Report on Silver Jubilee Conference

发布时间：2016年05月06日 来源：中国化学会

11-13 January 2003
Bangladesh Chemical Society,
Jahangirnagar University, Savar,Dhaka, Bangladesh

The Silver Jubilee Conference of the Bangladesh Chemical Society was held in the premises of Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh during January 11-13, 2003.

1. Inaugural Function
The Silver Jubilee Conference of the Bangladesh Chemical Society was inaugurated by the Honb'le President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed, the Chief Guest of the Inaugural Function of the Conference. The Inaugural session was also addressed by Mr. Shajahan Siraj, M.P. Honb'le Minister, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and Mr. A. K. M. Mosharraf Hossain FCA, M.P. Honb'le State Minister, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh who were present as Special Guests. The function was attended by 525 registered local delegates, 36 foreign scientists (Annexure 1) and a large number of dignitaries of the country. 

Amongst the foreign participants Prof. Barry Noller, President of the Federation of Asian Chemical Society (FACS) ; Prof. Ho Si Thoang, President-elect of FACS ; Dr. San H Thang, Secretary General of FACS and Prof. Hitoshi Ohtaki, Council member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) were present. On behalf of the University, the Chief Patron of the Conference Prof. Jasim Uddin Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University and on behalf of the Organizing Committees Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Mesbahuddin Ahmad gave welcome addresses. The General Secretary of the Bangladesh Chemical Society Dr. Akhtaruddin Ahmed presented a brief introduction of the Society whereas Prof. Md. Abul Hashem, General Secretary of the Organizing Committee, besides introducing the foreign participants offered gratitude to his colleagues and different Sponsors for their respective cooperation in the organization of the conference. In this repect the General Secretary specially mentioned about the Financial support of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and UNESCO, Jakarta for sponsoring the participation of 9 and 2 foreign participants respectively. 

The Inaugural Function was presided over by Prof. Dr. M. Mosihuzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Chemical Society. Prof. Hitoshi Ohtaki read out the message from the IUPAC President wishing the Conference a success and presented a momento to the President of the Bangladesh Chemical Society on behalf of IUPAC.

In their addresses the Chief Guest and the Special Guests felicitated the Society for selecting the theme "Chemistry for better Environment and Health" for the Conference. While highlighting the contribution of Chemistry and Chemists for meeting the five basic demands of human being ; food, clothing, home and hearth, education and health they reflected upon the present scenario of environmental pollution of Bangladesh. 

They mentioned about pollution caused by indiscriminate use of fertilizers and insecticides, exhausts from motor vehicles specially 2-stroke baby taxis, disposal of polyethylene bags, use of refrigerants. They also pointed out the effect of unplanned deforestation and the menace of Arsenic in ground water in different regions of the country. They mentioned about the steps taken by the Government to mitigate some of these problems and urged upon the Chemists to undertake research for finding suitable substitutes for CFC, look for biodegradable polymers and biopesticides, devise methods for supply of Arsenic free water. They gave a clarion call to all to participate in the Social Afforestation Programme undertaken by the Government and look for drugs from vast natural resources available in Bangladesh. 

In his Presidential speech Prof. M. Mosihuzzaman drew the attention of the Chief Guest and Special Guests towards some problems now being faced by the Chemists of the country. These included:

• lack of research facilities and inadequate funding for research, 
• inadequate training facilities, 
• deprival of the chemists from jobs in Pharmaceutical Industries, 
• unequal treatment of the Chemists in Chemical Industries under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation with respect to their Engineer Colleagues and,
• uncertain fate of hundreds of Chemists due to the closure of as many as eight Chemical Industries under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation. 

He also called for Government's support for approving the program of "Institute of Chemists and Chemical Technologists" as a Training Institute of the Chemical Society. The Honb'le Chief Guest during his inaugural address expressed his deep appreciation towards these demands and offered all possible help in these matters.

2. Scientific Sessions

The Scientific Sessions of the conference started with the Theme Lecture "Chemistry for better Environment and Health Care in Changing times: The Bangladesh Perspectives" given by Professor Syed Safiullah of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. 

There were in all 8 Plenary lectures delivered by distinguished Chemists and spread over three morning sessions of 3-days conference which were attended by all the participants. The invited lectures and oral presentations were presented in 3 parallel technical sessions as outlined below over 3-days of the conference.

Technical Session I :	Analytical and Environmental Chemistry Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Technology
Technical Session II :	Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry Physical and Radiation Chemistry
Technical Session III :	Organic and Biological Chemistry Natural Products Chemistry

In Technical session I, II and III thirteen, seventeen and seventeen invited lectures were delivered. Total number of Abstracts received for oral presentations were 26 for Technical session I, 35 for Technical session II and 16 for Technical session III. Most of these papers were presented by the respective authors. Poster sessions were also organized where 38 scientific papers were posted. 

2.1 Presentations related to the Theme of the Conference

In the Theme Lecture Professor Syed Safiullah outlined the present scenario of Health Risks in Bangladesh and indicated how advancement of knowledge helped to overcome the health risks of the older times, like cholera, small pox and malaria. In his address he remarked that the discovery of the remedial medicines of these diseases has lifted the life expectancy of Bangladesh people from 27 in 1955 to 62 years in 2000. In the recent days more and more people are being afflicted with cancer, diabetes and AIDS. 

He opined that extreme deterioration of air quality in major urban centers is causing sharp rise in pulmonary diseases. Water-borne Hepatitis B virus is also affecting large number of people with liver diseases. He was very critical about the unsustainable growth of township and of indiscriminate use of fertilizers and insecticides subjecting natural wetlands to eutrophication leading in some cases to anoxic condition, pollution of river water with chromium, obnoxious mercaptans by the effluents of the tanneries and by the effluents of dyeing factories specially of the azo compounds, pharmaceuticals containing antibiotic precursors and refractory solvents. 

He suggested for the installation of effluent treatment plants in all the industries to avoid such pollution. Towards the end of his presentation he discussed about the arsenic problem now being faced by Bangladesh and endeavour of his group for devising detection kits and removing Arsenic with the help of filters. 

Keeping in mind the theme of the conference Technical Session I was organized so that the Chemists can present their results on research in Environmental aspects. Some papers relevant to the theme were also presented in other sessions. 

These included:

Plenary Lecture on	"Electrochemical Science : Frontiers in Research Development and Application" by A. H. Khan of Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
Invited Lecture on	"Key issues for the International Year of Fresh Water (2003) by Barry N Noller of National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (EnTOX), Australia.
Invited Lecture on	"Arsenic Removal from water by iron salts and management of waste mud" by Basudev K Das of Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.
Invited Lecture on	"Investigations on deep oxidation of p-xylene over oxide catalysts" by Ho Si Thoang of Institute of Chemical Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Invited Lecture on	"Rapid Multielemental determination in Environmental samples by ICPMS after dissolution in a microwave oven by Arabinda Das, University of Burdwan, India.
Invited Lecture on	"Comparative study of the toxic metals and non-metal status in the major river system of Bangladesh" by A. M. Shafiqul Alam of Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
Invited Lecture on	"Speciation of Arsenic compounds-last 25 years Experience on Instrumental Method for Analysis of Arsenic Species" by Dipankar Chakraborti of School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
Invited Lecture on	"Air Pollution at the Urban Sites of Dhaka and Rajshahi" by S. A. Tarafder of Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Invited Lecture on	"Speciation of Arsenic metabolic Intermediates in Patient Urine from Hajiganj by Ion-exchange Chromatography and Flow Injection Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry" by M. Alauddin of Wagner College, New York, USA.
Invited Lecture on	"Studies on Degradation of Some Dyes" by A. J. Mahmood of Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
Invited Lecture on	"Global Distribution of Semivolatile organic pollutants" by Henrik Kylin of Department of Environment Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Oral Presentation on	"Clean Energy from Biomass for better Environment" by M. Asadullah, Institute of Materials Science, University of Tsukuba, Japan.
Oral Presentation on	"Study on the Adsorption capacity of Chitosan and modified chitosan for water purification with special emphasis on Arsenic Removal" by G. Ahmed, Sk. Burhanuddin Post Graduate College, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Oral Presentation on	"Organochlorine pesticide residues in local Fish and Vegetables" by M. I. R. Mamun of Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
Oral Presentation on	"Toxic metal concentration in river water, sediments and ten species of fresh water fishes, available in Bangshi river, Savar, Bangladesh" by Safiur Rahman of INST, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka.

2.2 Presentations on Health Related Research in Chemistry

A number of papers were presented on the medicinal plants, specially in Technical Session III where the speakers talked about the importance of research in Natural Products Chemistry for isolation of new compounds with less toxic effect, natural antioxidants and cure for diseases like cancer. These included a number of invited lectures and oral presentations as:

Invited Lectures on

• "Phytochemistry: Research Trends in New Millennium" by Biswapati Mukherjee, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.
• "Research on Malaysian Medicinal Plants" by Mohd. Nordin Hj Lajis of University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia.
• "Bioactive Compounds from Some Bangladeshi Plants" by Nilufar Nahar of Dhaka University, Bangladesh.
• "Antioxidants from some plants of the Indian sub-continent" by M. Iqbal Chowdhury of HEJ Research Institute of Karachi University, Pakistan.

Besides the invited lectures a good number of oral presentations were made by the participants and a number of posters on Natural Products Chemistry was displayed.

A few organic synthesis with the aim of preparing new anticancer reagents were also presented. These included an invited lecture on "Synthesis of some Isatin Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents" by Md. Rabiul Islam of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. 

2.3 Presentations on Basic Research

A good number of Chemists presented papers on fundamental research in all the technical sessions. Quite a few of them had industrial bias.

2.4 Concluding Session

The Concluding Session was held in the late afternoon of the last day of the Conference i.e. 13 January, 2003. It was presided over by Alhaj Mr. Shafiqur Rahman, Vice-President of the Bangladesh Chemical Society. Dr. Khundaker Mosharraf Hossain, M.P. Honb'le Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest. In his speech the Chief Guest mentioned about the diseases like skin cancer and cataract of the eyes caused by green house effect and of cholera, dysentry, jaundice etc. for want of pure drinking water. He also said that a large number of people are suffering from asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes and diseases caused by malnutrition. 

He opined that people should be made aware of the causes of these diseases and the Chemists have to find remedies for these diseases having no side effect. In this report he mentioned the importance of research on medicinal plants. As regards the grievances of the Chemists that they are not being considered for employment in Pharmaceutical Industries he said that he will look into the matter and see that the demand of the Chemists will be given due consideration. 

3. The concluding session ended with the following recommendations

• Steps should be taken to arouse awareness amongst the public regarding the elements of environmental pollution and their effect on general health of the people.
• The rules and regulations which have been framed by the Government for sustaining the environment should be rigorously implemented to save the country from disaster due to environmental pollution.
• Arsenic in ground water in various parts of the country is posing as a major health hazard for the people. Individual Scientists and a number of organizations are engaged in devising ways and means for detection and removal of Arsenic from ground water supply. The Government be requested to take necessary steps to co-ordinate these activities to save time and avoid unnecessary wastage of money.
• The steps taken by the Government e.g. banning of use of polythene bags and banning the use of timbers in the brick fields as well as floating the Social Aforestation Programme are highly appreciated. The Government has also asked the land grabbers to stop filling up the natural low lands besides the highways and rivers for Housing purposes. In spite of this filling of such lands are being continued. The Government be requested to take immediate steps to stop such criminal activity.
• Most of the Industries: Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals do not have necessary system for management of effluents which are polluting the canals and rivers of the country. The Government be requested to instruct these industries to install effluent management plants as a compulsory measure without any further delay.
• "Institute of Chemists and Chemical Technology", an organ of the Chemical Society should be strengthened and necessary steps should be taken to get a Charter from the Government so that the diplomas and certificates issued by the Institute to the trainees receive due recognition.
• The Government be requested to consider for reemployment of the Chemists, who have lost their jobs due to the closure of 8 Chemical Industries under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), in other Industries under the BCIC.
• The Government be requested to withdraw the clause of restriction of nonpharmacy graduates (Chemists, Biochemists, Microbiologists etc.) from jobs in Pharmaceutical Industries from the Drug Act, which it may be noted is not consistent with the WHO rules and regulations. 
• The Government be requested to provide adequate financial support for research and education in Chemistry in line with the demands. 

4. Cultural Show

A cultural show was organized in the evening of Jan. 12, 2003 which was followed by Conference dinner at this University premises. The cultural show was organized with the students of the University. It included a musical soiree and a half an hour stage drama.

5. Excursion for Foreign Participants

A half day excursion on 12 January 2003 was organized for the foreign participants. The participants visited the National Mausoleum at Savar, the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Research Establishment and enjoyed a walk through the woods of the countryside. 

6. Achievement with respect to the Aims and outcome of the Conference

The Conference got a very good response from both the local and foreign Scientists. 525 registered local Chemists and 36 foreign participants attended the Conference. A number of local delegates as well as a number of foreign Chemists could not attend the Conference, for some or other reasons, in spite of their earnest desire. The theme of the Conference "Chemistry for Better Environment and Health" because of Technical Session 1
(Analytical and Environmental Chemistry ; Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Technology) rightly became the principal focal point of the deliberations of the Conference. The Theme Lecture and other relevant presentations clearly reflected the present scenario of environmental pollution in Bangladesh: its causes and in some cases methodology of mitigating such problems. Arsenic in ground water is posing as a major health hazard of Bangladesh and a good number of papers including this Theme Lecture dealt on it; the presentations were from both the local and foreign scientists.
	In order to draw the attention of the Government towards the vital issues of "Environment and Health" the Honb'le President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Prof. Dr. Iazuddin Ahmed was invited to inaugurate the Conference Mr. Shajahan Siraj, M.P., Honb'le Minister, Ministry of Environment and Forest and Mr. A. K. M. Mosharraf Hossain, FCA, M.P., Honb'le State Minister, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources were also invited to be present in the Inaugural Session as Special Guests.

They were all present and all of them appreciated the  theme of the Conference and promised to give utmost consideration to the recommendations of the Conference. Similar promise was echoed by Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, M.P., Honb'le Minister, Ministry of Health and Family welfare who was present as the Chief Guest in the Concluding Session of the Conference. 

A number of recommendations having relevance to sustain Environment and Health along with some more to serve the interest of the members of the Chemical Society were adopted in the concluding session. These will be forwarded to the Government for its kind consideration. 

There were a number of oral presentations as well as some posters given by the young Chemists of Bangladesh. These were very much appreciated by the experienced and renowned foreign participants. The Conference enabled the young local scientists to interact with the foreign scientists. Some of the foreign scientists asked the young scientists to contact them and apply for admission in their respective universities. To the organizers, it was really a matter to be proud of.

The organizers also observed that positive interactions had taken place amongst the foreign scientists themselves-even a Japanese Professor got interested in the works of a Fellow country Scientist and looked forward to future cooperation.

The organizers feel that the Conference was successful in (i) Ventilating the problems with regard to environmental pollution and its effect on general health ; (ii) Urge the Chemists to work for sustaining the environment side by side with basic research ; (iii) provide a scope to the young scientists of the country to present their findings before a learned body and also to listen to the foreign renowned Chemists ; (iv) to bring about fruitful interactions amongst the Chemists of home and abroad leading to collaborative research amongst the Scientists.

Prof. Mesbahuddin Ahmad
Chairman
Organizing Committee
Silver Jubilee Conference
Bangladesh Chemical Society