Staff Reporter:
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has called upon the youths to develop themselves not only as users of technology but also as innovators and creators of technology.
“In yesterday’s changing reality, it is essential to transform youth into technology inventors and builders. To achieve this, investment in science education, research, and innovation must be increased, while fos-tering a culture that values scientific thinking,” he said.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 47th National Science and Technology Week 2026 at the Science and Technology Complex Auditorium in the capital’s Agargaon yesterday.
Faqir described the event as an important milestone in the journey toward building a scientific, innova-tive, and knowledge-based Bangladesh.
He noted that nations that lead in knowledge, research, and innovation also lead in economic growth, industry, education, and development.
Therefore, scientific practice is not merely an academic activity; it is the foundation for building a na-tion’s future and a critically important investment, he said.
He said the government aims to build an innovative and technology-driven Bangladesh. Achieving this goal requires skilled human resources, research-capable institutions, and a young generation equipped with innovative thinking, he said.
Speaking to young innovators, the minister said that the government has plans to ensure employment opportunities for youth, improve technical and language skills, support start-ups and entrepreneurship, connect young people with global e-commerce platforms, and ensure merit-based recruitment.
He also paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, recalling him as the leader who initiated the National Science and Technology Week and Science Fair in 1978 to harness the innovative potential of young people for national development.
The minister added that events such as the Science Olympiad, science-based quiz competitions, and exhi-bitions of innovative projects during Science Week would play an important role in fostering scientific thinking and a competitive spirit among students.
These initiatives would not only help discover new talent but also increase young people’s interest in research and innovation, he said.
He also mentioned that the government provides financial assistance up to TK 10 lakh for students pur-suing higher education abroad and stands beside those seeking advanced education overseas.
Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain chaired the event while National Museum of Sci-ence and Technology Director General Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman also spoke.
Academicians, technology experts, a large number of young innovators, researchers, teachers, and stu-dents studying science attended the event.
Later, the minister visited various projects developed by school, college, and special-category young sci-entists displayed throughout the Science and Technology Complex building.
Under the theme “Science and Technology for Building an Innovation-Driven Bangladesh,” the three-day Science and Technology Week is being held from June 14–16, 2026, at the National Science and Technology Complex in Dhaka, featuring participants selected from competitions held across the coun-try.
