United News of Bangladesh

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki on Monday called for stronger coordination among the government, business and industry, and academia to create new knowledge, develop skilled human resources and build a smart and innovative Bangladesh. “Effective coordination and partnership among the government, business and industry, and academia are essential for sustainable and dynamic development,” he said. The state minister was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026’ at the auditorium of Novo Theatre in Agargaon. He said stronger inter-ministerial coordination is also needed in development planning and project implementation to prevent overlapping and duplication of projects. “Coordination between the Planning Ministry and every ministry and division needs to be strengthened,” he said, adding that this would ensure the maximum and effective use of public resources and help reduce the time and cost of project implementation. If research and innovation could be linked to the practical needs of industries, he said, opportunities for developing new technologies, creating jobs and producing entrepreneurs would increase. The state minister also  said the government wants to strengthen coordination between government organisations and non-governmental organisations in every area of development. He said GO-NGO partnerships would be used to ensure the best use of shared platforms and infrastructure and accelerate inclusive development. Saki said Bangladesh needed to harness the innovative potential of its young people to build a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy. He said innovation fairs could create opportunities for young innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and industry representatives to connect and exchange experience. Shahir Chowdhury, CEO of Shikho; Syed Almas Kabir, chairman of BIIN; Dr Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury, executive chairman of the National Skills Development Authority; Akhter Uddin Mahmud, deputy managing director of Bank Asia; Durdana Chowdhury, director of Unilever Bangladesh; and Dr Sazzad Hossain, professor of the ECE Department at North South University, attended the programme as special guests. Speakers at the event discussed Bangladesh’s potential in innovation and skills development, the use of technology, industry-academia cooperation and ways to prepare young people for the future labour market.