Staff Reporter :
Primary and Mass Education Ministry Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder expressed confidence that the youth will shape the future and turn Bangladesh into an entrepreneur-friendly nation.
“Despite existing obstacles and various weaknesses that hinder the creation of an entrepreneur-friendly environment, the young generation has the potential to change the scenario,” he said.
He was addressing the Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)-2025 celebration as the chief guest, held at Daffodil Plaza in Sobhanbagh, Dhanmondi in the capital.
Dr. Podder emphasised that the true purpose of education is to develop a child’s personal capabilities and shape them into responsible and worthy citizens.
Warning against excessive individualism, he said, “If creativity, rationality, and morality cannot be nurtured simultaneously, it will not be possible to create a good society even if talented individuals are created.”
Highlighting the importance of foundational learning, he stated that an entrepreneurial mindset cannot develop without qualitative improvement in primary education.
Fluent reading, writing, and basic math skills form the core of this foundation, and any weakness at this stage poses risks to higher education and lifelong learning, he said.
Discussing the development of entrepreneurial abilities, he said creativity, imagination, and social usefulness must be encouraged from childhood.
“Co-curricular activities-including cultural practices, sports, debates, and various other engagements-play a vital role in enhancing children’s innovative capacities,” he said.
The program was also addressed by Daffodil Family Chairman Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, President of the Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Dr. Rubina Husain, and UNDP National Consultant and Policy Development Expert Saiful Hossain.
Dr. K.M. Hasan delivered the welcome speech.
During the event, the adviser presented Youth Awards to three recipients. He later visited the Daffodil Robotics and AI Center.
