Haladhar Das from Narsingdi:: Bangladeshi research institute BK School of Research and Sri Lankan-based knowledge center Ceylon Foundation for Economic Policy Analysis (CFEP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU was signed by senior officials of both institutions in an online event held on Wednesday (September 3) at 8:30 pm Bangladesh time.
According to the agreement, the two institutions will undertake joint research projects, policy advocacy, training workshops, youth skill development, policy dialogues, seminars and conferences, and jointly publish policy briefs and research articles, among other important programs. Which will help address the urgent socio-economic and environmental challenges of South Asia. Analysts believe that this initiative will enrich the growing trend of cross-border collaboration between knowledge centers and youth-led research institutions in South Asia. It also reflects the importance of regional knowledge exchange on issues such as climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth. Through this agreement, BK School of Research and CFEP have expressed their commitment to advancing sustainable development in South Asia and developing a new generation of policy researchers.
Pasan Wijewardena, Chairman and Director of the Sri Lanka-based knowledge center Ceylon Foundation for Economic Policy Analysis (CFEP), said that South Asia today is facing multifaceted social and economic challenges. This MoU will strengthen joint research activities, which will directly contribute to policy formulation.
Bijan Kumar, Founder and Director of BK School of Research, said that this agreement will take our research efforts to new heights and strengthen the voice of young researchers. This agreement will be of great help in playing the role of research-oriented youth in tackling climate change and achieving sustainable goals.
Young researchers from various South Asian countries including Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and the Narsingdi representative of Daily Protidiner Bangladesh were present at the online event.
BK School of Research started its journey in 2015 with a commitment to building a sustainable society. Since its establishment, this research organization has been inspiring young people in research and innovation and conducting policy-based research activities. Currently, 55 young researchers from 23 countries of the world are working here and more than 15 renowned professors are associated as research fellows.
So far, the organization has completed 25 research projects and published them in the form of articles in internationally renowned journals such as Elsevier, Taylor & Francis and Transnational Press London. In addition to research, it has conducted various social awareness activities including research training, seminars, workshops and other skill-building programs for young people, which have benefited more than 5,000 young people.
BK School of Research has presented its research at international conferences in various countries including the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh. The institution has won several awards in recognition of its research excellence. Notable among these are the Best Paper Award at Tribhuvan University, Nepal in 2023, the first runner-up at the BIMSCON competition in 2020, and the top ten in the Research Project Competition organized by the Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2023.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have specially recognized three research projects of the institution. BK School of Research has been awarded multiple awards for its contribution to youth-led social development through research and innovation.
