Bangladesh risks falling behind without adapting to global change: Khosru

Bangladesh risks falling behind other countries unless it adapts to rapid global changes, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (1 September).

“Many kinds of changes are taking place across the world. We have to adapt to these changes. Otherwise, the world will move far ahead of us, and we will be left behind,” he said.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion marking the 24th University Day of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet).

Khosru urged students to focus more on research and innovation, saying Bangladesh must make better use of the capabilities of its young population.

“There are many talented students and good researchers in Bangladesh. We have to utilise their capabilities and focus on developing something new,” he said.

He said education and research were among the government’s priorities, noting that the latest national budget allocated the highest-ever amount to the education sector.

“Just looking abroad will not be enough. We have to build our own capabilities and develop new technologies and solutions through research and innovation,” Khosru said.

The minister also said Chattogram could emerge as Bangladesh’s logistics hub, with Cuet playing an important role in unlocking the region’s potential through improvements in ports, connectivity and infrastructure.

Cuet Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, who chaired the programme, said he aims to raise the university’s ranking to at least the Asian level while ensuring world-class education and research.