Prime Minister Congratulates MIST Students on Winning World Championship

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has congratulated the students of Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) for becoming world champions in the international underwater robotics competition 'MATE ROV Competition 2026'.

The Prime Minister extended his congratulations during a meeting with the members of the champion team at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat on 2 August, Sunday afternoon. Defense Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) A K M Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Major General Md. Hakimuzzaman, Head of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Brigadier General K M Mostafizur Rahman, and 10 student representatives of the innovation team were present.

During the meeting, MIST students demonstrated their championship-winning underwater robot. The Prime Minister inquired in detail about the robot's design, technical capabilities, and practical applications. Commending their achievement in bringing global glory to Bangladesh, he assured that necessary government assistance would be provided for the robot's further technical refinement, commercialization, and future international participation.

The Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary, Sujauddoula Sujon Mahmud, stated that the head of government remarked that young innovators represent the future of Bangladesh. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of building a diversified export economy by strengthening emerging potential sectors such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and cosmetics. He noted that initiatives have been undertaken to prioritize the semiconductor industry by attracting local and foreign investments while developing skilled manpower.

When MIST students expressed their aspiration to pursue careers in technology and establish new ventures after completing their studies, the Prime Minister promised required assistance through the government's startup program.

Addressing the youth, Tareque Rahman stated that innovators, researchers, and tech entrepreneurs must step forward to advance Bangladesh further, and the government will support them. He mentioned that while the ready-made garment industry is the country's primary export sector, the government is also working to strengthen promising new industries like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and cosmetics to build a diversified export economy.

When MIST students expressed their desire to work in the tech sector and establish new ventures after graduation, the Prime Minister assured them of comprehensive support through the government's start-up program.

The Prime Minister further added that the government is prioritizing the semiconductor industry, taking initiatives to attract domestic and foreign investment and develop a skilled workforce. Bangladeshi semiconductor experts working abroad have also been urged to return home and contribute to the sector's growth. If everyone in every sector of the country performs their duties efficiently, Bangladesh will progress even faster.

It is worth noting that 88 teams from 18 countries participated in the competition held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 29. MIST secured the top position by competing against leading university teams from countries including the United States, Canada, China, and Saudi Arabia. The US team finished as runner-up, while host nation Canada claimed third place.
//DBTech/JNN/MIS//