Staff Reporter:
Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam yesterday underscored the need for strengthening cyber capabilities and accelerating indigenous technological innovation to en-hance the country’s overall security and development.
“National security is no longer confined to geographical borders alone. Protecting information, commu-nication systems and critical digital infrastructure has become an essential component of national securi-ty,” he said.
He made the remarks while visiting the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) at Mirpur Cantonment.
The Defence Adviser also emphasized on stronger coordination among educational institutions, govern-ment agencies and the local technology sector to develop cyber security expertise.
MIST Commandant Major General Md Hakimuzzaman welcomed the Defence Adviser upon his arrival at the institute in the morning.
During the visit, Dr Islam was briefed on MIST’s activities in modern education, cyber security, re-search, patents and technological innovation.
The briefing highlighted the Cyber Range’s role in addressing cyber threats, providing real-world train-ing environments, developing skilled manpower and ensuring the security of the country’s critical in-formation and digital infrastructure.
He first visited the institute’s Cyber Range, where officials outlined its capabilities, training programs, research opportunities and future plans.
As part of the visit, he met members of the MAVIROV team, who briefed him on their innovations, technological capabilities and future plans.
The adviser also witnessed presentations by MIST’s Research and Development Wing on patent and in-novation activities carried out by teachers, researchers and students.
Officials informed him that MIST’s MATEROV team won the championship title at the MATEROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 27.
The team secured the top position among 77 teams from 16 countries through innovative thinking, engi-neering excellence and effective teamwork, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate’s press release issued yesterday.
Dr Shamsul Islam said research achievements should be transformed into patents, practical technologies and locally manufactured products to enhance technological self-reliance, reduce foreign dependency and create employment opportunities.
He also underscored the importance of providing young innovators with research facilities, training, mentorship and institutional support, while expanding research initiatives to address challenges in public welfare, disaster management, cyber security, health, agriculture and industry, the release added.
