|| City DeskDhaka University (DU) Development Studies Department yesterday accorded a reception to its professor and former chairman, and now Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam was present at the function as the guest of honor with Development Studies Department Chairman Professor Dr Nayeem Sultana in the chair at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on the university campus. At the inaugural session, Professor Dr Mohammed Abu Eusuf of the department highlighted various aspects of Professor Titumir's life, education, research and professional career.Former Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan spoke on the development, importance and role of development studies in Bangladesh's development process. Congratulating Professor Titumir on his appointment as the Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser, Professor Obaidul Islam said Professor Titumir was not only an eminent teacher but also a leading researcher on Bangladesh's economy and development thinking. "It is highly encouraging for the country to have a visionary, honest and learned personality like him at the policymaking level at a critical juncture of Bangladesh's economy," he said.The vice-chancellor said Bangladesh is currently going through a historic transition and facing a new economic reality."Bringing macroeconomic stability back, ensuring institutional accountability, reducing inequality and building a strong foundation for sustainable and inclusive development are major challenges before us," he said.Sustainable transformation of a country is possible only when strong and effective links are established between academic research and state policymaking, Professor Obaidul Islam said, adding, "Since its establishment, Dhaka University has been playing a leading role in addressing every national crisis and in policymaking." The Department of Development Studies has also been playing a highly significant role in this regard, he said, adding, the department had been providing objective research and theoretical guidance to address the country's economic, social and environmental challenges. Referring to the country's current economic situation, the vice-chancellor said the previous fascist government's rampant corruption had created various economic problems, including a liquidity crisis in the banking sector, persistent inflationary pressure, challenges in debt and revenue management, and pressure on foreign exchange reserves."However, these crises are not permanent. Bangladesh will be able to return to a path of high growth through proper policies, research-based decisions and effective utilization of the country's vast human resources," he added.Speaking as the chief guest at the function, Professor Titumir said people entrusted with responsibilities by the public must always be prepared to answer any questions raised by the people."Establishing a culture of accountability and keeping oneself accountable is extremely important," he said. Highlighting the importance of folklore knowledge and experience, Professor Titumir said there was no scope to underestimate knowledge gained through experience."Knowledge acquired from people's life and real-life experiences can play an important role in developing new forms of science and practical solutions," he said, stressing the need to give due importance to local realities and folklore knowledge in development and policymaking.Noting that no work in society is insignificant, Professor Titumir said, "A country is run through the collective efforts of people engaged in different professions, from cleaners to professionals in various fields.""Ensuring dignity and respect for all forms of work is one of the foundations of a humane society," he added. National Professor Dr Mahbub Ullah, Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Fellow Professor Dr Mustafizur Rahman, Dean of DU Social Sciences Faculty Professor Kazi Mohammad Mahbobor Rahman and former Dean Professor Dr Taiabur Rahman were present at the event, among others.