Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku stated that if the country's youth are properly nurtured, trained, and provided with necessary facilities, Bangladesh will no longer need to depend on foreign nations for development and technology. By utilizing the intellect, creativity, and innovative talents of the youth, Bangladesh can become self-reliant through its own capabilities.
He noted that the country's future relies on the intellect and innovative thinking of the younger generation. Therefore, emphasis must be placed on expanding research, science, and technology-oriented education beyond the conventional curriculum.
He made these remarks as the chief guest on Tuesday (November 10) at the Rajshahi regional exhibition and evaluation ceremony of the national science and technology competition, "In Search of Future Scientists-2026", organized by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) at the Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical College Auditorium in Bogura.
Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku mentioned that the martyred President Ziaur Rahman believed "homegrown products are the best products." Following his philosophy, the youth must be engaged in research and innovation across various sectors, including agriculture. The country's potential must be harnessed to build indigenous technology and production systems.
He further added that allocating an adequate budget for research and development is now the need of the hour. An environment conducive to research must be created in educational institutions so students have the opportunity to innovate. Beyond conventional thinking, new possibilities must be unlocked through the integration of research and technology. He also emphasized increasing productivity through the proper application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Speaking as a special guest at the event, BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said that the fascist government was overthrown through the mass uprising of 2024, and its accomplices fled the country. He raised questions among the public about how those individuals can now demand passports or National Identity (NID) cards.
He stated that the memory of nearly 1,400 martyred students and citizens, including Abu Sayed, Mugdha, and Wasim, remains fresh in people's hearts. Those who committed crimes and fled before the blood of the martyrs dried should not be spared under any circumstances. The government is determined to establish the rule of law and justice.
Praising the students participating in the science exhibition, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi remarked that these young scientists will one day become the pride of the nation, and future Einsteins and Newtons will emerge from among them. Their intellect and innovative talents must be given proper opportunities to flourish, as they will take the nation to new heights in the days ahead.
Presided over by Prof. Dr. Farhad Halim Donor, Executive Director of Ziaur Rahman Foundation and member of the BNP National Standing Committee, the welcome address was delivered by Dr. Shah Mohammad Shahjahan Ali, Convener of the Rajshahi Regional Science Fair.
Other speakers included Rezaul Karim Badsha, Member of Parliament for Bogura-6 (Sadar) and President of District BNP; Advocate A.K.M. Mahbubur Rahman, Advisor to the BNP Chairperson; Dr. Moinul Hossain Sadik, President of Gaibandha District BNP; Engineer Prof. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal, Convener of the Science Fair-2026 Organizing Committee; and Dr. Mostafa Aziz Sumon, Member Secretary, alongside local leaders and heads of various educational institutions.
Also present at the event were Bogura City Administrator M.R. Islam Swadhin, District Council Administrator A.K.M. Ahsanul Taiyok Zakir, Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman, Shahid Ziaur Rahman Medical College Principal Dr. Md. Wadudul Haq Tarafder Nahid, Founding Executive Director of TMSS Prof. Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, and Prof. Dr. Azfarul Habib Rose, among others.
Prior to the discussion meeting, the chief guest and other dignitaries toured the science fair stalls. They inspected the science-based projects, technological innovations, and research activities presented by the students and interacted with them. The competition and science fair were organized to foster a science-minded new generation, nurture students' innovative talents, and promote research-oriented thinking.
