Conduct research to diversify exports: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged researchers to conduct studies to diversify Bangladesh's export basket alongside modernising and mechanising the agriculture sector.

"Research is essential if we want to increase our export items. I hope you all will pay special attention so that our export continues (to thrive) with diversified products," she said.

The Prime Minister this while addressing a function arranged to confer Bangabandhu Science and Technology fellowship, National Science and Technology (NST) fellowship and special research donations among teachers, scientists and researchers of different universities and institutes.

She joined the function held at the city's Osmani Memorial Auditorium, virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Science and Technology Minister Yeafesh Osman conferred the fellowships and research donations among them for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is setting up 100 special economic zones across the country, where research is essential. "We can reduce (production) cost, improve the standard, produce quality goods and diversify export products without depending on one or two items. Boost exports through research," said the Prime Minister.

She said, digital devices can also be new items in the export basket.

Noting that Bangladesh's economy is largely dependent on agriculture, she stressed the need for research for accelerating modernisation and mechanisation of the sector.

"Keeping it (scarcity of land) in mind, we'll have to strengthen our research so that we can build the country as 'Sonar Bangladesh' as dreamt by the Father of the Nation," she said.

The Science and Technology Minister presided over the function while Senior Secretary of the Science and Technology Ministry Md Anwar Hossain delivered the welcome speech. Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Science and Technology AFM Ruhal Haque was also present.