Bangladesh must strengthen its cyber capability and accelerate local innovation by transforming research into patents, usable technologies and locally developed products to enhance national security and reduce foreign dependence, Prime Minister's Defense Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, PSC, G, said on Monday.
He made the remarks while visiting the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) at Mirpur Cantonment in the capital.
During the visit, the defense adviser was briefed on the institution's modern education system, cybersecurity, research, patent, and technological innovation activities.
He first visited MIST's Cyber Range, where the head of the Computer Science and Engineering Department presented its capabilities, training activities, research opportunities and future plans.
The briefing highlighted the Cyber Range's role in addressing cyber threats, providing training in real-world simulated environments, developing skilled manpower and protecting the country's critical information and digital infrastructure.
The defence adviser said: "In today's world, a country's security is no longer confined to its geographical boundaries. Protecting information, communication systems and critical digital infrastructure is also an essential part of national security."
He emphasized the need to develop skilled cybersecurity professionals while strengthening coordination among educational institutions, government agencies and the domestic technology sector.
Dr AKM Shamsul Islam later met members of the MAVIROV team, who briefed him on their innovation activities, technological capabilities and future plans.
MIST's Research and Development Wing also presented the institution's work on patents and innovation, highlighting technologies developed by its teachers, researchers and students, research-based ideas and practical solutions with real-world applications.
Officials informed the defense adviser that MIST's MATEROV team won the MATEROV International Underwater Robot Competition 2026, held in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from June 23 to 27.
The competition featured 77 teams from 16 countries, with MIST securing the top position.
The defense adviser said: "Research achievements should not remain limited to reports or exhibitions. Effective research must be transformed into patents, usable technologies and locally developed products. This will enhance the country's technological capability, reduce foreign dependence and create new employment opportunities."
He stressed the importance of providing young innovators with research facilities, training, guidance and institutional support.
He also called for expanding research to address practical challenges in public welfare, disaster management, cybersecurity, health, agriculture, and industry.
MIST officials later briefed the defense adviser on the institution's ongoing education and research activities, technological capabilities and future development plans.
He praised the contributions of the institution's teachers, researchers, students and officials to advancing research and innovation.
The visit concluded with a photo session involving the defense adviser, members of the MAVIROV team and senior MIST officials.
