Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Gazipur marked World Intellectual Property Day 2026 on Wednesday with a discussion meeting and rally highlighting the role of innovation, research and intellectual property protection in building a sustainable future.
The programme organised under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”, focused on transforming young people’s talent into assets through sports and innovation-based development, the university said in a press release.
DUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Zainal Abedin chaired the programme while Bangladesh University Grants Commission Member Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman joined virtually as the chief guest.
Addressing the event, the vice-chancellor said recognition and protection of intellectual property rights were essential for researchers and innovators as global research and innovation activities continued to expand.
“Innovation and research are now the foundation of sustainable development,” he said.
“Without proper protection, innovators risk losing both recognition and opportunities for commercialisation. Awareness about intellectual property rights is therefore crucial to ensure legal protection for ideas, creativity and innovation,” he added.
The vice-chancellor said detailed knowledge of intellectual property rights was necessary to secure proper recognition and protection for research work.
He expressed hope that seminars and symposiums on the issue would help teachers and researchers gain a clearer understanding of intellectual property applications and registration procedures.
Professor Mohammad Zainal Abedin also urged academics and researchers to build a culture of intellectual property protection to strengthen their position nationally and internationally through recognition of original work.
He stressed the importance of contributing to DUET’s advancement and the country’s sustainable development through positive changes in education, science, technology research and publications.
The vice-chancellor thanked organisers, speakers and participants for arranging the programme.
Speaking as a special guest, DUET Institutional Quality Assurance Cell Director Professor Md Obaidur Rahman said knowledge about intellectual property protection systems, policies and laws had become increasingly important in today’s technology-driven global knowledge economy.
He said the discussion would provide guidance to participating teachers and researchers on intellectual property-related issues.
The discussion session was conducted by DUET IQAC Additional Director Professor Shafiqul Islam.
Deans of different faculties, directors, department heads, teachers and office chiefs of the university attended the programme.
The event concluded with a rally that paraded around the DUET campus in Gazipur.
