He said these things as the chief guest at 'RoboFusion 1.0 – National Robotics Festival' at the campus of University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh (UFTB) in Kaliakair, Gazipur on Saturday.
The minister said the government's main goal is not just to bring technology to people's doorsteps, but to create an environment where young people can transform from users of technology into innovators. To that end, priority is being given to artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cyber security, innovation, research, startups, and skilled human resource development.
He said building a knowledge-based, technology-driven and innovation-centered economy is one of the key goals of national development. To this end, universities must not be limited to teaching or awarding degrees; they must be developed as centers of research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration. University research is the main driving force behind the success of developed countries—Bangladesh must also play that role.
Fakir Mahbub Anam said AI, robotics, automation, IoT, cloud computing, cyber security, semiconductors, and quantum computing will determine the foundation of tomorrow's economy, industry, education, and employment. Bangladesh is also a partner in this global change.
Referring to the government's six-month completion, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tareq Rahman, the government is working tirelessly to build a modern technology-driven Bangladesh. They are committed to internet for all, optimal use of digital technology, and building AI-based skilled human resources.
Addressing the students, he said technology must not only be used, it must be innovated. Let new technologies emerge from laboratories, and new startups be born from innovation. We need youth who are not just job seekers, but who will create employment and showcase Bangladesh's capabilities in the international market.
The minister said Prime Minister Tareq Rahman has announced a startup fund of Tk 500 crore, through which promising innovations will be transformed into enterprises and brought to the doorsteps of the people.
Special guests at the event were Member of Parliament for Gazipur-1 constituency Md. Mojibur Rahman, former Vice-Chancellor of UFTB Professor Dr. Md. Abu Yusuf, Gazipur District Administrator Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, and Syndicate member M A Mubin Khan. The local MP demanded rapid construction of a permanent campus for the university.
Academics, researchers, industry representatives, teachers and students from various universities, innovators, engineers, technologists, journalists, and members of the UFTB Robotics Club were present at the event.
In response to journalists' questions on the matter, the minister said that companies that have been allocated land in the high-tech park but have not established industries will be investigated and necessary action will be taken. He said the Kaliakair High-Tech Park in Gazipur is a flagship project of the ministry; investment proposals have come from various countries including Europe and China, and they must be provided with land. He also said that quick steps will be taken to build a permanent campus for UFTB.
