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Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir
Prime Minister's Finance and Planning Adviser Prof Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir called on Monday (September 14) for the establishment of a dedicated Research and Innovation Fund to expand technological discovery and industrial modernization across Bangladesh.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026 at the Novo Theatre in Dhaka as the chief guest, Titumir proposed that the fund pool capital from philanthropic individuals and private corporations. He assured that the government is prepared to reform tax frameworks to incentivize private-sector contributions. Titumir highlighted that competitive councils could be established to evaluate proposals and disburse funding transparently, mirroring successful global innovation financing models.
Outlining the government's economic roadmap, Titumir shared that a "3-R" strategy—Recovery, Restoration, and Reconstruction—is being executed to transition the economy from institutional vulnerability to sustainable expansion. He emphasized three coordinated national targets: achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2034, securing sustainable graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) bracket, and accelerating delayed targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that bilateral partnerships, including recent manufacturing linkages with Oman, will reinforce Bangladesh's standing as an international gateway in global supply chains.
Connecting modern innovation to national history, Titumir recalled how the first industrial fair under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman catalyzed early industrial entrepreneurship and the ready-made garment export boom. He urged institutions to move beyond temporary exhibitions and build enduring pipelines taking youth innovations "from garage to galaxy."
Special guest and Science and Technology Secretary Anwar Hossain noted that out of numerous submissions, 50 innovations reached the final exhibition, with the top 10 receiving awards from a jury board. All 50 finalists will receive Tk 10,000 alongside formal certificates, while five universities will receive special institutional commendations.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/technology/1f1b0bae-50b3-6a80-9e21-5097d40af3e9