Economist Prof Salim Uddin has urged the entrepreneurs to focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs) to lead the country in fourth industrial revolution through reshaping the business.

Addressing a national conference, Bangladesh House Building Finance Corporation (BHBFC) Chairman Salim also emphasised on upgrading the curriculum for business graduate to develop quality workforce and entrepreneurs for future.

Bureau of Business Research (BBR) under faculty of business administration at the university organized two-day conference on reshaping business for sustainable development towards 4IR concluded on Saturday, said a news release.

The 4IR is a term, described by World Economic Forum, represents a fundamental change in human development enabled by extraordinary technology advances.

Prof Salim said the government has been working on tech-bound policies for over a decade to drive the country to a knowledge-based society.

“There is no option without automation in organization to take opportunity in fourth industrial revolution. However, the demand of human activities will remain forever. So that the academies and industries should focus on 4IR and SDGs in parallel to develop skill workforces,” Dr Salim who teaches business administration, said.

CU vice chancellor Prof Shireen Akhter was the chief guest at the inaugural session while University Grants Commission member Prof Abu Taher was connected as guest of honor.

Pro-vice chancellor Benu Kumar Dey, business faculty dean Salamatullah Bhuiyan, Banking and Insurance department former chairman Prof Sultan Ahmed were special guest on the occasion.

Fellow Chartered Accountant Dr Salim conducted all the sessions while Robi Axiata managing director Mahtab Uddin Ahmed made keynote presentation.

Vice chancellor Prof Shirin Akhter said the fourth industrial revolution will replace few jobs and routine works; however, it will create new job opportunities.

“The government has been implementing Digital Bangladesh programme focusing on tech-based entrepreneurship, training and vocational education, launching 5G, and updating industrial policies,” she added.

Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said the digital era is characterized by technology, which increases the speed and breadth of knowledge turnover within the economy and society.

He added that the fourth industrial revolution is able to reduce the social inequality and disruption cycle focusing on transformation, top global perceived risks, and how single innovation changes the industry landscape.

Faculties and students from different universities presented 47 research papers in the 10 business sessions including topics of sustainable development goal and 4IR, financial technology, digitalization in business, behavioral management in 4IR and inclusive growth.