Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, March 27, 2026 (BSS) - Rehan Asif Asad, Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology, has said startup entrepreneurs must shift their focus from relying solely on web-based platforms to developing mobile applications to remain competitive in the evolving market.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an Entrepreneur Development and Startup Dialogue Session held at the Student Innovation Hub of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) on Friday afternoon.

During the event, the adviser exchanged views with young entrepreneurs and discussed startup initiatives developed by students from RUET, Rajshahi University and Varendra University. He also observed that approximately 60 billion taka has been invested in the ICT sector over the past 17 years, but the outcomes have fallen short of expectations.

Earlier in the day, upon arriving at RUET around 5:00 pm, he was welcomed with floral greetings by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Abdur Razzak, Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr. Rabiul Islam Sarkar, as well as teachers and students.

He later visited the Student Innovation Hub, where around 250 entrepreneurs are currently engaged. During the session, he spoke individually with participants about their projects and offered guidance.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Abdur Razzak also addressed the event as the chief patron, while Professor Dr. Rabiul Islam Sarkar chaired the session.

Among the special guests was Project Director of Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development, Manjur Mohammad Shahriar, along with faculty members and student entrepreneurs.