Renowned economist Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad has said the worldwide coronavirus pandemic and technological advancement have created unemployment across the world.
He said economic growth without equity might turn harmful, requiring the world to take alternative measures to check the rise in poverty.
Kholiquzzaman, the Chairman of Dhaka School of Economics (DScE) and Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation, made the observations while speaking at a fresher reception of the Post-graduate Enterprise Development Course and a seminar on entrepreneurship held virtually at DScE on Saturday.
Entrepreneurial Economists Club of Dhaka School of Economics organised the event.
The renowned economist said, “In terms of percentage of GDP, more investment is being planned to develop SME sector of the country.”
Speaking of the goal of DScE, he said the higher-education school wants to create at least 100 entrepreneurs every year directly or indirectly.
Prof Dr Muhammad Mahboob Ali, who chaired the programme, said that in the current turbulent situation, creativity and skills are very important for employability.
Prof Dr Subrata Chattopadhyay of the University of Engineering and Management presented a webinar paper titled ‘Exploring opportunities in turbulent times’. In the paper, he argued that with the transformation of opportunity canvas, adaptation to new technology and business is essential.
“One has to unlearn and relearn and be skilled to sustain in a collaborative environment,” he said.
Other speakers said the Post-graduate Enterprise Development Course is very suitable for entrepreneurial idea generation and implementation.
They said DScE trains students in a manner that they gather knowledge to apply in the practical field and act as an intermediary to contribute to the GDP.
The speakers said as the pandemic has continued its onslaught, the local economy needs to be strengthened and agro-based industries must get priority in keeping with the government policy.
They laid emphasis on the economic incubator to embrace the 4th industrial revolution and said an industry-education alliance with innovation is important nowadays.
DScE Assistant Professor Rehana Parvin gave introductory remarks while another Assistant Professor Sara Tasneem was one of the designated discussants in the programme.
Entrepreneurial Economists Club Assistant Secretary Afia Akter, speaking on behalf of the students, praised the teaching-learning process of the entrepreneurial economics programme. Club Vice-president Mohammad Aman Ullah Aman gave a vote of thanks.
Among others, WEND President Dr Nadia Binte Amin was also present.
