Play store
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has expressed hope that recognising innovative achievements will inspire researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs across Bangladesh.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a recognition and award ceremony under the Bangladesh Industry Research Development and Innovation (BIRDI) initiative at a hotel in Dhaka.
The event was organised by the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) under the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, according to a press release.
The minister welcomed SICIP’s initiative to recognise researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs for their contributions to Bangladesh’s industrial development.
He said such recognition would encourage innovation and help strengthen the country’s industrial capacity.
In his speech, Khosru said the BIRDI initiative was being implemented by the Finance Division with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
He said the initiative aims to develop practical and industry-friendly solutions. It also seeks to improve productivity and international competitiveness.
The programme will also help build a strong pool of skilled human resources, he said.
Khosru said BIRDI is fully aligned with SICIP’s core vision, “Illuminating Bangladesh through Skills.”
The event formally recognised selected researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs for their achievements and contributions to industrial development.
Finance Division Secretary and SICIP National Program Director Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder attended the event as a special guest.
Qingfeng Zhang, country director of the ADB Bangladesh Resident Mission, also spoke at the programme.
He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to its long-term partnership with the Bangladesh government to achieve the programme’s goals.
SICIP Additional Secretary and Executive Program Director Mohammad Walid Hossain delivered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks.
He thanked the guests, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and other participants for their cooperation in making the event successful.
BIRDI is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial capacity through industry-focused research and innovation.