Young innovators are Bangladesh's future: PM

Young innovators are Bangladesh's future: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said young innovators are the country's future and the government will always stand by their research, technology innovation and startup initiatives. He made the remarks on Sunday (August 2) while meeting the world champion team of 'MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026' at the Prime Minister's Office in the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Md Sujauddoula briefed reporters after the meeting. The winning team members are students of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).

During the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the world champions for their remarkable achievement on the international stage and assured them of all-out government cooperation for their future research, technology development and innovative initiatives.

The Prime Minister told the winning team that such innovations would take the country's technological capabilities to new heights.

He said if innovators, researchers and tech entrepreneurs come forward to build technology-based startups, the government will provide all necessary support through its startup programme.

The MIST students demonstrated their world-winning underwater robot to the Prime Minister, who inquired about its design, technical capabilities and practical applications. The Prime Minister assured them of government support for further technological development, commercialisation and future participation in international competitions.

When the students expressed their interest in working in the technology sector and starting their own ventures after graduation, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to supporting their startup aspirations.

Emphasising economic dynamism, the Prime Minister said alongside the readymade garment sector, the government is working to build a diversified export economy by strengthening potential sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture and cosmetics. He said the semiconductor industry has been given priority, with initiatives to attract domestic and foreign investment and develop skilled manpower. He also called on Bangladeshi semiconductor experts working abroad to return and contribute to the sector's development.

"The country will progress faster if everyone works with skill and sincerity in their respective positions," the Prime Minister said.

The MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026 was held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 29, with 88 teams from 18 countries participating. The MIST team, 'MIST Mavericks', secured first place, becoming world champions by beating top universities from the United States, Canada, China and Saudi Arabia. The United States finished as runners-up, while hosts Canada placed third.

The meeting was attended by Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, Head of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Brigadier General K.M. Mostafizur Rahman and 10 student representatives of the winning team.

Source: BSS