Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology, Gazipur, observed World Intellectual Property Day 2026 today (6 May) with a discussion and rally on the campus.

The programme was held under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”, focusing on turning the talent of young people into assets and building a sustainable future through sports and innovation.

Duet Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Zaynal Abedin chaired the discussion, while University Grants Commission Member Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman joined virtually as the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, the vice-chancellor said recognition and protection of intellectual property are the rights of every researcher and innovator.

“As the scope of research and innovation expands across the world, the importance of intellectual property is also increasing,” he said.

He said innovation and research are now the foundation of sustainable development, but without proper protection, innovators may lose both recognition and opportunities for commercialisation.

He stressed the need to raise awareness about intellectual property to ensure legal protection for the ideas, thoughts and creativity of researchers and innovators.

Professor Zaynal said proper recognition and protection of research are not possible without detailed knowledge of intellectual property.

He expressed hope that seminars and symposiums on the issue would help teachers and researchers gain a better understanding of intellectual property application and registration processes.

He urged teachers and researchers to build a culture of intellectual property protection to secure recognition for their original work and strengthen their position at home and abroad.

Duet Institutional Quality Assurance Cell Director Professor Dr Md Obaidur Rahman attended the programme as a special guest.

He said knowledge of intellectual property protection processes, rules, policies and laws has become essential in today’s challenging information technology-driven global knowledge society.

The discussion was moderated by Institutional Quality Assurance Cell Additional Director Professor Dr Shafiqul Islam.

Deans of all faculties, directors, heads of departments, teachers and office heads of Duet were present.

The programme ended with a rally around the campus.