Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for increasing productivity through modern technology, innovation, skilled human resources and effective management to ensure sustainable industrialization, employment and economic growth.

"Modern technology, innovation, skilled human resources and effective management must be combined to make our industrial and service sectors more competitive. To achieve this goal, active participation by all stakeholders in the industrial and service sectors is essential alongside government policy support," he said in a message issued today on the occasion of the National Productivity Day-2026 to be observed tomorrow.

The Premier said there was no alternative to increasing productivity to sustain industrialization, employment and economic growth. In this context, the National Productivity Organization (NPO), under the Ministry of Industries, is observing National Productivity Day-2026, he said.

The Prime Minister extended his sincere greetings and congratulations to the country's industrial entrepreneurs, researchers, professionals, small and medium entrepreneurs, workers and employees, and all those involved in the industrial and service sectors.

He welcomed the initiative to make the country's industrial and service sectors more efficient, competitive and sustainable through increased productivity.

This year's theme for National Productivity Day is "Combining Innovation, Technology and Skills to Increase Productivity," which he described as highly relevant to the current global economic realities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, the Internet of Things, data analytics and digital manufacturing systems are rapidly transforming the nature and character of industries worldwide, he said, adding that Bangladesh must keep pace with these changes.

Alongside modernizing industries and making them technology-driven, Tarique Rahman said, the country must develop skilled, creative and adaptable human resources capable of using technology. At the same time, expanding opportunities for new and high-skilled employment alongside productivity growth is essential, he added.

The Prime Minister said the government has placed special emphasis on technology, innovation and skills development in its development policies.

The manifesto announced ahead of the February 12 national election also set the goal of building a technology-driven, high-skilled economy, and the present government has taken steps to implement that objective, he added.

"We are committed to increasing investment in the digital economy, high-tech employment and skills-based education," the Prime Minister said.

He said the government's goal is to raise the country's economy to US$1 trillion by 2034. Special importance has been attached to a skills-based and values-oriented education system to build a productive economy.

He said the government aims to prepare young people for domestic and global employment by promoting the use of technology in educational institutions, expanding technical and IT education, and improving their technological and language skills.

However, he said, productivity cannot be increased merely by adopting technology; research, innovation, efficient management and the overall welfare of workers are also necessary.

The Premier said workers' capabilities must be utilized to the fullest by ensuring safe, dignified and skills-friendly working environments. At the same time, entrepreneurs and industrial establishments must come forward to adopt modern technology, invest in research and innovation, and regularly improve employees' skills, he added.

The National Productivity Organization (NPO) has long been conducting training, research, consultancy, technical assistance and awareness programmes to improve productivity.

"Our vision and expectation are that the organization's activities will be further modernized and expanded in line with the changing needs of the industrial and service sectors," he said.

Tarique Rahman said, "Let us encourage innovation, ensure the optimal use of technology and develop skilled human resources. Through collective efforts, let us transform Bangladesh into a productive, innovative, skilled, competitive and sustainable industrial economy."

The Prime Minister wished overall success for all programmes undertaken to mark National Productivity Day-2026.