Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus addresses the inaugural session of the “Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) on Wednesday. Photo: CA’s Press Wing

DHAKA, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stressed on gearing up the technological advancement in the country to roll with the rapidly changing world, saying this sector will shape the future.

"The coming world will be fundamentally different. The things we can't imagine now will become reality. The world is changing rapidly . . . so if we can't gear up our speed and align with this global momentum, we should think how far we will fall behind," he said.

The Chief Adviser made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 'Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026' at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre (BCFCC) here.

The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly organising the four-day technology showcase with the theme 'Bangladesh to the World', which will continue till January 31.

He said that although it may appear that Bangladesh is moving alongside others, in reality the country is far behind-behind in thinking, behind in action, and behind in self-preparedness.

The country lags behind, Prof Yunus said, because sufficient attention has not been given to the ICT sector, which he described as the "core sector" from which the future of the world will be shaped.

"I am talking about this sector, because it is a key sector. The future will be created from this sector," he added.

The Chief Adviser said though other traditional sectors will exist, the technology sector will remain the driving force-like wind or air-touching and reshaping every other sector.

Stressing that preparation must therefore begin now to advance the sector, he called upon the concerned authorities to come out of the traditional thinking while formulating policies for this sector.

About the expo, Prof Yunus said, "The country's future will depend on what kind of conversations we hold and what kind of visions we imagine in such gatherings, and the institutional arrangements we design".

Highlighting the generational shift, he noted how children today interact with technology almost instinctively.

This growing distance between generations, he explained, is creating a leadership crisis. The Chief Adviser said older generations are increasingly unable to lead younger ones-not because of ill intent, but because their minds simply do not function the same way.

Noting that outdated worldview is still reflected in Bangladesh ICT sector, he emphasised on introducing true digital governance to reach the government services the people directly.

People would not come to the government, rather government service will go to them, he said, adding if this could be introduced, corruption will reduce significantly.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb spoke at the function as the special guest with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury in the chair.

BHTPA Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam delivered the welcome address at the function.

Speaking about the student-led July Uprising in 2024, Prof Yunus said these youths will lead not only Bangladesh but also play leadership roles globally.

Today's youth constitute the most powerful generation in human history, globally connected and technologically empowered, he said, adding, "Yet our society fails to recognize and harness this power . . . if we let them go, they will fly like kites".

Recalling the 2024 July Uprising when internet services were shut down, the Chief Adviser observed that such actions revealed how deeply technology is tied to the lives of young people.

Cutting off the internet caused nationwide anger and upheaval, contributing to the fall of an "otherwise powerful government", he said, adding, this demonstrated how vital connectivity has become.

Warning that technology can amplify both strengths and weaknesses, Prof Yunus said Bangladesh has "become famous for forgery" damaging the country's global reputation.

Citing an example of an individual who used all forged certificates to enter a foreign country as a doctor, he said the nation must move away from such practices to fully benefit from advanced technology.

Making fake documents using technology proves that Bangladeshis are highly talented and creative, the Chief Adviser said, stressing that this talent and creativity must not be used for harmful or unethical purposes.

"Let us make up our minds that we will come out of fraud, take steps to ensure realistic policies, and build a pro-people system of governance," Prof Yunus said, expressing displeasure over the misuse of technology in producing fake documents.

Earlier, he launched the website and logo of the 'Bangladesh Innovation Challenge', a platform to further accelerate the innovative initiative of Bangladesh at school and college levels.
 
The inaugural session began with the playing of the national anthem, followed by a theme song of the expo. An audio-visual presentation on the future digital innovation with the theme 'Create Here, Connect Everywhere' was also screened.

Later, Prof Yunus visited different stalls on the expo premises.

The expo is being organised with the aim of attracting technological innovation, enhancing capabilities, success and investment in the technology sector. It will feature innovation, digital devices, mobile and e-sports, along with product discounts and offers.

During the expo, five seminars and four panel discussions will take place.