Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub spoke at RoboFusion 1.0 festival at University of Frontier Technology Bangladesh. Photo : PID

GAZIPUR, Aug 8, 2026 (BSS) - Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said technology-driven development will be sustainable only when the country's youth lead the change.

Knowledge, integrity, creativity and patriotism of students are the greatest strengths of tomorrow's Bangladesh, he said.

Faqir Mahbub, also Science and Technology Minister, said this while addressing as the chief guest at the RoboFusion 1.0-National Robotics Festival at the campus of the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh at Kaliakair here, said a ministry press release.

He further said the government's main goal is not only to bring technology to people's doorsteps, but also to create an environment where young people will 
transform themselves from users of technology into innovators of technology.

"To this end, we are giving priority to artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, innovation, research, startups and skilled human resource development," he said.

Faqir Mahbub Anam said one of the major goals of national development is to build a knowledge-based, technology-driven and innovation-oriented economy. 

To achieve this goal, skilled human resources, research, innovation and creation of technology-based entrepreneurs are now the greatest needs, he added.

Mentioning that universities cannot remain confined to teaching or awarding degrees, he said that they have to be established as centres of research, innovation, technology development and Industry-Academia cooperation.

"Research and innovation at universities have been the main driving forces behind the technological success of developed countries across the world," he said, adding that universities in Bangladesh must also play that role more strongly.

Faqir Mahbub Anam observed the world is passing through an unprecedented period of technological transformation, saying Artificial Intelligence, robotics, automation, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, cybersecurity, semiconductor technology and quantum computing are determining the foundations of the economy, industry, education and employment of the future.

Bangladesh is also a partner in this global change, he said.

The minister said today's event organised by the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh is highly important for providing Bangladeshi students with hands-on technology education, research, robotics, innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.

He said six months of the government are about to be completed and under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and it is working tirelessly to build a modern technology-based Bangladesh.

"We are committed to building skilled and time-befitting human resources through the internet for all, the best use of digital technology and the use of artificial intelligence. No section of society will be neglected or left behind," he said.

He said several initiatives have already been implemented in the information technology sector, and the benefits of which people are enjoying.

The minister further said that to expand information technology, the government has taken several action plans in ensuring internet services for all, AI technology, robotics, nanotechnology and semiconductors.

Once implemented, these will bring revolutionary changes in the sector and enable Bangladesh to keep pace with the world, he said.

Addressing the students present, the minister said, "You need research and innovation. Do not just use technology; innovate technology. Let new technologies emerge from your laboratories. Let new startups be born from your innovations."

He said Bangladesh needs young people who will not prepare only for jobs, but will create new employment, build technology-based ventures and showcase Bangladesh's capabilities in the international market.

The Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister said the government is continuously prioritising technology-based education, research, innovation, skills development and expansion of digital infrastructure.

He said the government is working to implement long-term plans in areas including encouraging research and innovation, creating an environment for technology entrepreneurs, increasing University-Academia cooperation, expanding AI and Emerging Technologies, simplifying and expanding government services, strengthening digital security and cyber capabilities, and ensuring success in innovation through startups.

Faqir Mahbub Anam said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced a Taka 500 crore startup fund with the aim of turning small innovations into successful ventures.

"Using this fund, we will be able to transform every promising innovation into an enterprise and deliver its benefits to people's doorsteps," he said.

The Science and Technology Minister further said the government is working to build a strong innovation ecosystem by establishing effective partnerships  among universities, research institutions and the industrial sector.

"Events like RoboFusion 1.0 will further advance our commitment and play an important role in building a technology-driven future for the youth of Bangladesh," he said.

In reply to a question from journalists after the event, the minister said necessary measures would be taken after looking into the companies that have been allotted space in the hi-tech park but have not yet established industries there.

Mentioning that the Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park is a flagship hi-tech park under his ministry, he said "Investment proposals have come from different countries of the world, including Europe and China, to invest in it. We have to provide them with space in this park." 

University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Md Moktar Ali chaired the event.

Gazipur-1 constituency lawmaker Md Mojibur Rahman, former VC of the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh Prof Dr Md Abu Yusuf, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, and University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh Syndicate Member MA Mubin Khan, among others, also spoke as special guests.

Academics, researchers, representatives of the industrial sector, members of development partner organisations, teachers, students, innovators, engineers, 
technologists and media workers from various universities, colleges and educational institutions across the country, and members of the UFTB Robotics Club attended the programme.