State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said that uninterrupted supply of energy has been a major challenge to transforming the country into a developed, high income nation by 2041.

"So, we need ensure the highest utilisation of our own mineral resources in this regard," he remarked, at a signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) titled:" Cooperation in Energy Research and Capacity Building" between Bangladesh Petroleum Institute and Geology Department of Dhaka University at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Sunday.

He said there is no alternative to enhancing your own capacity in research, if you want to build your own nation. More research on mineral resources will make it easier to explore and produce our own resources.

Read: Take prompt decision to address the need in energy sector: Nasrul Hamid

The function was moderated by AK Mizanur Rahman, Joint Secretary of Energy and Mineral Resources Division while it was addressed by Professor Mumtaz Uddin Ahmed, Treasurer of Dhaka University, Professor Subrata Kumar Saha, Chairman of Geology Department.

Later, Dhaka University Treasurer Professor Momtaz Uddin and Bangladesh Petroleum Institute Director General Khenchan signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of their respective institutions.

Secretary of Energy and Mineral Resources Division Nurul Alam presided over the function.

Nasrul Hamid said that the universities have been leading the world in technological development and innovation.

Read: Govt’s main goal is to provide energy at affordable cost: Nasrul Hamid

"We believe that Dhaka University will lead the endeavour in enhancing knowledge and excellence in our country as well. There is no alternative to building a knowledge-based society to build the golden Bangla of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu's dream.