Bangladesh to set up frontier technology-based institute by 2026

The government of Bangladesh has approved a Tk 15.03 billion project to set up the country’s first frontier technology-based specialised institute by 2026.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the project, titled ‘Construction of Primary Infrastructure for Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology’ project, during its meeting on Tuesday in the NEC Conference Room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.

ECNEC Chairperson and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting, joining virtually from Ganabhaban, reports BSS.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Minister MA Mannan said the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority under the ICT Division would implement the ‘Construction of Primary Infrastructure for Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology’ project at Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur district by December 2026.

He said the objective of the project is to establish the country’s first zero-waste, green, clean and sustainable campus blended with the modern mode of education and innovation culture.

With the scheme, Bangladesh is expected to become a self-sufficient nation in terms of ICT through collaboration between local and global stakeholders alongside establishing individual inclusive research facilities, and academic and industrial research, he added.

He mentioned that the project will focus on biotechnology, nanotechnology, neuro-technology, cyber security, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, robotics, blockchain, data science, hyper-automation, technological ethics, behaviour and experience engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship.

MA Mannan informed that the meeting also revised the fourth phase of the massive sector-wise programme for health, population and nutrition sectors.

The planning minister said that a total of 11 projects were approved on Tuesday involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 375.07 billion.

"Of the total project cost, Tk 360.24 billion will come from the government of Bangladesh portion while Taka 14.50 billion as project assistance," he said.

Of the approved 11 projects, seven are new while four are revised projects.