TBM Report ||
Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahboob Anam has called for active private sector participation to transform Bangladesh into a $1 trillion knowledge-based economy by 2034. Speaking ahead of the upcoming ‘Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026,’ scheduled for September 12-14 at the Novotheatre in Dhaka, he urged business leaders to treat the event as a sustainable national platform for innovation and industrialization.
The minister made these remarks on Monday (August 24) during a high-level networking session titled “Developing Innovation Ecosystem Towards a Trillion-Dollar Economy” at the Sheraton Grand Ballroom in Dhaka. Addressing top industrial leaders, policy-makers, and trade body representatives, he noted that Bangladesh’s economy stands at a critical transition point where high value-adding industries and innovative technologies are vital to maintaining global competitiveness.
Addressing existing structural hurdles, the minister pointed out that promising academic research often fails to reach commercialization due to barriers in technology transfer, regulatory approvals, and intellectual property rights. To bridge this gap, the government is building an end-to-end innovation ecosystem supported by a dedicated BDT 500-crore startup fund designed to turn youth innovation into viable businesses.
He invited domestic investors to capitalize on ready-to-use infrastructure at high-tech and innovation parks in regions like Sylhet, Rajshahi, and Jashore. Responding to industrial energy challenges, he assured business leaders that joint ministerial and expert initiatives are actively working to resolve power and fuel supply issues caused by global geopolitical conflicts.
Chairing the event, Science and Technology Secretary Md. Anwar Hossain emphasized translating research into market-ready solutions. Highlighting emerging sectors such as AI, semiconductors, nanotechnology, and biotechnology, he confirmed that the Prime Minister has already approved the establishment of a specialized Biotech Park.
The session drew high-profile corporate leaders and trade representatives, including FBCCI Administrator Fazlul Hoque, prominent industrialist Tapan Chowdhury, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, alongside executives from FICCI, EuroCham, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Mastercard, Grameenphone, Banglalink, and Berger Paints.
