Dhaka:The city: Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir emphasized the critical need to boost productivity to sustain Bangladesh's industry and economy amid its extensive global economic integration. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister addressed a roundtable discussion titled 'Productivity Growth in Bangladesh: Challenges and Future Actions,' organized by the National Productivity Organisation and the daily Jugantor for National Productivity Day 2026. He highlighted the importance of enhancing technology and skills to remain competitive globally. The minister pointed out that overlapping activities and duplication in government projects need to be addressed to improve national productivity. He suggested using technology-based systems to identify and eliminate duplication before approving new projects under the Annual Development Programme. He also stressed that National Skills Development is a regulatory issue, while productivity growth is a policy matter that requires distinct appr oaches. The minister advocated for using artificial intelligence-based systems to evaluate new project proposals and determine potential overlaps with existing initiatives. Furthermore, he noted that productivity growth is crucial for all countries, not just Bangladesh, to maintain market share amid global competition. He suggested that domestic industries might receive temporary protection but must develop competitiveness within a set timeframe. Muktadir emphasized that productivity should become a societal and economic culture, aiming to produce more and better-quality goods with fewer resources. He cited the readymade garment sector as an example of how technological adaptation and skills development can enhance worker productivity, even with limited access to education. The minister identified leadership deficiencies, improper planning, and lack of determination as significant challenges to productivity growth. He called for practical planning, effective technology use, a skilled workforce, and account able leadership to advance Bangladesh's industry and economy. The event also featured speeches from Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Hoque, Jugantor Editor Abdul Hai Sikder, CPD Executive Director Naznin Ahmed, and NPO Director General Md Naeb Ali, among other distinguished attendees.
