DHAKA, Feb 23, 2025 (BSS) - A new research-oriented institute 'Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies' was launched here today.

The institute will serve as a think tank that will be conducting research on good governance, national security, development, and policy formulation processes.

The launching ceremony was held at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel, where objectives and mission of the institute were presented by its Chairman, retired Major General Fazle Elahi Akbar.

Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, economist Professor Mahbubullah, political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury, legal expert Professor Borhan Uddin Khan, and Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan addressed the programme.

Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, former Army Chiefs - Gen Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq and Lieutenant General (Retd) M. Nuruddin Khan - and several other retired military officers were present on the occasion.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members - Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (retd) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, advisory council member Ismail Zubiullah, Nagorik Oikkyo President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Jamaat-e-Islami Nayeb-e-Ameer Dr. Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Coordinator of Ganasanghati Andolan Junaid Saki, Chairman of National Democratic Movement Bobby Hajjaj, Open University VC Professor ABM Obaidul Islam, Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, Manabzamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor of Desh Rupantor Kamal Uddin Sabuj, Chairman of Ekushey Television Abdus Salam, Former police chief Ashraful Huda, Chief adviser's special assistant Monir Haider and BNP chairperson's personal secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, among others, attended the ceremony.

In his closing remarks, Major General M. Abul Kalam thanked the distinguished guests for their presence and support.