The government wants closer collaboration among industry, academia and the public sector to create new knowledge, develop skilled human resources and build an innovation-driven economy, Planning State Minister Zonayed Saki said on Monday.
“An effective partnership among the government, business and industry and academia is essential to make development sustainable and dynamic,” he said.
Saki was speaking at the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026 at the Novo Theatre in Agargaon.
He said Bangladesh needed to harness the innovative potential of its young people to build a knowledge-based, technology-driven economy capable of meeting future challenges.
The state minister also stressed stronger coordination among ministries and divisions in development planning and project implementation.
He said better coordination with the Planning Ministry was needed to prevent duplication and overlapping projects.
This would help ensure the efficient use of public resources and reduce both project implementation time and costs, he said.
Saki said closer links between research institutions and industry could turn innovation into practical technologies, new businesses and jobs.
“The combined efforts of government, business and industry and academia—the trinity—are crucial for innovation and economic development,” he said.
The government also wants greater cooperation between public and private and voluntary organisations in development activities, he said.
Optimum use of common platforms and infrastructure through public-private partnerships would help accelerate inclusive development, Saki added.
He said innovation fairs could provide a platform for young innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and students to connect with industry and exchange ideas and experience.
The event brought together representatives from business, academia, skills development and the corporate sector.
Among those attending were Shikho CEO Shahir Chowdhury, BIIN Chairman Syed Almas Kabir, National Skills Development Authority Executive Chairman Dr Nazneen Kawsar Chowdhury, Bank Asia DMD Akhtar Uddin Mahmud, Unilever Bangladesh Director Durdana Chowdhury and North South University ECE Professor Dr Sazzad Hossain.