Let's work together to build a prosperous Bangladesh: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called upon people from all sections of society including businesspeople, young entrepreneurs and researchers to work together to build a prosperous and desired Bangladesh.
“Your cooperation is needed. Your coming forward is needed for the state. Let us work together to build such a state we aspire to build,” he said while inaugurating Bangladesh Innovation Fair-2026 at Novo Theatre in the capital.
Seeking cooperation from entrepreneurs, businesspeople and researchers, the Prime Minister said the government would always stand beside them with all possible support.
He called for greater collaboration among the government, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and financial institutions.
Tarique said the speeches and presentations by speakers at the event have broadly outlined the country’s course of action for the coming days.
“Through the issues raised by the previous speakers, particularly Dr Anisuzzaman in his presentation and speech, our course of action for the coming days has broadly been determined,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the country would be able to achieve its desired goals if the important issues highlighted by the speakers could be gradually implemented. “If we can gradually implement these issues, we will be able to reach our desired goal.”
Highlighting the role of innovators and businesspeople in the country’s overall progress, the Prime Minister urged everyone to come forward with innovative ideas in response to the present needs of the state and government.
“On behalf of the government, I seek cooperation from all of you. Your support is essential for the state,” Tarique said.
Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Science and Technology M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, BUET Professor Dr Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder and Science and Technology Ministry Secretary, among others, addressed the programme.
The three-day fair is being held to connect local innovation with policy support, industry, investment and market opportunities.
The fair brings together policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, financial institutions, educational institutions, researchers and development partners to establish sustainable partnerships with local innovators and innovative enterprises.
Public and private research organisations, 73 public and private universities, independent researchers, students, startups, small and medium enterprises and global investors are participating in the fair.
More than 1,000 innovations in technology, business, education, healthcare, agriculture, environment and other sectors are being showcased at the event.
Organisers said many promising technologies and ideas are developed at the grassroots level but fail to reach the market due to a lack of policy support, initial funding and institutional cooperation.
Removing such administrative and financial barriers, protecting intellectual property and facilitating commercial expansion are among the key objectives of the fair, they said.
The second day of the fair will feature a special international session on healthcare titled ‘Healthcare Innovation for All: Expanding Access to Affordable and Inclusive Healthcare’.
The session will discuss technologies for delivering affordable and quality healthcare to marginalised people with Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President of Ziaur Rahman Foundation and renowned cardiologist, scheduled to attend as the chief guest.
The National Board of Revenue (NBR), Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) and Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are strategic partners of the fair, while the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is its technical partner.