Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday congratulated the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) team for winning the world title at the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026 and pledged full government support to promote research, technological innovation, and startup ventures in Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of youth innovators in shaping the future of Bangladesh. He expressed the government’s commitment to supporting innovators, researchers, and technology entrepreneurs in their endeavors. This statement was made during a meeting with the victorious team at his office in the Secretariat.
Tarique Rahman also highlighted the necessity of diversifying Bangladesh’s export basket beyond the readymade garments sector by developing high-potential industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, furniture, and cosmetics. He assured that the government is dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship, as stated by PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Sujauddoula (Sujon Mahmud).
The champion team, MIST MAVIROV, consisting of students from the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering (EECE), paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister in the afternoon following their historic victory at the international competition. Tarique Rahman praised their success as a matter of national pride.
The students showcased their championship-winning underwater robot to the Prime Minister, who showed keen interest in its design, technical capabilities, and practical applications. He engaged in a detailed discussion with the team members, praising their engineering skills and innovation.
The Prime Minister assured the team of government support for further technological development, commercialization, and participation in future international competitions. He also encouraged the students to pursue careers in the technology sector and launch their own ventures after completing their studies, with the promise of government backing through startup programs.
During the meeting, Tarique Rahman reiterated the importance of promoting industries with high potential, such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized the government’s efforts to attract both domestic and foreign investment in these sectors and urged Bangladeshi professionals working abroad to contribute to the industry’s growth at home.
The meeting was attended by PM’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, MIST Commandant Maj Gen Md Hakimuzzaman, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Brig Gen KM Mostafizur Rahman, and 10 student representatives of the champion team.
Team MIST MAVIROV emerged as champions at the MATE ROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 27. Competing against 88 teams from 18 countries, including the United States, Canada, China, and Saudi Arabia, the Bangladeshi team secured first place through outstanding engineering excellence, technical innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
This achievement marked Bangladesh’s first championship at one of the world’s most prestigious underwater robotics competitions, highlighting the country’s growing capabilities in advanced engineering, marine technology, and robotics.