Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting young innovators by assuring them of full assistance for research, technology development and innovation initiatives.
The prime minister made the remarks while meeting members of Bangladesh’s world champion team that won the Pioneer Class title at the International Underwater Robotics Competition 2026, held in Canada, at his office in the Secretariat, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla.
Congratulating the students for bringing global recognition to Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman said their achievement reflected the country’s growing technological potential and expressed hope that their innovations would help elevate Bangladesh’s technological capabilities.
He assured the team of government assistance for future research, technology development, innovation projects and the commercialisation of their inventions.
He also said students interested in launching technology-based startups would receive support through the government’s startup programme.
The championship-winning team, MIST MAVEROV, is made up of students from the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).
The team secured the world title in the Pioneer Class at the competition held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from 23 to 29 June, defeating 87 other teams from 18 countries, including entries from leading universities and institutions in the United States, Canada, China and Saudi Arabia. The United States finished runner-up, while Canada came third.
During the meeting, the students demonstrated their underwater robotic vehicle to the prime minister and briefed him on its design, technical features and practical applications. Tarique Rahman also inquired about the team’s future plans.
The students said they intend to build careers in the technology sector after graduation and aspire to establish their own technology ventures.
Describing young innovators as “the future of Bangladesh,” the prime minister said the government would continue to support research, innovation and startup initiatives.
He also urged the students to contribute to diversifying the country’s export basket by strengthening high-potential sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture and cosmetics alongside the ready-made garment industry.
Tarique Rahman said the government is prioritising the semiconductor industry by encouraging local and foreign investment and developing a skilled workforce. He also called on Bangladeshi semiconductor professionals working abroad to contribute to the sector’s development at home.
Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Maj Gen Md Hakimuzzaman, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of MIST Brig Gen KM Mostafizur Rahman and 10 student representatives of the champion team attended the meeting.
