Eminent scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri, renowned for her contributions to vaccine innovation, testing and deployment as well as infectious disease research in Bangladesh with ICDDR, B, has said that awareness about science in the country remains limited, although gradual progress is taking place.
She made the remarks on Tuesday, while speaking at the ‘Gunijan Shongbordhona 2025’, jointly organised by Bonik Barta and the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS). The eighth edition of the programme was held on Tuesday evening at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in the capital.
Thanking the organisers for including her among the distinguished awardees, Dr Qadri said the term “Gunijan” (eminent personality) is a very high recognition that she personally finds difficult to associate with herself. “I only do research, work in public health and focus on capacity building. I often question whether I truly deserve such a title,” she said.
She described herself as a simple person who enjoys working and has lived a modest life. An alumna of the University of Dhaka, she said she was born in Dhaka and has always carried a deep love for Bangladesh. “Even though my children live abroad, I have always told them that if I ever fall ill, I want my treatment to be done in Dhaka and to spend my final days here,” she said
Dr Qadri said her greatest strength comes from her students and young researchers, many of whom were present at the programme at her invitation. “They are like my children. I learn from them every day, and they give me immense strength,” she added.
She said her passion for research led her to join icddr,b, where she combined scientific research with teaching and long-term capacity-building efforts. She noted that she has taught at several universities and always maintained a close, respectful relationship with students. “I tell them that learning is mutual — I learn from them just as they learn from me,” she said.
Addressing questions often raised about her personal life, Dr Qadri said she considers her students and colleagues her family. “I have a very large family here. That is what keeps me happy,” she said, adding that weekends are often difficult as she misses her academic community.
Expressing her emotional attachment to the country, she said that despite disorder and imperfections, Bangladesh remains her home. “This is my country. I feel free here. Nothing else compares to that feeling,” she said.
Dr Qadri also said recognition from her own country carries far greater meaning than any international award. “Receiving something from my own people gives me a joy that no global prize can replace,” she noted.
This year, three distinguished individuals were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the country’s economy, research and public life. They are eminent entrepreneur and former adviser to two caretaker governments Syed Manzur Elahi (posthumous), former Jahangirnagar University vice-chancellor, economist and policymaker Professor Dr Amirul Islam Chowdhury, and scientist Dr Firdausi Qadri.
Paying tribute to the awardees, speakers at the event included Adviser to the Ministries of Finance and Science and Technology Dr Salehuddin Ahmed; President of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh Mahbubur Rahman; former caretaker government adviser and PPRC Executive Chairman Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman; and Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun. More than 500 participants attended the programme.
Since 2014, Bonik Barta and BIDS have been jointly organising the ‘Gunijan Shongbordhona’ to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to national development, policymaking, research, economic reform and social progress. The latest event marked the eighth edition of the prestigious recognition programme.