Desk Report:
Minister of Industry and Commerce Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has emphasized on developing university students as entrepreneurs and effectively utilizing alternative financing systems including banks to develop creative business ideas and startups.
He said this while addressing the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Youth Entrepreneurship & Startups for Students (YESS Program)’ program at Shajalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet on Saturday (April 11, 2026) afternoon.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Minister of Industry and Commerce said that building a knowledge-based economy is essential for sustainable development of the country. He encouraged students to take innovative thinking and technology-based initiatives and said, “In today’s competitive world, there is no alternative to knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurial mindset.”
He further said that the main driving force of progress in developed countries is knowledge-based society and skilled human resources. For that purpose, he emphasized on developing Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Sylhet Agricultural University as ‘knowledge hubs’ for regional development.
The minister praised the innovative activities of the students and said that the university students have already undertaken creative projects like building small submarines and making remote control cars, which will further brighten the country’s technological development potential.
Referring to the development plan of the university, he said that if various projects including establishing new departments, increasing transportation facilities, and expanding the housing system are integrated and presented in the form of proposals, the government will cooperate in its implementation.
Khandaker Muktadir emphasized on the application of research knowledge in the industrial sector and said, “University research can play an important role in increasing the productivity of our fertilizer, sugar and other industrial enterprises and reducing losses and making them profitable.” At the same time, he assured of creating internship opportunities for students in various industrial enterprises.
Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman presided over the program. Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Qayyum, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Sajedul Karim, SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Bangladesh Bank Sylhet Office Executive Director Khaled Ahmed and iDEA Project, ICT Division Project Director Murtuza Julkar Nain Noman spoke as special guests.
The speakers at the event emphasized on taking coordinated initiatives to develop students as entrepreneurs and expressed their hope to advance the innovative initiatives of the youth through the YESS program.
Teachers-students, entrepreneurs, representatives of banks and financial institutions and other concerned persons were present at the event.
