RAJSHAHI, July 23, 2023 (BSS)- State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud 
Chowdhury has said students are the driving force for building 'Smart 
Bangladesh' envisioned by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina within the near 
future.

Present government is working with the determination to build a smart 
Bangladesh while Digital Bangladesh has already been built with the prudent 
and farsighted leadership of the Premier.

State Minister Khalid Mahmud came up with the observation while addressing 
the Eid Reunion and Freshers Reception ceremony of Barendra University (BU) 
at its campus here today as the chief guest. 

With BU Vice-chancellor Professor Faizer in the chair, the ceremony was 
addressed, among others, by founder Chairman Hafizur Rahman Khan, Advisory 
Committee Member Prof Saidur Rahman Khan and Pro-vice-chancellor Prof Ananda 
Kumar Saha.
 
The State Minister said Smart Bangladesh could be possible through the 
cherished progress in the field of industries, factories, trade, business, 
health, education and agriculture.
 
"We have no more time to look backward but we have to look forward as the 
present Bangladesh has been marching forward vibrantly," he added.
 
He mentioned that many of the youths are earning foreign currencies through 
freelancing and this is the positive sign of smart Bangladesh. 

In the past, huge foreign donations were brought to the country. The present 
Awami League government has been working to cut the foreign donations. In the 
present budget, no issue relating to foreign aid remained mentioned.