The Government of Bangladesh has released a new documentary to celebrate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s flagship fellowship programme aimed to advance scientific and research capacities in the country.
Two IOI PhD students are among the 98 Bangladeshi fellows who have received support on this highly competitive and prestigious scheme. Saifur Rahman and Amrita Pondit are both featured in the short film, showcasing their research on One Health aspects of antibiotic resistance as part of Professor Tim Walsh’s lab.
In the documentary Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says “Research is the only means by which we can pave the way to a [smart Bangladesh].”
Created in 2018, the Prime Minister Fellowship Program aims to build a knowledge-based, skilled and trained human resource for Bangladesh, specifically encouraging research related to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The fellowship programme is open to government officials, university teachers and members of the private sector who can apply to pursue postgraduate degrees in world-renowned universities, including University of Oxford. Selected candidates are supported with tuition fees, living costs and travel expenses.
Under this fellowship program, I am doing research on antimicrobial resistance, a leading cause of death worldwide in the 21st century. I believe the findings of this study will contribute to the Bangladesh Government’s commitment to Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.”
My work is on AMR in Enterobacteriaceae from Bangladesh, and it will contribute to the Bangladesh health sector, both in human and animal health. By this fellowship I have the opportunity to study at the University of Oxford and to contribute to my country.”
Watch the full documentary below: