Ravens LB Roquan Smith inactive vs. Chargers

Topa, Stewart, McKenzie, Sulser reach deals ahead of tender deadlineIsraeli airstrikes killed a hospital director at his home in northeastern Lebanon and six others, while at least five paramedics were killed by Israeli strikes in the country's south on Friday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said. The United Nations reported heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Four Italian peacekeepers were lightly wounded when a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah, hit their base, the U.N. said. A full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in September after nearly a year of lower-intensity conflict. More than 3,640 people have been killed in Lebanon and 15,350 wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation and ground invasion, the Health Ministry said Friday. In Gaza, Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of the territory, wounding six medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, the hospital director said Friday. More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry said. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here’s the Latest: BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike killed the director of a university hospital and six others at his home in northeastern Lebanon, state media said. The strike targeted Dr. Ali Allam’s house near Dar Al-Amal Hospital, the largest health center in Baalbek-Hermel province, which has provided vital health services amid Israel's campaign of airstrikes, the Health Ministry said. State-run media reported that the strike came without warning. The ministry described his death as a “great loss,” and provincial governor Bachir Khodr said in a post on X that, “Mr. Allam was one of the best citizens of Baalbek.” In two separate episodes on Friday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five paramedics with Hezbollah's medical arm, the Health Ministry said, describing it as “war crime.” The militant group provides extensive social services, including running schools and health clinics. In a report published Friday, the World Health Organization said nearly half of all attacks on health care in Lebanon since Oct. 7, 2023, have resulted in fatalities. “This is a higher percentage than in any active conflict today across the globe,” WHO said. In Lebanon, 226 health workers and patients were killed and 199 were injured between Oct. 7, 2023, and Nov. 18, 2024, the report said. The Health Ministry said Friday that 3,645 people have been killed in nearly 14 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, while 15,356 were wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The death count includes 692 women and 231 children. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza, wounding six medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, its director said Friday. Hossam Abu Safiya said the strikes before dawn Friday hit the entrance of the emergency unit as well as in the hospital courtyard. He said two members of the nursing staff suffered critical injuries. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Abu Safiya said the strikes caused damage to the functioning of the generator and disrupted oxygen supplies. The hospital is currently treating 85 wounded, 14 children in the pediatric ward and four newborns in the neonatal unit, he said. During the past month, Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit several times, was put under siege and was raided by Israeli troops, who are waging a heavy offensive in the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp and towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says it detained Hamas fighters hiding in the hospital, a claim its staff denies. UNITED NATIONS – Two rockets hit a headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian peacekeepers, the United Nations says. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rockets were likely launched by Hezbollah militants or by affiliated groups Friday, impacting a bunker and a logistics area in the southwest headquarters at Chamaa. One of the structures that was hit caught fire, and the blaze was swiftly put out by U.N. staff, he said. According to Italy’s Defense Ministry, some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. Dujarric said the four injured peacekeepers were receiving treatment at the medical facility of the mission, known as UNIFIL. “Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” he said. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the attack on the UNIFIL base “intolerable.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace, and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Dujarric said Friday’s attack was the third on Chamaa in a week and came amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Chamaa and Naqoura areas in recent days. UNIFIL’s main headquarters is in Naqoura. Friday’s attack follows a rocket attack on a UNIFIL base east of the village of Ramyah on Tuesday that injured four peacekeepers from Ghana. Dujarric said UNIFIL strongly urges Hezbollah and its affiliates and Israel to avoid fighting near its positions, which are supposed to be protected. “We remind all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law” and the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, he said. BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the southern port city of Tyre on Friday, after the Israeli army issued several evacuation warnings saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites. The strikes in Beirut came dangerously close to central Beirut and Christian neighborhoods. One strike hit a building housing a gym and medical and beauty clinics, located just meters (yards) from a Lebanese army base. “What is there in the building to target? This attack they carried out on us in this building is a criminal and vile act,” resident Hassan Najdi told The Associated Press. “Because if their intention is targeting Hezbollah, this building has nothing to do with Hezbollah.” Najdi said he purchased an apartment in the building last year but had not yet moved in. He allowed a displaced family to move in and urgently asked them to evacuate after receiving the Israeli warning. The blasts sent plumes of smoke into the air and shattered glass in the vicinity. No casualties have been reported, but the strikes caused damage to nearby infrastructure and a key road connecting central Beirut to its southern suburbs. “We remain steadfast,” said Ali Daher, an employee at a mall facing the targeted building. “Everything that is lost can be replaced, and whatever is destroyed can be rebuilt in (no time).” In Tyre city, the Israeli military conducted multiple airstrikes after a series of warnings, claiming the targets belonged to Hezbollah’s Aziz unit, accusing it of firing projectiles into Israel. The Israeli military carried out other airstrikes across Lebanon, many without warnings, as heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in villages along the Lebanon-Israel border intensified. ROME — Italy said Friday it plans to discuss the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court over the Israel-Hamas war when it hosts Group of Seven foreign ministers next week. Premier Giorgia Meloni insisted that one point remained clear for Italy: “There can be no equivalence between the responsibilities of the state of Israel and the terrorist organization of Hamas.” Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Meloni’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement Friday, Meloni said Italy would study the reasonings behind the decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy respects the ICC and supports it. “But at the same time we are also convinced that the court must have a judicial role, and should not take up a political role.” Tajani will host G7 foreign ministers Monday and Tuesday outside Rome for the final meeting of the Italian G7 presidency. “As far as decisions are concerned, we will take them together with our allies,” Tajani said. During the G7 meetings, “we will talk about this with my allies there, and we will see what to do next.” Another member of the governing coalition, the outspoken Transport Minister Matteo Salvini was more defiant in supporting Israel. “If Netanyahu comes to Italy he will be welcomed,” Salvini was quoted by Italian media as saying. This item has been updated to correct that Salvini spoke of a potential Netanyahu visit to Italy, not Israel. ROME — Four Italian soldiers were slightly injured after two exploding rockets hit the United Nations' peacekeeping mission base on Friday in Chamaa in southern Lebanon, Italy's defense ministry said. Initial information suggested that two rockets hit a bunker and a room of the mission base, damaging the surrounding infrastructure, the ministry said. Shattered glass hit the four soldiers. The incident was the latest in which UN peacekeeping posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called Friday's attack “intolerable.” He said he will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister to ask him “to avoid using the UNIFIL bases as a shield.” Crosetto said the conditions of the four Italian soldiers “did not cause concern.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday said she learned about the new attack with “deep indignation and concern.” Meloni reiterated that “such attacks are unacceptable,” renewing her appeal for the parties on the ground “to guarantee, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible.” GENEVA — The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world. The U.N. health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more. WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat. Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah militants in the country two months ago. The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday. JERUSALEM — Israel’s new defense minister said Friday that he would stop issuing warrants to arrest West Bank settlers or hold them without charge or trial — a largely symbolic move that rights groups said risks emboldening settler violence in the Israeli-occupied territory. Israel Katz called the arrest warrants “severe” and said issuing them was “inappropriate” as Palestinian militant attacks on settlers in the territory grow more frequent. He said settlers could be “brought to justice” in other ways. The move protects Israeli settlers from being held in “administrative detention,” a shadowy form of incarceration where people are held without charge or trial. Settlers are rarely arrested in the West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians has spiraled since the outbreak of the war Oct. 7. Katz’s decision was celebrated by far-right coalition allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National Security Minister and settler firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir applauded Katz and called the move a “correction of many years of mistreatment” and “justice for those who love the land.” Since Oct. 7, 2023, violence toward Palestinians by Israeli settlers has soared to new heights, displacing at least 19 entire Palestinian communities, according to Israeli rights group Peace Now. In that time, attacks by Palestinian militants on settlers and within Israel have also grown more common. An increasing number of Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention. Israel holds 3,443 administrative detainees in prison, according to data from the Israeli Prison Service, reported by rights group Hamoked. That figure stood around 1,200 just before the start of the war. The vast majority of them are Palestinian, with only a handful at any given time Israeli Jews, said Jessica Montell, the director of Hamoked. “All of these detentions without charge or trial are illegitimate, but to declare that this measure will only be used against Palestinians...is to explicitly entrench another form of ethnic discrimination,” said Montell. BERLIN — A German official has suggested that his country would be reluctant to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant put Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, in an awkward position. The government said in a statement Friday that it is one of the ICC’s biggest supporters, but “at the same time, it is a consequence of German history that unique relations and a great responsibility connect us with Israel.” The government said it takes note of the arrest warrants and that “we will examine conscientiously the domestic steps.” It said that any further steps would only be an issue if a visit by Netanyahu or Gallant were “foreseeable.” Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit was pressed repeatedly at a regular news conference on whether it would be conceivable to arrest an Israeli prime minister. He replied: "It’s hard for me to imagine that we would carry out arrests in Germany on this basis.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday refused to comment on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, saying that the court's rulings are “insignificant” for Russia, which doesn’t recognizes the court’s jurisdiction. The ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other top Russian officials, accusing them of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has brushed off the warrants, saying that in Moscow’s eyes they’re “null and void.” Asked if the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and others can help resolve the tensions in the Middle East, Peskov said: “Well, in general, the actions of the ICC are unlikely to help anything. That’s the first thing. And secondly, we don’t see any point in commenting on this in any way, because for us these rulings are insignificant.” DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Large crowds of displaced people crammed themselves in front of a bakery in the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row, desperate to get their share of bread after bakeries closed for five days due to a flour shortage and the lack of aid. “I am a 61-year-old man. This is the third day that I have come to Zadna Bakery and I still cannot get bread ... I have children to feed,” said Majdi Yaghi, a displaced man from Gaza City. The price of a small bag of pita bread increased to $16 by Friday, a stark increase from about 80 cents last month. A bag of pasta now costs $4 and a small bag of sugar costs nearly $14. That has left many Palestinian families surviving on one meal a day and reliant on charitable kitchens to survive. In Khan Younis, women and children lined up at the al-Dalu charitable kitchen for bulgur, the only food available at the makeshift charity. One of the workers there, Anas al-Dalu, told the AP that they cook ten pots every day of either rice, beans, or bulgur. But that hardly fills the need for the thousands of people displaced in the area. “The charity here is in a difficult situation. It is a drop in the ocean, and there is no aid or charities. There is nothing," said Nour Kanani, a displaced man from Khan Younis. “It is a crisis in every sense of the word. There is no flour, no charities, and no food.” BEIRUT — Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters on Friday in different areas in south Lebanon, including a coastal town that is home to the headquarters of U.N. peacekeepers. A spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL told The Associated Press that they are monitoring “heavy clashes” in the coastal town of Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast. UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in Naqoura in Lebanon’s southern edge close to the border with Israel. “We are aware of heavy shelling in the vicinity of our bases,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said. Asked if the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are safe, Tenenti said: “Yes for the moment.” Several UNIFIL posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded.

A glance at the recent history of the world's most developed nations reveals a compelling truth: no country has ever achieved sustainable development without first investing in education and research. The stories of South Korea, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore stand as powerful testaments to this principle. These nations prioritized human capital development over physical infrastructure, understanding that educated minds and innovative ideas are the true engines of progress. Instead of focusing solely on roads, bridges, and skyscrapers, they built world-class educational institutions, fostered a culture of research, and invested in technology and knowledge-driven industries. This strategic approach enabled them to create self-sustaining economies with skilled workforces capable of driving innovation from within. Today, these countries are global leaders in manufacturing, technology, and advanced research — a testament to the transformative power of prioritizing education before infrastructure. Their success offers a clear lesson for other developing nations: lasting development is not built with bricks and mortar alone but with minds and ideas that shape the future. While Vietnam is currently following the proven path of prioritising education and research as the foundation for development, Bangladesh remains an exception. Over the past 14 years, Bangladesh has pursued a development strategy that places physical infrastructure ahead of human resource development. The fundamental flaw in this approach lies in its misplaced priorities — infrastructure requires skilled people to build, operate, and sustain it, not the other way around. By focusing on constructing nuclear power plants, satellites, bridges, and metro rail systems without first developing a pool of skilled local experts, Bangladesh has become heavily dependent on foreign engineers, consultants, and technology. These large-scale projects, financed by foreign loans, are operated and supervised by foreign experts, leaving little room for local capacity building. This approach creates a cycle of dependency, where the nation's pride in grand infrastructure is overshadowed by its reliance on external support. True progress lies in empowering local human capital, for it is skilled people who create self-reliant nations — not merely bricks, steel, and concrete. It is difficult to name a single country, other than Bangladesh, that has built a nuclear power plant using foreign loans and foreign supervision without having its own world-class nuclear physicists or engineers. Likewise, launching a national satellite without the backing of skilled, homegrown engineers is nearly unheard of. Consider India as a case in point. India's rise as a technological powerhouse was not accidental — it was the result of deliberate investment in human capital. Instead of rushing to build monumental infrastructure, India focused on creating a foundation of knowledge and expertise. The establishment of world-class educational and research institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) enabled the country to produce a generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. This approach allowed India to develop and launch its own satellites, build its metro systems, and develop its nuclear technology, all with minimal reliance on foreign expertise. The lesson is clear: a nation must first build its people before it builds its infrastructure. Without skilled human resources, infrastructure becomes a borrowed achievement — impressive to look at, but dependent and fragile at its core. Why Do We Need Institutes? The recent Nature Index ranking of the world's top 200 science cities offers a profound lesson in the power of education and research. Beijing holds the top spot, followed by Shanghai and New York, with five of the top 10 positions occupied by Chinese cities. This dominance is no coincidence. For over 30 years, China has relentlessly invested in education, research, and the development of world-class institutions. Today, multiple Chinese universities are counted among the world's top 20, reflecting the tangible returns on this long-term strategy. But the story doesn't end with China. In India, Kolkata has re-emerged as the country's No. 1 science city, ranking 84th globally — ahead of Bangalore (85th), Mumbai (98th), Delhi (124th), and Hyderabad (184th). Surprisingly, Kolkata also surpasses renowned scientific hubs like Tel Aviv, Uppsala, Glasgow, and Leipzig. How did this happen? The answer lies in the presence of well-established research institutions like the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), and Jadavpur University, which have cultivated a rich academic and research ecosystem. The success stories of Beijing, Shanghai, and Kolkata underscore a simple but vital truth: nations and cities that prioritise education and invest in top-tier institutes do not just compete — they lead. Institutes are not mere buildings; they are crucibles of innovation, talent, and discovery. Without them, no nation can hope to achieve lasting progress or global influence in science, technology, or industry. The Power of World-Class Research Institutions The backbone of any nation's scientific and technological progress lies in its research institutions. Take India, for example, where institutions like the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), S.N. Bose National Center for Basic Sciences, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), and Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics have played a pivotal role in propelling the country's scientific standing. These institutions boast world-class researchers, robust PhD and postdoctoral programs, attractive research facilities, competitive salaries for scholars, and collaborative research environments. Their contributions are consistently recognized in leading international journals like Physical Review Letters, Nature, and Science, underscoring their global impact. In stark contrast, Bangladesh does not have a single world-class research institute. The absence of strong PhD and postdoctoral programs and a limited pool of internationally competitive researchers has hindered the country's ability to make a mark in the global scientific arena. This is a critical gap in development strategy. Nations like the United States became superpowers not merely because of natural resources but because they built educational and research giants like MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Caltech, and Stanford. Similarly, South Korea has the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Japan has the National Institute of Natural Sciences, and India has the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Even Vietnam, once seen as a developing nation, has established advanced research institutions and is already reaping the benefits. The lesson is clear: nations that prioritise education and research institutions create a self-sustaining cycle of innovation, skilled human resources, and technological independence. For Bangladesh to break free from its reliance on foreign expertise and loans for major projects, it must invest in building its own world-class research institutions. Without them, the dream of self-sufficiency in science, technology, and industry will remain out of reach. What About Bangladesh's Universities? Bangladesh currently has around 150 universities, but do we have enough competent faculty members to staff even 50 of them? The shortage of qualified teachers is a critical issue that threatens the quality of education in the country. In addition to these universities, over 800 colleges under the National University offer honors and master's degrees, essentially functioning as universities themselves. For perspective, consider Imperial College London — though it is called a "college," it ranks among the world's top 10 universities due to its world-class faculty and research resources. In Bangladesh, however, there is a growing trend to convert large colleges into universities under the misguided belief that a name change alone will ensure academic excellence. But where are the qualified teachers to support this expansion? Without creating a robust pipeline of highly trained faculty members, no university can hope to achieve world-class status. Bangladesh needs to focus on developing world-class research institutes that can train scholars who will eventually become the next generation of professors. The key to this transformation lies in nurturing excellence, not merely expanding quantity. What Kind of Institute Do We Need? To build a world-class research institute, Bangladesh needs to create an environment conducive to deep thinking, research, and reflection. Here's a vision for what such an institute should look like: • Natural Setting: The institute should be designed like a serene park, filled with trees, birdsong, and tranquil spaces. Research and creativity thrive in natural, peaceful environments. • Collaborative Spaces: Outdoor benches under trees where researchers can reflect and engage in deep intellectual conversations should be a feature of the campus. Genius often emerges from moments of quiet reflection. • Comfortable Accommodation: The institute should have a world-class guest house to host visiting scholars from abroad. Comfortable accommodation is essential to attract and retain international collaborators. • State-of-the-Art Research Facilities: Advanced research infrastructure like supercomputer laboratories are essential to attract the best researchers, both local and foreign. Cutting-edge equipment and modern technology are prerequisites for high-impact research. • Residency Programmes: The institute should invite top Bangladeshi researchers from abroad to return to the country for 2-3 months a year. This would create a dynamic research environment where local and international researchers can collaborate on high-impact projects. In addition, the institute should invite foreign scholars, and organise schools and conferences around the year. • Degree it may offer: The institute will offer world-class MS and PhD degrees. It must have its own renowned resident scientists and world-class post-docs. These resident scientists, post-docs together with guest scientists will supervise PhD and take classes at the graduate levels. How Will This Help Bangladesh? Supply of Teachers for Universities: With strong PhD and postdoctoral programs, the institute will create a continuous pipeline of highly qualified faculty members for universities and colleges. This will address Bangladesh's chronic shortage of competent university teachers. Attracting Global Talent: By establishing world-class facilities and offering competitive research opportunities, Bangladeshi researchers living abroad will be more inclined to return, even for short-term assignments. Additionally, international scholars can be invited to join collaborative research projects. Promoting Research Publications: If the institute fosters research that is published in top-tier journals like Nature and Science, Bangladesh's visibility in the global scientific community will increase. This recognition can attract international grants and partnerships. Postdoctoral Programs: Strong postdoctoral programs will ensure that PhD graduates remain in Bangladesh, contributing to local innovation instead of seeking better opportunities abroad. This will help retain the country's brightest minds. Fostering a Research Ecosystem: The creation of this institute will spark an ecosystem of collaborative research and innovation. Such a research ecosystem has the potential to drive progress in various sectors, from technology to healthcare, ultimately benefiting the entire nation. Instead of focusing solely on physical infrastructure, Bangladesh must prioritise human infrastructure. No nation has ever achieved sustainable development without first investing in education, research, and knowledge creation. Countries like China, South Korea, India, and Vietnam have all demonstrated this path to progress. Without world-class research institutes, Bangladesh will remain dependent on foreign expertise for major development projects like nuclear power plants, satellites, and metro rail systems. Bangladesh must establish at least one world-class institute for natural or fundamental sciences to achieve truly sustainable development. Such an institute would act as a hub for nurturing the next generation of scholars, engineers, and innovators. While this path may not yield immediate results, it will, over time, produce a self-sufficient, knowledge-driven nation capable of sustainable and independent development. Only through cultivating human potential can Bangladesh achieve the status of a truly developed nation. Kamrul Hassan is a professor in the Department of Physics at Dhaka University. A glance at the recent history of the world's most developed nations reveals a compelling truth: no country has ever achieved sustainable development without first investing in education and research. The stories of South Korea, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Singapore stand as powerful testaments to this principle. These nations prioritized human capital development over physical infrastructure, understanding that educated minds and innovative ideas are the true engines of progress. Instead of focusing solely on roads, bridges, and skyscrapers, they built world-class educational institutions, fostered a culture of research, and invested in technology and knowledge-driven industries. This strategic approach enabled them to create self-sustaining economies with skilled workforces capable of driving innovation from within. Today, these countries are global leaders in manufacturing, technology, and advanced research — a testament to the transformative power of prioritizing education before infrastructure. Their success offers a clear lesson for other developing nations: lasting development is not built with bricks and mortar alone but with minds and ideas that shape the future. While Vietnam is currently following the proven path of prioritising education and research as the foundation for development, Bangladesh remains an exception. Over the past 14 years, Bangladesh has pursued a development strategy that places physical infrastructure ahead of human resource development. The fundamental flaw in this approach lies in its misplaced priorities — infrastructure requires skilled people to build, operate, and sustain it, not the other way around. By focusing on constructing nuclear power plants, satellites, bridges, and metro rail systems without first developing a pool of skilled local experts, Bangladesh has become heavily dependent on foreign engineers, consultants, and technology. These large-scale projects, financed by foreign loans, are operated and supervised by foreign experts, leaving little room for local capacity building. This approach creates a cycle of dependency, where the nation's pride in grand infrastructure is overshadowed by its reliance on external support. True progress lies in empowering local human capital, for it is skilled people who create self-reliant nations — not merely bricks, steel, and concrete. It is difficult to name a single country, other than Bangladesh, that has built a nuclear power plant using foreign loans and foreign supervision without having its own world-class nuclear physicists or engineers. Likewise, launching a national satellite without the backing of skilled, homegrown engineers is nearly unheard of. Consider India as a case in point. India's rise as a technological powerhouse was not accidental — it was the result of deliberate investment in human capital. Instead of rushing to build monumental infrastructure, India focused on creating a foundation of knowledge and expertise. The establishment of world-class educational and research institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) enabled the country to produce a generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. This approach allowed India to develop and launch its own satellites, build its metro systems, and develop its nuclear technology, all with minimal reliance on foreign expertise. The lesson is clear: a nation must first build its people before it builds its infrastructure. Without skilled human resources, infrastructure becomes a borrowed achievement — impressive to look at, but dependent and fragile at its core. Why Do We Need Institutes? The recent Nature Index ranking of the world's top 200 science cities offers a profound lesson in the power of education and research. Beijing holds the top spot, followed by Shanghai and New York, with five of the top 10 positions occupied by Chinese cities. This dominance is no coincidence. For over 30 years, China has relentlessly invested in education, research, and the development of world-class institutions. Today, multiple Chinese universities are counted among the world's top 20, reflecting the tangible returns on this long-term strategy. But the story doesn't end with China. In India, Kolkata has re-emerged as the country's No. 1 science city, ranking 84th globally — ahead of Bangalore (85th), Mumbai (98th), Delhi (124th), and Hyderabad (184th). Surprisingly, Kolkata also surpasses renowned scientific hubs like Tel Aviv, Uppsala, Glasgow, and Leipzig. How did this happen? The answer lies in the presence of well-established research institutions like the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), and Jadavpur University, which have cultivated a rich academic and research ecosystem. The success stories of Beijing, Shanghai, and Kolkata underscore a simple but vital truth: nations and cities that prioritise education and invest in top-tier institutes do not just compete — they lead. Institutes are not mere buildings; they are crucibles of innovation, talent, and discovery. Without them, no nation can hope to achieve lasting progress or global influence in science, technology, or industry. The Power of World-Class Research Institutions The backbone of any nation's scientific and technological progress lies in its research institutions. Take India, for example, where institutions like the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), S.N. Bose National Center for Basic Sciences, Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), and Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics have played a pivotal role in propelling the country's scientific standing. These institutions boast world-class researchers, robust PhD and postdoctoral programs, attractive research facilities, competitive salaries for scholars, and collaborative research environments. Their contributions are consistently recognized in leading international journals like Physical Review Letters, Nature, and Science, underscoring their global impact. In stark contrast, Bangladesh does not have a single world-class research institute. The absence of strong PhD and postdoctoral programs and a limited pool of internationally competitive researchers has hindered the country's ability to make a mark in the global scientific arena. This is a critical gap in development strategy. Nations like the United States became superpowers not merely because of natural resources but because they built educational and research giants like MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Caltech, and Stanford. Similarly, South Korea has the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Japan has the National Institute of Natural Sciences, and India has the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). Even Vietnam, once seen as a developing nation, has established advanced research institutions and is already reaping the benefits. The lesson is clear: nations that prioritise education and research institutions create a self-sustaining cycle of innovation, skilled human resources, and technological independence. For Bangladesh to break free from its reliance on foreign expertise and loans for major projects, it must invest in building its own world-class research institutions. Without them, the dream of self-sufficiency in science, technology, and industry will remain out of reach. What About Bangladesh's Universities? Bangladesh currently has around 150 universities, but do we have enough competent faculty members to staff even 50 of them? The shortage of qualified teachers is a critical issue that threatens the quality of education in the country. In addition to these universities, over 800 colleges under the National University offer honors and master's degrees, essentially functioning as universities themselves. For perspective, consider Imperial College London — though it is called a "college," it ranks among the world's top 10 universities due to its world-class faculty and research resources. In Bangladesh, however, there is a growing trend to convert large colleges into universities under the misguided belief that a name change alone will ensure academic excellence. But where are the qualified teachers to support this expansion? Without creating a robust pipeline of highly trained faculty members, no university can hope to achieve world-class status. Bangladesh needs to focus on developing world-class research institutes that can train scholars who will eventually become the next generation of professors. The key to this transformation lies in nurturing excellence, not merely expanding quantity. What Kind of Institute Do We Need? To build a world-class research institute, Bangladesh needs to create an environment conducive to deep thinking, research, and reflection. Here's a vision for what such an institute should look like: • Natural Setting: The institute should be designed like a serene park, filled with trees, birdsong, and tranquil spaces. Research and creativity thrive in natural, peaceful environments. • Collaborative Spaces: Outdoor benches under trees where researchers can reflect and engage in deep intellectual conversations should be a feature of the campus. Genius often emerges from moments of quiet reflection. • Comfortable Accommodation: The institute should have a world-class guest house to host visiting scholars from abroad. Comfortable accommodation is essential to attract and retain international collaborators. • State-of-the-Art Research Facilities: Advanced research infrastructure like supercomputer laboratories are essential to attract the best researchers, both local and foreign. Cutting-edge equipment and modern technology are prerequisites for high-impact research. • Residency Programmes: The institute should invite top Bangladeshi researchers from abroad to return to the country for 2-3 months a year. This would create a dynamic research environment where local and international researchers can collaborate on high-impact projects. In addition, the institute should invite foreign scholars, and organise schools and conferences around the year. • Degree it may offer: The institute will offer world-class MS and PhD degrees. It must have its own renowned resident scientists and world-class post-docs. These resident scientists, post-docs together with guest scientists will supervise PhD and take classes at the graduate levels. How Will This Help Bangladesh? Supply of Teachers for Universities: With strong PhD and postdoctoral programs, the institute will create a continuous pipeline of highly qualified faculty members for universities and colleges. This will address Bangladesh's chronic shortage of competent university teachers. Attracting Global Talent: By establishing world-class facilities and offering competitive research opportunities, Bangladeshi researchers living abroad will be more inclined to return, even for short-term assignments. Additionally, international scholars can be invited to join collaborative research projects. Promoting Research Publications: If the institute fosters research that is published in top-tier journals like Nature and Science, Bangladesh's visibility in the global scientific community will increase. This recognition can attract international grants and partnerships. Postdoctoral Programs: Strong postdoctoral programs will ensure that PhD graduates remain in Bangladesh, contributing to local innovation instead of seeking better opportunities abroad. This will help retain the country's brightest minds. Fostering a Research Ecosystem: The creation of this institute will spark an ecosystem of collaborative research and innovation. Such a research ecosystem has the potential to drive progress in various sectors, from technology to healthcare, ultimately benefiting the entire nation. Instead of focusing solely on physical infrastructure, Bangladesh must prioritise human infrastructure. No nation has ever achieved sustainable development without first investing in education, research, and knowledge creation. Countries like China, South Korea, India, and Vietnam have all demonstrated this path to progress. Without world-class research institutes, Bangladesh will remain dependent on foreign expertise for major development projects like nuclear power plants, satellites, and metro rail systems. Bangladesh must establish at least one world-class institute for natural or fundamental sciences to achieve truly sustainable development. Such an institute would act as a hub for nurturing the next generation of scholars, engineers, and innovators. While this path may not yield immediate results, it will, over time, produce a self-sufficient, knowledge-driven nation capable of sustainable and independent development. Only through cultivating human potential can Bangladesh achieve the status of a truly developed nation. Kamrul Hassan is a professor in the Department of Physics at Dhaka University.