DHAKA : Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury today expressed the hope that recognition of innovative achievements of researchers and entrepreneurs would inspire not only those selected under the Bangladesh Industry Research Development and Innovation (BIRDI) initiative but also the wider community of researchers and innovators engaged in technological advancement across the country.

He welcomed the initiative of the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) to recognise researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs for their contributions to innovation and development in Bangladesh’s industrial sector.

The finance minister was speaking as the chief guest at recognition and award ceremony organised under the BIRDI initiative at a hotel in the capital, said a press release here.

He said the initiative would play an important role in encouraging innovation and strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.

The event, organised by SICIP under the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance, formally recognised selected researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs for their innovative achievements and significant contributions to industrial development.

Finance Division Secretary and SICIP National Program Director Dr Md Khairuzzaman Mozumder attended the programme as a special guest.

In his speech, he said the BIRDI initiative, being implemented by the Finance Division with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), had been designed to develop practical and industry-friendly solutions to enhance productivity, strengthen international competitiveness and build a strong foundation of skilled human resources.

He said the initiative was fully aligned with SICIP’s core vision, “Illuminating Bangladesh through Skills.”

Qingfeng Zhang, Country Director of the ADB Bangladesh Resident Mission, also spoke at the event.

He reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to continuing its long-term and strong partnership with the Bangladesh government to achieve the goals and objectives of the programme.

SICIP Additional Secretary and Executive Program Director Mohammad Walid Hossain delivered the concluding remarks and vote of thanks.

He expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs selected under the BIRDI initiative and all participants for their cooperation in making the event successful.

The BIRDI initiative is a flagship effort aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial capabilities through industry-oriented research and innovation.