Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam addressed the prize-giving and closing ceremony of the National High School Programming Contest-2026. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 13, 2026 (BSS) - Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said technologically skilled youths would build a prosperous Bangladesh in the future, stressing that there is no alternative to developing skilled human resources in artificial intelligence (AI), programming and innovative technologies.

The National High School Programming Contest is an effective platform for achieving that goal, he said.

Faqir Mahbub, also Science and Technology minister, made the remarks while addressing the prize-giving and closing ceremony of the National High School Programming Contest-2026 as the chief guest at the National Science and Technology Complex in the capital’s Agargaon, said a press release.

He said programming, AI and innovative technologies are among the key drivers of a country's development in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

The minister said the country's young students have demonstrated immense potential through their talent, creativity and problem-solving abilities, which is highly encouraging for Bangladesh's technology-driven future.

He said the world has entered the age of AI and opportunities have opened globally for talented individuals.

To survive in the competitive world, he said, young people must prepare themselves with modern technology, science, knowledge and innovation, adding that there is no alternative to technological skills for succeeding in future global competition.

Referring to the government's electoral commitments, Faqir Mahbub Anam said the government is working to create employment opportunities for youths, enhance technical and language skills, support start-ups and entrepreneurs, connect them with global e-commerce platforms and ensure merit-based recruitment.

Addressing the students, he said, "Every innovation begins with a small question. So learn to ask questions, learn to observe, learn to experiment and develop the courage to innovate without fearing failure."

The minister expressed hope that students emerging from the competition would further brighten Bangladesh's image in the global arena in the future through technological innovation, research and the development of world-class software.

Speaking as special guest, Acting Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan said the country's youths would lead the technology-driven Bangladesh of tomorrow.

He said the government has been implementing various initiatives to nurture their talent and innovative capacity.

Organized by the ICT Division and implemented by the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), a total of 17,839 students registered in five categories combining quiz and programming events in the National High School Programming Contest-2026.

Following regional-level competitions, a total of 832 contestants qualified for the national final round in programming and quiz categories.

The national-level competitions were held in different groups under the programming and quiz categories, and winners were awarded laptops, tablets, smartphones and other prizes.

The minister also handed over prizes to the winners of the Bangladesh Cyber Security Olympiad 2026.

With BCC Executive Director ATM Ziaul Islam in the chair, the closing ceremony was attended among others by Additional Secretary of ICT Division Mohammad Anwar Uddin, Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency Dr Md Toyebur Rahman, senior officials of the division, educationists, judges, teachers, guardians and contestants from different parts of the country.