The Center for Science-Tech Policy and Diplomacy (CSTPD) has begun its journey to connect Bangladesh globally through science, culture, sports, and innovation.
The new “think-to-do” tank was launched at an inaugural programme held at American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB) in the capital on Tuesday.
Addressing the function as the chief guest, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki noted a positive societal shift towards policy awareness among youth in the post-2024 era. He said think tanks such as CSTPD could serve as crucial partners in this landscape, offering significant assistance and collaboration in national policy-making.
Prof Saiful Islam, Vice-chancellor of AIUB and host of the inaugural event, commended the initiative and assured the foundation of full support and cooperation in its future endeavours.
Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-chancellor of North South University (NSU), highlighted the academic community’s readiness to contribute, noting that five R&D projects are currently being implemented at North South University. He expressed optimism that opportunities would arise to engage with the think-to-do tank.
CSTPD Chairman Ambassador Shahed Akhtar introduced the foundation as a vital bridge between “laboratories and policy.”
Vice-chairman of the think tank, Ambassador Mustafa Kamal, in his keynote speech, said that the gathering marked a defining juncture in human history. He stressed that it is precisely at such moments that diplomacy must evolve, emphasising that science, technology, culture, sports, and economics must converge.
A panel discussion on “Role of Science-Tech Policy and Diplomacy in National Development” was also organised as part of the launch of the platform.
The panelists included Md Salim Ullah, Chairman of BIWTC; Dr Muhammad Tarik Arafat, Professor and Head of Biomedical Engineering at BUET and founder member and General Secretary of CSTPD; AKM Fahim Mashroor, CEO of bdjobs.com; Nakib Rahman, COO of Navian Lifescience PLC; Md Subail Bin Alam, COO of Rancon Infrastructure and Engineering Ltd and founder member of CSTPD; and Dr Syed Muntasir Mamun, Director General of International Trade, Investment and Technology.
They highlighted the importance of collaboration among academia, R&D, policy, bureaucracy, industry, and public institutions, committing to action as a “think-to-do” tank.
General Secretary of the think tank Prof Muhammad Tarik Arafat announced the upcoming “National Science–Technology Policy Hackathon” for university students, as well as STEAM competitions for high school students.
CSTPD aims to advance “startup diplomacy” and foster a unified ecosystem involving government, academia, and industry to address global challenges.
Associate Professor ASM Asaduzzaman of the University of Dhaka moderated the programme, while Associate Professor Farhana Ferdousi of Southeast University delivered the vote of thanks.
