Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovators, researchers, and technology entrepreneurs, stating that young innovators must lead Bangladesh’s journey towards a technology-driven future. “Young innovators are the future of Bangladesh. The government will always stand by them in their research, technological innovation, and startup initiatives,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the prime minister made these remarks when members of the world champion MIST MAVIROV team, winners of the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, met him at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat this afternoon, Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Md. Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud) said.
Congratulating the team on their outstanding international achievement, Tarique Rahman noted that their success had brought immense honor to Bangladesh and demonstrated the country’s growing technological capabilities on the global stage. He assured the students of the government’s full support for future research, technological development, and innovation initiatives, emphasizing that such achievements would elevate Bangladesh’s technological excellence.
All members of the championship-winning team are students of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). The MIST MAVIROV team clinched the world title at the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 29. A total of 88 teams from 18 countries participated in the competition, with the MIST team outperforming competitors from leading universities in the United States, Canada, China, and Saudi Arabia to secure the championship. The United States finished runner-up, while host Canada placed third.
During the meeting, the students demonstrated the championship-winning underwater robot to the prime minister, who enquired in detail about its design, technological capabilities, and practical applications. He also assured the team of government support for the robot’s further technological development, commercialization, and participation in future international competitions.
The prime minister engaged with the students about their future plans. They expressed their aspirations to pursue careers in the technology sector and establish their own ventures after completing their studies. In response, Tarique Rahman assured them of all necessary assistance through government startup programs if they launched technology-based enterprises.
Emphasizing the need to build a stronger and more diversified economy, the prime minister stated that the government was working to expand exports by strengthening high-potential sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and cosmetics alongside the readymade garment industry. He highlighted the government’s special priority on developing the semiconductor industry by attracting domestic and foreign investment and creating a skilled workforce. He also called upon Bangladeshi semiconductor professionals working abroad to return home and contribute to the country’s industrial development.
The prime minister concluded by stating that Bangladesh would progress faster if people in every sector performed their responsibilities with skill, professionalism, and dedication. Defence Adviser retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, Head of the MIST Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Brigadier General KM Mostafizur Rahman, and 10 student representatives of the winning team attended the meeting.