PM Pledges Support for Tech Startups and Research

Online Desk : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovators, researchers and technology entrepreneurs, saying young innovators will play a leading role in building a technology-driven Bangladesh.

“Young innovators are the future of Bangladesh. The government will always stand by them in their research, technological innovation and startup initiatives,” he said.

The prime minister made the 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, according to Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla (Sujan Mahmud).

Congratulating the team on their international success, Tarique Rahman said the achievement had brought honour to Bangladesh and reflected the country’s growing technological capabilities on the global stage.

He assured the students of the government’s continued support for research, technological development and innovation, expressing confidence that such accomplishments would further strengthen Bangladesh’s position in advanced technology.

The championship-winning MIST MAVIROV team, comprising students of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), secured the world title at the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026 held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 29.

The competition featured 88 teams from 18 countries, with the MIST team outperforming participants from leading universities in the United States, Canada, China and Saudi Arabia. The United States finished as runner-up, while host Canada placed third.

During the meeting, the students demonstrated their championship-winning underwater robot to the prime minister and explained its design, technological features and potential practical applications.

Tarique Rahman assured the team of government support for further technological development, commercialisation of the robot and participation in future international competitions.

When asked about their future plans, the students said they hoped to pursue careers in the technology sector and establish their own ventures after graduation.

The prime minister responded by saying the government would provide all necessary assistance through its startup programmes if they launched technology-based enterprises.

Highlighting the government’s broader economic strategy, Tarique Rahman said efforts are underway to diversify exports by strengthening high-potential sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture and cosmetics, alongside the ready-made garment industry.

He said the government has given special priority to developing the semiconductor industry by attracting local and foreign investment and building a skilled workforce. He also encouraged Bangladeshi semiconductor professionals working abroad to return and contribute to the country’s industrial development.

The prime minister said Bangladesh would advance more rapidly if people in every sector carried out their responsibilities with professionalism, skill and dedication.

The meeting was attended by Defence Adviser retired Brigadier General AKM Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, Head of the MIST Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Brigadier General KM Mostafizur Rahman, and 10 student representatives of the championship-winning team.