Bangladesh is moving forward with the goal of leading the world in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in the future. The government is implementing various programs for capacity building in this regard.
Information and Communication Technology Adviser to the Prime Minister Sajeeb Wazed Joy said this while virtually speaking as a keynote speaker at WCIT 2021 Ministerial Conference on ‘Ensuring an Inclusive, Trusted and Sustainable Digital Society’ held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on Thursday night.
“It's not just about adopting other people’s technology, we now want to be the next generation leader in technology. We want to improve the next generation of technology. Emphasis is being laid on areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, IoT, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, microprocessor design,” said the adviser.
The first goal of Digital Bangladesh is to extend its benefits to the remote areas of Bangladesh by building an inclusive and digital society. He further said that the technology is advancing rapidly. “Everyone must work together to meet the new challenges of the future. We have to work together to solve problems and innovate new technology, then it will be easier to move forward,” the adviser added.
Stressing the need for investment in information technology in Bangladesh, Sajeeb Wazed Joy said, “A total of 39 high-tech parks have been set up in the country with world-class facilities. Investment in these parks has been provided various opportunities including tax exemption, 100 percent ownership guarantee for foreigners and income tax exemption.”
At present, several companies, including Samsung, have started manufacturing products in Bangladesh. Joy said, “Bangladesh is the eighth largest consumer market in the world. There are huge opportunities for startups here.”
Commenting that the economy of Bangladesh has advanced during the Covid-19 pandemic, “Joy said that the spread of mobile internet, e-commerce and internet banking has increased during this pandemic.”
At the beginning of the meeting, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Junaid Ahmed Palak, in his presidential address, outlined the sustainable use of information technology in the country.
He said that IT connected portals are helping the citizens to get connected easily for the expansion of ICT sector. He added, "Digital Bangladesh's IT export target will reach 5 billion by 2025."
Somalia's Minister for Communications and Technology Adris Sheikh Ahmed and Maldives' Minister of State for Climate and Technology Mohammed Sharif addressed the panel in a direct panel session chaired by State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak. The program was conducted by Anir Chowdhury, Policy Adviser of A2I.
