445th Birth Anniversary of Galileo Galilei Celebrated in Bangladesh
On February 15, 2009 the 445th anniversary of the birth of eminent astronomer and father of modern science, Galileo Galilei, was celebrated in Bangladesh. On an initiative of the Bangladesh Astronomical Society, the National Museum of Science and Technology, Bangladesh (NMST), organized a day-long program including a seminar, exhibition, and video presentation in its auditorium. It was co-organized by Anushundhitsu Chakro, which is a science organization, and the Bangladesh Astronomical Association. In this program Mr. Yafes Osman, State Minister of Science and Information and Communication Technology, was present as the chief guest. In addition, Mr. Nazmul Huda Khan, Secretary of Science Ministry was present as a special guest and Mr. Sadar Uddin Ahmed, Director of Science Museum presided over the meeting. Among those who delivered their lectures were Dr. Mezbah Uddin, Professor of Physics Department, Dhaka University; Dr. Ali Asgar, former Head of Physics Department, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET); Mr. Sukallyan Bachchar, Assistant Curator of Science Museum; Dr. Mobarak Ali Akand, Former Chairman of Science Museum; Mr. F. R. Sarker, General Secretary of Bangladesh Astronomical Society and SPoC of IYA2009 for Bangladesh; Mr. Shahjahan Mridha Benu, President of Astronomical Division; Anushundhitsu Chakro Science Organization; and M. Amin Milon, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Astronomical Association. In the seminar, speakers delivered their lectures and showed their PowerPoint presentations on various aspects of Galileo's life and his accomplished works, focusing on the precious contributions he made to science and astronomy. They highlighted his role in modern astronomy and the 400th anniversary of his first look at the universe through a telescope, which was an event the United Nations decided to celebrate by making 2009 the International Year of Astronomy. Eminent astronomers, scientists, fellows, government and semi-government officials, leaders from different science organizations, students, teachers and many astronomy enthusiasts attended the program. As the 100th member country of the celebration of IYA-2009, the Director of the Science Museum declared that, with the association of private science organizations many programs have been scheduled to celebrate the IYA-2009 in Bangladesh over the year, and the will be executed by turns. A question and answer session and a video presentation on astronomy, the universe and IYA-2009 activities took place at the end of the meeting. Outside the auditorium, the Bangladesh Astronomical Society, Anushundhitsu Chakro Science Organization and Bangladesh Astronomical Association set up their individual exhibition stalls and were exhibiting their publications, products and many space and astronomical models to encourage people to take an interest in astronomy and its relevant subjects.
Earlier, the Bangladesh Astronomical Society and National Science Museum had jointly organized a sky observation camp on the premises of Saint Josef Higher Secondary School, Dhaka on the evening of February 14 as a part of the activities of IYA-2009 in Bangladesh. Hundreds of enthusiastic participants including students, teachers, scientists, science writers, notable persons, and journalists were present and they observed the nocturnal starry sky and the brightest celestial objects through a telescope.
Mamun Ahamed Sharif
Office Secretary
International Year of Astronomy 2009 Bangladesh Website:
http://www.astronomy2009-bd.org/445th%20Birth%20Anniversary%20of%20Galileo%20Galilei%20Celebrated%20in%20Banglades.htm
Mr. Sadar Uddin Ahmed, Director of Science Museum Presiding the Program
Mr. Nazmul Huda Khan_Secretary of Science Ministry, delivering his lecture
Mr. FR Sarker, General Secretary of Bangladesh Astronomical Society and SPoC for IYA2009 in Bangladesh
Front View of Audience
Rear View of Audience
Stall of Bangladesh Astronomical Society (BAS)
Mr. Sarker introduced the Astronomical Models to State Minister Mr. Yafes Osman
Astronomical Models and Visitors in BAS stall
Students are waiting to get a chance to gaze the star through telescope