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SYLHET, April 11, 2026 (BSS) - Minister for Industries and Commerce Khandaker Abdul Muktadir today advised university students to emerge as entrepreneurs to ensure the country's sustainable development through a knowledge-based economy.
"Innovation, technology-based initiatives, and an entrepreneurial mindset are essential to compete in the modern world," he said.
The minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the "Youth Entrepreneurship & Startups for Students (YESS Programme)" held at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) here, said a press release.
He said that a knowledge-based society and skilled human resources are the primary drivers of progress in developed nations.
In this regard, he stressed the importance of developing SUST and Sylhet Agricultural University as knowledge hubs for regional development.
Muktadir also lauded the creativity of students who have already undertaken projects like building a small submarine and remote-controlled cars, describing these efforts as a bright sign for the country's technological future.
Regarding the development of the university, the minister stated that the government would provide necessary support for implementing projects, including the establishment of new departments, expansion of housing, and improvement of transport facilities, if they are presented as a unified proposal.
Furthermore, he underscored the need to apply university research to the industrial sector to increase productivity and reduce losses in state-owned enterprises such as fertilizer and sugar factories.
He also assured students of internship opportunities in various industrial organizations to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The programme was chaired by Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman.
Administrator of Sylhet City Corporation Abdul Qayyum, SUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury and representatives from Bangladesh Bank and the iDEA project were present on the occasion.
