To emerge as a producer and exporter of technology

State Minister for Planning Jonaid Saki said, 'It is important to create effective links between business and government with innovation and research. An integrated platform involving government, business and academia is needed.

Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said, 'Bangladesh should not be restricted as a consumer of foreign technology, but should emerge as a producer and exporter of technology by using its own innovation, research and technological capabilities. The government is working to establish the ``Made in Bangladesh'' brand on the global stage in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductor design, software, data centers and digital services.

Speakers said these things at the 'Bangladesh ICT and Innovation Awards 2026' held at BRAC University Auditorium yesterday afternoon. Ministry of Science and Technology was the strategic partner of the program organized by Bangladesh ICT and Innovation Network (BIN). Fakir Mahbub Anam was the chief guest on the occasion, State Minister for Planning Jonaid Saki was the special guest.

Jonaid Saki, Minister of State for Planning, said, 'It is important to create an effective link between business and government with innovation and research. An integrated platform involving government, business and academia is needed. At present, the potential of innovation is not being taken into desired economic results as projects are conducted in isolation in various institutions and sectors. The opportunity for innovation should not only be concentrated in the capital or large institutions but should also be spread at the upazila and union levels. For this purpose, preparations are underway to create a platform at the upazila-union level to provide technology and necessary support to schools, colleges and young people. Initiatives are being taken to review and activate the existing technology-based institutions.

Chairman of BTRC Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari said, 'The main goal of innovation should be to solve real problems of people. Although technology and infrastructure have been developed, the benefits are not reaching the people due to the lack of coordination between different sectors. He emphasized on creating an integrated technology platform based on people's needs rather than seeing sectors like agriculture, health, education and financial services as separate structures. He said, "Adding artificial intelligence (AI) to existing workflows will not only increase productivity, but also reshape work processes and data management."

Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Anwar Hossain said, "Bangladesh's position in the innovation index has changed from 106th in 2025 to 105th in 2026. However, this progress is not significant. Talent is found through regular innovation fairs and various initiatives, but many innovations are being lost due to limited opportunities for market, incubation and piloting at the next stage.

BIN chairman Syed Almas Kabir also emphasized on involving the private sector more in research and development activities. He said, 'Tax benefits can be given to increase private investment in research. Besides, if an organization spends 100 rupees on research, if the government also gives an equal amount of money, if the matching grant is introduced, the investment in innovation and research can increase.

BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. was also present at the event. Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, BN Executive Director Rubaba Ddaula Matin and various university teachers, researchers, technology entrepreneurs, inventors, students, parents, judiciary, representatives of public and private institutions and media workers.

BUET's 'AgentIAM' won the prize in the student category; Ulab's 'Chronic'; Chute's 'Sync V-1: Braille Embosser'; 'Arbor' of Khulna University and 'Brailbridge' of Birshrestha Munsi Abdur Rauf Public College. Wins 'Bindo' award in individual or team category.