None recruited against 28 posts of scientific officers at River Research institute

There were supposed to be 28 scientific officers, but currently, there is not a single one. Yet, it was through their hands that model studies for major infrastructure projects like the Padma, Jamuna Rail, Lalon Shah, and Payra bridges were conducted. Technical testing and experiments were also carried out by them. These officers of the River Research Institute (RRI) in Faridpur used to play a crucial role in the country's river and water resource management. However, due to a manpower crisis and dilapidated infrastructure, this nationally important institution is now facing an existential crisis.

Researchers and scientists are the lifeblood of a research institution. Beyond researchers, there is a severe shortage of manpower in other positions as well. The institute has an sanctioned workforce of 257 people, but only 116 are currently employed, leaving 141 posts vacant. Within the next year, more than 30 officers and employees from the current staff will retire. Whenever an officer or employee retires, that position simply remains vacant.

An initiative was taken to recruit 15 officers and 25 employees to address the manpower shortage. Most of the written and oral examination processes have been completed, but one viva voce still remains pending. The final recruitment process has been stalled for a long time.

There is no pension system in the institute's service. Officers and employees have to rely on gratuity and provident funds. As a result, many are voluntarily leaving their jobs to join other institutions.

The governing board is the highest authority for making administrative and policy decisions at the institute, but board meetings have not been held for a long time. Since the current government took charge, no board meeting has taken place so far. Consequently, policy decisions and development activities remain hung in limbo.

Officials of the River Research Institute stated that the institution was once the primary reliance for river engineering and hydraulic modeling in the country. Its research was vital for river training, flood control, erosion prevention, and the construction of major infrastructure. However, at present, research work for various projects under the Ministry of Water Resources is being assigned elsewhere instead of the River Research Institute.

Officials also said that the Ministry of Water Resources has issued reminders to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) multiple times. Despite this, the physical and mathematical model studies and sample testing work for major projects are not being assigned to the River Research Institute. As a result, in addition to losing research assignments, the institution is also deprived of regular revenue earnings, further exacerbating its financial crisis.
The work of scientific officers at the River Research Institute is not limited to laboratories alone. They analyze river dynamics, water flow, and sediment behavior, and determine suitable strategies for river erosion control, flood management, and river training. Before various projects are undertaken, they build physical and mathematical models, as well as test soil samples, sediment, and water quality. Based on these research findings, making technical decisions for projects like bridges, dams, barrages, and river dredging becomes much easier. Consequently, the complete absence of scientific officers at this institution is a serious concern for the country's river and water resource management.

It is not just manpower; the institution's infrastructure is also in a fragile state. Serving officers and employees complain that around 70 to 80 residential and office buildings on campus have become dilapidated. Plaster is peeling off the ceilings of many buildings, large cracks have appeared on walls, and damp conditions prevail in several places. Officers and employees are living with their families in these very buildings, while official work continues alongside. As a result, they fear accidents could occur at any moment.

When asked about the crisis and research activities of the institute, Director General of the River Research Institute Rokonuzzaman said, "I understand your point, but I am currently not in a position to speak on this matter. I will talk to you about this when I come to Faridpur."

The River Research Institute was established in Dhaka in 1977. Later, on July 1, 1989, it was relocated to the Harukandi area of Faridpur city. Built on 86 acres of land, this institution developed as an important research center for river engineering and water resource management in the country. However, due to long-standing mismanagement, manpower shortages, and neglect, its operations have now severely shrunken. Concerned officers and employees fear that unless effective measures are taken quickly, this national institution will eventually become completely dysfunctional.