Think tank FSDS launched with ‘Bangladesh First’ slogan

The Foundation for Strategic and Development Studies (FSDS) was launched on Sunday with the slogan “Bangladesh First,” aiming to unite the nation by promoting collaboration among all for national integration and progress.

The think tank was inaugurated through a launching ceremony at Hotel Radisson in the capital, BNP Media Cell member Syrul Kabir Khan told the Daily Sun.

Army Chief Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, former army chiefs Nuruddin Khan and Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq, former IGP Ashraful Huda, and  Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Dr ABM Obaidul Islam were present.

Among journalists, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Desh Rupantor Editor Kamal Uddin Sabuj, and Ekushey Television Chairman Abdus Salam attended the event.
Among politicians, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Abdul Moyeen Khan, Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, and Amir Khashru Mahmud Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Ganasanghati Andolon Coordinator Junayed Saki, BNP Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Jamaat leader Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, and NDM Chairman Boby Hajjaj were also present.

Speaking at the inaugural function, FSDS Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Fazle Elahi Akbar said that while there are several think tanks with similar goals, the FSDS stands out for its core principle that ignites national spirit – "Bangladesh First."

“Our main areas of focus include national security issues, collaboration between civil and military sectors, and maintaining a balanced foreign policy that aligns with geopolitical realities,” he said.

The former army official stated that the FSDS aims to identify challenges, opportunities, and options for action to assist leadership in making informed decisions. The organisation’s activities are centred on a non-partisan, inclusive, and resilient approach, fostering ideas through well-researched analysis, debates, and surveys.

“In this effort, FSDS seeks to engage with all levels and segments of society,” he added.
He further emphasised the need for an integrated and comprehensive defence and foreign policy for Bangladesh. This policy, he stated, should align the principles of defence, security, peace, diplomacy, and development with the overarching concept of placing “Bangladesh First” as the highest national priority.

“We aspire to make this think tank a dynamic platform for scholars, civil servants, defence and security experts, journalists, civil society members, the private sector, and professionals from all sectors,” he concluded.