Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus asserted that Bangladesh must be developed in such a way that it draws the attention of the global community, rather than seeking to go out to the world.
He made these remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the Centennial Celebration of the Bose-Einstein Statistics organised by DU's Department of Physics at the Intercontinental Dhaka on Thursday (7 November).
Reflecting on the recent people's revolution, Dr Yunus remarked that it has granted citizens newfound freedom of thought. He called upon everyone to offer their suggestions to support state reforms and to ensure that the fruits of the revolution were fully realised.
Dr Yunus further highlighted the government's determination to advance scientific research through essential reforms. He noted that efforts would be made to address the demands for reform by involving all relevant stakeholders.
Professor Yunus, in his address, reminisced about the momentous contributions made by Bose in 1924 when he formulated the Bose-Einstein statistics, a breakthrough in quantum mechanics.
"We are here today to celebrate the centennial of the brightest star in our country’s and our university’s history—Satyendra Nath Bose. He made his monumental discovery while serving as a young professor at Dhaka University, in a small room at Curzon Hall, a place that continues to echo with the voices of physics students and teachers," he said.
This discovery has had far-reaching implications, fundamentally altering the course of 20th-century physics.
Professor Yunus pointed out that this discovery not only placed Dhaka University and the city of Dhaka on the world map of scientific achievement but also marked a crucial advancement in quantum theory.
The celebration is not just an academic event but a reflection of the revolutionary changes occurring in the country.
"As we strive to reshape our nation through a student-led revolution and work to restore our university’s academic prestige, what better occasion to celebrate than the centenary of Bose’s discovery?" Professor Yunus remarked, adding that the event was also a source of inspiration for the students leading the charge for change in the country.
The two-day event drew international participation, with notable physicists contributing to discussions on the advancements of the Bose-Einstein theory.
"Physicists around the world are celebrating this discovery, and we are honoured that several prominent scientists have joined us to pay tribute to the place where it all began," Professor Yunus said.
He also highlighted the lasting impact of Bose’s work.
"In 2001, the prediction made by Bose-Einstein statistics was proven true with the creation of the Bose-Einstein condensate, an achievement that won the Nobel Prize in Physics. This research continues to evolve and inspire," he added.
Professor Yunus reflected on the humble beginnings of Bose’s discovery in Dhaka.
"In 1924, when Bose formulated his theory, no one could have imagined the immense impact it would have. Yet, armed with confidence in his work, Bose sent his paper to the world’s foremost physicist, Albert Einstein, who immediately recognised its significance and had it published in one of the most respected scientific journals," he recalled.
The chief adviser also paid tribute to Bose's contribution to Dhaka beyond the scientific realm.
As a professor, Bose not only advanced theoretical physics but also promoted the use of the Bengali language in higher education; he was a beloved cultural figure in Dhaka, known for his contributions to both science and society, including his support for literature and the arts, Yunus said.
Professor Yunus ended his speech by stressing the need to reinvigorate Dhaka University and the academic environment of Bangladesh.
"The atmosphere that fostered Bose’s discovery in 1924 must be recreated. We must provide our students and researchers with an environment that nurtures their intellectual freedom and enables them to contribute to the global scientific community," he concluded.
He called on the interim government to ensure that necessary reforms are implemented to support these efforts.
"Just as Bose had faith in his work, we must have faith in our capacity to reshape our future. We must cultivate belief in our youth that they too can be leaders in science, and that the world will come to us, as we come together in the pursuit of knowledge," he said.
The event marked a proud moment for Dhaka and its academic community as it celebrated one of its greatest scientific minds, while also recognising the ongoing work to restore the glory of Dhaka University and its role in global academia.
The Centennial Celebration of Bose-Einstein Statistics continues to be a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of scientific discovery and its ability to inspire revolutions—both intellectual and political.
The chief adviser was joined by Education Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, and former Professor at SNBNCBS, Kolkata, Partha Ghose.
These distinguished figures gathered to commemorate a milestone in the history of science—Satyendra Nath Bose’s seminal discovery that has left an indelible mark on global physics.
