Economic growth and poverty reduction through creation of more employment opportunities are important for balanced development, said speakers at a function in the capital Saturday.
The function was held to mark the launching of a book titled, "Unnayaner Arthaneeti", (Development Economics) written by former special adviser (employment sector) to the Geneva-based International Labour Organisation (ILO), Dr Rizwanul Islam, in the conference room of the Policy Research Institute (PRI) at Banani in the city.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs Dr Mashiur Rahman was present at the ceremony as the chief guest while Prof of Economics Department of Dhaka University (DU) Wahiduddin Mahmud was the guest of honour.
PRI Chairman Dr Zaidi Sattar delivered the address of welcome while Executive Director of the organisation Dr Ahsan H Mansur gave the vote of thanks.
Terming the book very useful and time befitting, the speakers commended the writer's efforts for focussing on the importance of employment creation for poverty alleviation through economic development in his book.
The 220-page book having chapters highlights the significance of agriculture and industrialisation in the process of development. It has also noted some success stories of development in some Asian countries.
Dr Rizwanul Islam said, "It is essential to create jobs for economic growth and poverty reduction while the role of agriculture is very important in reducing poverty and for food security."
He said many people around the globe are yet to reap the fruits of globalisation.
He said that in his book he mentioned the roles and histories of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB). He has also discussed growth, employment and poverty reduction scenarios in Bangladesh.
Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr Mustafa K Mujeri said the writer in his book has cited the results of his research works with broad discussions of information that is easily understandable to the readers.
Prof of Development Economics, University of Ulster, the United Kingdom (UK) Dr SR Osmani said the writer has accurately presented different issues in his book an with excellent combination of subject matters, theories and related information.
Former governor of Bangladesh Bank (BB) Dr Salehuddin Ahmed termed the book very important and expressed the view that it can be a textbook for higher secondary and degree level students.
Member of the Trustee Board of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) M Syduzzaman said this is a very useful book written in Bangla.
Dr Mashiur Rahman said, "I think those who read economics or conduct research on the subject can be benefited much from the book," he said.
Managing Director of the University Press Limited (UPL) Mohiuddin Ahmed, Lead Strategist of International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), Rome, Atiqur Rahman and Assistant Professor of Department of Development Studies of Dhaka University (DU) Shuchita Sharmin were present at the function.
