstanding achievements both at home and abroad through their research works and writings.

He sought cooperation of the affluent people in the society to invest in various research activities as they would play a significant role to boost the overall economy of the country.

“Change your mindset and come out of your own circle . . . you have to stand by the common people as they are the driving forces of country's economy", the president told the scholars of the Asiatic Society.

The happiness and sorrow as well as hopes and aspirations of general people should be reflected in your writings and priority must be given to the national interest as well, Abdul Hamid added. Referring to the ongoing development trend during the present government, he asked all experts, scholars and new generation to come forward with the aim to build a terrorism, hunger, poverty, superstition and illiteracy-free modern, technology-based and progressive Bangladesh.

On the “Digital Bangladesh” concept, the president asked the scientists, engineers, private institutions and entrepreneurs to ensure optimum use of own technologies to reach digital advantages to the people's doorstep.