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The National Productivity Day 2026 was observed in the country on Friday with a focus on enhancing productivity through innovation, technology and skills.

Marking the day, the National Productivity Organisation (NPO), an organisation under the Ministry of Industries, arranged a rally and an ‘Innovation Fair’ in the capital.

A total of 50 stalls showcasing various innovative projects by students were set up at the fair on the BCIC College campus in Mirpur.

The theme of this year’s day is “Enhancing Productivity through Innovation, Technology and Skills”.

The rally began from the BCIC College Gate in Mirpur, passed through Sony Cinema Hall in Mirpur-1 and ended at the college premises.

Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, Additional Secretary Md Nuruzzaman, NPO Director General Mohd. Nayeb Ali, officials of different government and private organisations, industrialists, workers and employees took part in the rally.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Innovation Fair, Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan said innovation, knowledge and skills must be combined to increase production in less time and at lower cost by ensuring the optimum use of the country’s limited resources.

“New opportunities for increasing productivity must be created by utilising the intelligence and creativity of the future generation,” he said.

The secretary said productivity means increasing production and achieving desired benefits at lower cost and in less time through the optimum use of available resources.

He said various innovative projects displayed by students at the fair reflect the potential of future Bangladesh and demonstrate how different problems facing the country can be addressed through innovative thinking.

Abdun Naser Khan also said the use of artificial intelligence, reduction of waste, generating electricity from waste and using waste as fertiliser are directly linked to productivity.

“The efforts of the new generation to solve the country’s problems through innovative thinking are highly encouraging,” he said.

Calling for creating a supportive environment for the future generation, the industries secretary said the responsibility of one generation is to build a ladder for the next generation so that they can reach a more advanced level.

He said acquiring institutional knowledge alone is not enough to increase productivity; practical skills are also essential.

Referring to the concept of “Skillage” — a combination of skill and knowledge — he said young people need to be equipped with skills alongside knowledge.

“Human resources developed through a combination of knowledge and skills can play an important role in increasing the country’s overall productivity,” he said.

Industries Ministry Additional Secretary Md Nuruzzaman, BSCIC Chairman Benazir Ahmed, Chairman of Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, Principal of BCIC College, teachers and students were present at the programme.

Earlier, the secretary inaugurated the fair and visited different stalls.