Thousands of fresh graduates in science and technology are coming out every year from the national, international, public and private universities in Bangladesh. They achieve their degrees in various disciplines of Physical, Biological and Medical sciences. We are enjoying huge benefits from science. But the situation was not like this, even hundred years ago. Science was largely the pursuit of gentlemen leisure. In the course of time, science became a full time profession and the scientists were detached from the society. Their detachment led them to build an ivory tower in which they sheltered, pretending that their work had nothing to do for human welfare.
The tremendous advances in pure science particularly in Physics during the first part of the 20th century and in Biology in the second half have completely changed the relation between science and society. Science has now become a dominant element in our life. It has brought great improvements in the quality of life, alternatively the grave perils for the generation such as pollution of environment, misuse of vital resources, increase in transmittable diseases and, above all, a threat to the very existence of human species on this planet through the development of weapons of mass destruction.
Every citizen has to be accountable for his deeds. We all have a responsibility to society. The dominant role is now played by science in modern society. The world famous scientist Schrondinger said "Scientists will understand the technical problems better than the average politician or citizen and knowledge brings responsibility”.
Science is to benefit the human community and modern science must take human values into account. When a patient comes to a doctor it is the responsibility of the doctor to save the patient. Responsibility of the pharmacists is to check the quality of medicines before selling to a patient. The Chemists should not cooperate with hijackers to produce balm to kill the innocent people. Here come the questions of ethics and religions.
The time has come for some kinds of oaths to be taken by the scientists. In many countries, thousands of young scientists are taking oaths as:
“I promise to work for a better world where science and technology are used in socially responsible ways”.
“I will not utilize my education for any purpose intended to harm human beings or the environment”.
“I will consider the ethical implications of my work before I take action”.
“I sign this declaration because I recognize that individual responsibility is the first step on the path of peace”.
While it is very important that new entrants into a scientific career become aware of their social responsibilities, it is also important that senior scientists acknowledge their own awareness of such responsibilities. There should be clear statements that ethical issues are an integral part of the work of scientists. Universities should adopt the practice of science graduates taking pledge at their convocation before awarding certificates.
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