Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that recognizing the innovative achievements of researchers and entrepreneurs will inspire not just those affiliated with the Bangladesh Industry Research, Development and Innovation (BIRDI) initiative, but the wider community of researchers and innovators driving technological progress across the country.
He said the initiative taken by the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SCP) to recognize researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs who have contributed to innovation and development in the industrial sector is commendable.
He made the remarks Monday at a recognition and award ceremony held at a hotel in the capital under the BIRDI initiative.
The finance minister said the initiative would play an important role in boosting the country’s industrial capacity and encouraging innovation.
At the event, organized by SCP, which is run by the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs selected for their innovative achievements and significant contributions to industrial development were formally recognized.
Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mazumder, secretary of the Finance Division and national program director of SCP, attended as special guest.
He said the BIRDI initiative, being implemented by the Finance Division with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been designed to boost productivity, strengthen international competitiveness and build a stronger base of skilled manpower through the development of practical, industry-friendly solutions.
He added that the BIRDI initiative is fully aligned with SCP’s core goal of “illuminating Bangladesh through skills.”
Kingfeng Zhang, country director of ADB’s Bangladesh Resident Mission, also spoke at the event, reaffirming ADB’s commitment to continuing its long-term, strong partnership with the Bangladesh government in achieving the program’s goals and objectives.
Mohammad Walid Hossain, additional secretary and executive program director of SCP, delivered the closing remarks and vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, the researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs selected under the BIRDI initiative, and all participants for the event’s successful organization.
The BIRDI initiative is a key program aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial capacity through industry-based research and innovation.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report