Technology-driven development will be sustainable only when the country's youth lead it: Fakir Mahbub Anam

The minister said these words today Saturday while addressing as chief guest at 'RoboFusion 1.0 – National Robotics Festival' on the campus of University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh at Kaliakoir, Gazipur.

The minister further said, the main goal of our government is not just to bring technology to people's doorsteps; rather, to create an environment where our young people will turn from technology users into technology innovators. With that aim, we are giving priority to artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, innovation, research, startups and skilled human resource development.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said, one of the key goals of our national development is to build a knowledge-based, technology-driven and innovation-centric economy. To achieve that goal, skilled human resources, research, innovation and technology-based entrepreneurship are now the greatest needs. In that regard, universities must not remain limited only to teaching or awarding degrees; they must be established as centers of research, innovation, technology development and industry-academia collaboration.

The minister further said, in the technological success of the developed countries of the world, university research and innovation have acted as the main driving force. In Bangladesh too, universities must play that role more strongly.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said, the world today is passing through an unprecedented time of technological transformation. Artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, Internet of Things, cloud computing, cyber security, semiconductor technology and quantum computing are determining the foundation of tomorrow's economy, industry, education and employment. Bangladesh is also a partner in this global change.

The minister noted that today's initiative by the University of Frontier Technology to provide hands-on technology education, research, robotics, innovation and entrepreneurship to students is very important.

He said, six months of our government are about to be completed. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is working tirelessly to build a modern technology-based Bangladesh. We are committed to forming a skilled and up-to-date human resource through internet for all, optimum use of digital technology and the use of artificial intelligence—where no class of society will be neglected or left behind. We have already implemented several initiatives in the information technology sector, and people are benefiting from them.

The minister further said, for expansion of information technology—ensuring internet service for everyone, artificial intelligence technology, robotics, nanotechnology and semiconductor sectors, we have adopted several action plans. Once these are implemented, revolutionary changes will come in this sector and we will be able to keep pace with the world.

The minister said to students: You need research and innovation. Do not just use technology; innovate technology. New technologies should come out of your laboratories. New startups should be born from your innovations. We need such young people who will not just be ready for jobs; rather, they will create new employment, build technology-based enterprises, and showcase Bangladesh's capabilities in the international market.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said, the government is consistently giving importance to technology-based education, research, innovation, skill development and expansion of digital infrastructure—especially encouraging research and innovation, creating environment for technology entrepreneurship, increasing university-academia collaboration, expanding AI and emerging technologies, simplifying and expanding government services, enhancing digital security and cyber capabilities, and turning innovation into success through startups—in these areas the government is working to implement long-term plans.

The minister informed that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a startup fund of Tk 500 crore to turn small innovations into successful ventures. By using this fund, we will be able to transform every promising innovation into an enterprise and deliver its benefits to people's doorsteps.

He further said, we are working to build a strong innovation ecosystem by developing effective partnerships among universities, research institutions and industry. Events like RoboFusion 1.0 will take our commitment further and play an important role in building a technology-based future for Bangladesh's youth.

At the end of the event, in response to a question from journalists, the minister said that companies that have received allocation of land in hi-tech parks but have not yet established industries will be looked into and necessary measures will be taken. He said, the Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park in Gazipur is a flagship hi-tech park under our ministry. Investment proposals have come from Europe, China and various other countries of the world to invest in it—they need to be given land in this park. He also mentioned that prompt initiatives will be taken to construct a permanent campus for the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh.

The event was presided over by Vice-Chancellor of University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh Professor Dr. Md. Moktar Ali. Special guests were Member of Parliament from Gazipur-1 constituency Md. Mojibur Rahman, former Vice-Chancellor of University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh Professor Dr. Md. Abu Yusuf, Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur Nurul Karim Bhuiyan and syndicate member of the university M A Mubin Khan. The local member of parliament strongly demanded construction of a permanent campus for the university within a short time.

Present at the event were educationists, researchers, industry representatives, members of development partner organizations, teachers, students, inventors, engineers, technologists, media workers from various universities, colleges and educational institutions of the country, and members of the UFTB Robotics Club.