In a powerful gesture of support for grassroots innovation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday took a ride in a 'smart car' developed by Wakimul Islam, a physically challenged college student.

The meeting, which took place at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon, served as a platform for the premier to personally encourage the 17-year-old’s creative spirit.

Prime Minister’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony informed BSS that the premier meticulously inspected the small, battery-powered vehicle, which has been named the 'A2I Smart Car.'

Following the inspection, Wakimul demonstrated the vehicle's capabilities by driving it with the Prime Minister on board.

During the encounter, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman praised the youth for his ingenuity in utilizing local technology.

The premier underscored the need for developing modern, user-friendly smart cars at a lower cost and assured that the government would provide necessary support for such creative initiatives.

Wakimul, a Class XI science student at Chowgacha Government College in Jashore and the son of a small businessman, shared the poignant motivation behind his invention.

He told the Prime Minister that there was a time when he remained confined to his home all day, unable to venture out. He began building the car specifically to find a way to travel outside independently.

"With support, it would be possible to build more advanced smart cars using modern technology," Wakimul stated, adding that these vehicles could serve not only the specially-abled but also the elderly.

The young inventor was accompanied by Abdus Sattar Dulal, Founder and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS).

Providing technical details, Dulal noted that the vehicle can travel up to 50 kilometers on a single electric charge, reaching a maximum speed of 45 kilometers per hour.

The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam, Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman.