PM Tarique Rahman Pledges Full Government Support for MIST Underwater Robotics Champions
Photo Collected
Prime Minister Tareque Rahman met with students from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) on Sunday to celebrate their victory as world champions at the 2026 MATE ROV underwater robotics competition. During the meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat, Rahman lauded the team for their achievement on the global stage and pledged full government support for their future research and technological initiatives.
The MIST team, known as MAVIRov, secured the top spot in Canada this June, outperforming 88 teams from 18 nations, including top-tier institutions from the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia. During the presentation, the students showcased their winning underwater robot, detailing its design and operational capabilities to the Prime Minister, who underscored that such innovations are essential for elevating the nation’s technological standing.
Addressing the young innovators, Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that the youth are the architects of Bangladesh’s future. He expressed the government’s commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem, noting that the administration is ready to provide necessary assistance to students looking to translate their academic projects into commercial ventures.
The conversation also touched upon the government’s broader economic strategy. Rahman highlighted that while the ready-made garment industry remains the cornerstone of the nation’s exports, the government is prioritizing economic diversification. He pointed to sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and cosmetics as key areas for growth. In particular, he noted that the government is actively seeking to attract investment and build a skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry, calling upon Bangladeshi experts working abroad to return home and contribute to the sector’s development.
The event was attended by Defense Advisor Brigadier General (Ret.) A.K.M. Shamsul Islam, alongside MIST faculty members and the student delegation. The MATE ROV competition, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, evaluated participants on engineering prowess, problem-solving skills, and teamwork, marking the MIST team’s victory as a significant milestone for Bangladesh’s growing reputation in the international technology sector.
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