PM Pledges Support for Young Innovators During Meeting with MIST World Champion Team

Dhaka, Sunday: Prime Minister Tareque Rahman has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting young innovators, saying that they are the driving force behind Bangladesh’s future and will receive full backing in research, technological innovation, and startup development.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat with the world champion team from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), winners of the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026.

According to Deputy Press Secretary Md. Sujauddoula, the Prime Minister congratulated the students on their outstanding international achievement and assured them of the government's continued support for future research, technology development, and innovation.

During the meeting, the MIST team demonstrated their award-winning underwater robotic vehicle, explaining its design, technical capabilities, and potential applications. The Prime Minister expressed keen interest in the project and praised the team's innovation.

Tareque Rahman said such technological achievements would elevate Bangladesh's capabilities in advanced engineering and innovation. He also announced government support for the robot's further technological development, commercialization, and participation in future international competitions.

The students informed the Prime Minister of their ambition to build technology-based startups after completing their studies. In response, he said the government would provide assistance through its national startup initiatives to help transform innovative ideas into successful enterprises.

Highlighting the importance of economic diversification, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh is working to strengthen promising sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and cosmetics, alongside the country's ready-made garment industry.

He noted that the government has prioritized the semiconductor industry by encouraging both domestic and foreign investment while developing a skilled workforce. He also urged Bangladeshi semiconductor professionals working abroad to return home and contribute to the sector's growth.

"The country will move forward more rapidly if everyone contributes with professionalism and excellence in their respective fields," the Prime Minister said.

The MIST MAVEROV team secured the world championship at the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 29. Competing against 88 teams from 18 countries, the Bangladeshi team outperformed leading universities from the United States, Canada, China, Saudi Arabia, and several other nations. The United States finished as runner-up, while host nation Canada secured third place.

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