A new research-based institution, the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS), was officially launched in the capital on Sunday.
Functioning as a think tank, the institution will research governance, national security, development, and policy formulation processes in Bangladesh. The inauguration ceremony of FSDS took place on Sunday evening in the ballroom of the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel.
At the outset of the event, FSDS Chairman Major General (Retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar outlined the organisation’s objectives and goals.
The event was attended by key military officials, including Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman, Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, as well as former army chiefs Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq and M. Nuruddin Khan, along with several retired military officials.
Several distinguished speakers addressed the programme, including General Waker-uz-Zaman, economist Professor Mahbubullah, political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury, legal expert Professor Rohan Uddin Khan, and Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Kamrul Ahsan.
Prominent political figures also attended the event, including BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman Retd Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Advisory Council member Ismail Zubihullah, Nagarik Oikya Chairman Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Jamaat-e-Islami senior leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, National Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, and BNP central leaders Mahadi Amin and Shama Obaed, among others.
Additionally, several leading media personalities were present, including The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Desh Rupantor Editor Kamal Uddin Shobuj, and Ekushey Television Chairman Abdus Salam.
