Industry and Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Saturday urged university students to develop themselves as entrepreneurs and make effective use of bank financing and alternative funding sources to foster creative business ideas and startups.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Youth Entrepreneurship & Startups for Students (YESS Program) at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet.
The minister said building a knowledge-based economy is essential for ensuring sustainable national development. He encouraged students to embrace innovation and technology-driven initiatives, saying that “knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial mindset are essential to compete in today’s world.”
He also noted that advanced countries’ progress is driven by knowledge-based societies and skilled human resources. In this context, he stressed turning Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Sylhet Agricultural University into regional “knowledge hubs” for development.
Praising student innovation, he said SUST students have already undertaken creative projects such as building mini submarines and remote-controlled cars, which reflect the country’s growing technological potential.
The minister also mentioned development plans for universities, including new departments, improved transport facilities and expanded residential accommodation. He said if such projects are submitted in an integrated proposal, the government would support their implementation.
Highlighting industrial development, he stressed the application of research-based knowledge in sectors such as fertiliser and sugar industries to improve productivity and reduce losses. He also assured students of internship opportunities in various industries.
The event was presided over by Industry Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman. Special guests included Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury, SUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr AM Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, Pro-VC Prof Dr Md Sajedul Karim, SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Sylhet Office Executive Director Khaled Ahmed, and Ruwipa project ICT Division Project Director Murtuza Zulkar Nain Noman.