FSDS launched as new research think tank

A new research-based institution, the Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS), was officially launched in the capital yesterday (23 February).

The institution will function as a think tank, conducting research on governance, national security, development, and policy formulation processes in the country. The inauguration ceremony of FSDS took place on Sunday night in the ballroom of the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel.

At the beginning of the event, FSDS Chairman Major General (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar outlined the objectives and goals of the organisation.

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, former army chiefs Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, M. Nuruddin Khan, and several retired military officials.

Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman, economist Professor Mahbubullah, political scientist Professor Dilara Chowdhury, legal expert Professor Rohan Uddin Khan, and the Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Professor Kamrul Ahsan addressed the programme.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, Vice Chairman retired Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, Advisor Council member Ismail Zubihullah, Chairman of Nagarik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Jamaat-e-Islami senior leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, Chairman of National Democratic Movement Bobby Hajjaj, and BNP Central Leaders Mahadi Amin, Shama Obaed, and some other politicians attended the programme.

Besides, 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 were present at the event.