Prime Minister Pledges Support for Tech Startups, Lauds MIST Robotics Champions

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reaffirmed the government's commitment to youth-led technological innovation also assuring robust state support for researchers and entrepreneurs.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the MIST MAVIROV team, world champions of the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026 at the Bangladesh Secretariat today.

The students from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) secured the world title in Canada late June, outperforming 88 teams from 18 countries with United States (runner-up) and Canada (third).

Congratulating the team, the Prime Minister said their success demonstrated Bangladesh's growing technological capacity on the global stage. After viewing a live demonstration of the winning underwater robot also he pledged government assistance for its further development and commercialization.

When the students shared their goals of launching tech ventures, Rahman assured them of comprehensive backing through state startup programs, emphasizing that young innovators must lead Bangladesh's future.

Addressing broader economic goals, the Prime Minister outlined plans to diversify exports beyond readymade garments. He highlighted high-potential sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, specifically calling on expatriate Bangladeshi tech professionals to return home and drive industrial growth.

The meeting was attended by Defence Adviser (retd) Brig Gen AKM Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Maj Gen Md Hakimuzzaman, and ten student representatives.