Prime Minister's Economic Affairs Adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman addressing the inaugural session of the BIDS Research 2018 titled "Sustaining Growth" at a city hotel on Sunday — FE photo Economic Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister (PM) Dr Mashiur Rahman underscored the need for a society based on knowledge and technology, terming these the driving forces of economic growth.
He said tangible resources may diminish some day, but acquiring knowledge helps to increase production.
"If we look at the growth of a developed country and a developing country, it is possible (to differentiate between them) in terms of the degree of knowledge each society has."
He said these while inaugurating two-day Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Research Almanac 2018 on Sunday. The BIDS annual event kicked off at Lakeshore Hotels in the city.
It focuses on rapidly changing perspectives of development, based on climate change and technology innovation.
Chaired by BIDS Director General (DG) Dr K A S Murshid, the session was attended by Ministry of Planning Additional Secretary Kajal Islam.
The PM's Economic Affairs Adviser said innovation and new technology may create some social tensions and conflicts. But availability of technology and its use in production ultimately benefit the country's growth.
He also stressed the need for developing skills in production from the sustainability point of view, and said social productivity of technology helps to increase production efficiency.
Dr Mashiur, however, emphasized the need for bringing gender equality in the development phenomena.
The BIDS DG in his speech referred to the new economic concepts that emerged in line with Nobel winners William D Nordhaus and Paul M Romer.
He said the country must have alternative sustainability models that will promote the quality of people's lives without affecting its environment.
"We must construct our own new world with a vision of 50 years, as we have so many people on board of a small ship."
He stressed on assessing land, energy need, agricultural focus and industrial strategy.
Dr Murshid also highlighted handling issues like global warming, climate change, and sea-level rise etc through local solutions along with continued pressure on the world leaders in this regard.
The BIDS DG also stressed the need for generating new ideas and increasing investment on human resources.
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