Industries, Commerce and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said investment in education, research and innovation is essential to building a developed Bangladesh.

“Countries that have achieved development have invested in education, research and new innovations. Such investments not only create skilled human resources but also lay a strong foundation for overall national development. We are giving importance to these areas,” he said.

He made the remarks on 22 September while speaking as chief guest at a reception for SSC and equivalent examination students who achieved GPA-5, organised by Sylhet City Corporation and Sylhet Sadar Upazila administration at the auditorium of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).

Muktadir said many talented Bangladeshi freelancers earn between US$50,000 and US$60,000 a month.

“We want to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) training centre in Sylhet. Through this, talented students will get opportunities to utilise their hidden potential,” he said.

Such initiatives would help young people contribute to Bangladesh’s advancement in science, knowledge and technology while supporting their own development, he added.

The minister also urged students to stay away from drugs and devote more time to their studies. He called on them to raise awareness among others about the harmful effects of drug addiction.

Speaking at the event, Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kayum Chowdhury said many talented people from Sylhet had contributed to the country and society in various fields.

“To change this situation, we have to give the highest priority to education,” he said.

Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun chaired the programme. SUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Khairul Islam and other officials and academics also spoke at the event.