The ICT sector will generate income worth 5 billion and provide employment to 3 million youth by 2025, said State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Center at Kalai Upazila in Joypurhat on Saturday.
“In just 13 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the export earnings from the technology industry stands at about 1.4 billion dollars. Our goal is to earn 5 billion by 2025. We hope that the construction of this IT training center will be completed within the next year and a half and we will start operations here in two years,” he said. The State Minister said that Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Center is a unique gift of the Prime Minister to the people of Joypurhat.
“This center will create digital entrepreneurship to accelerate private investment by building an innovation ecosystem in the country,” he added.
He further said that due to the development of proper infrastructure in the ICT sector in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the number of internet users is now more than 13 crore.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, “6.5 million freelancers are earning 500 million in foreign exchange. Broadband internet service has reached the village. IT business incubators and specialized labs are being set up in various universities to work with high technology including IoT, robotics and cyber security to meet the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution.”
National Parliament whip Abu Sayeed Al Mahmud Swapon presided over the prgramme.
He said, “Digital Bangladesh is in fact the modern form of the Sonar Bangla (golden Bengal) of Bangabandhu's dream. There is no substitute for technology education for our youth to survive in this age of competition. That is why the government is working to build a technology based nation.”
Bangladesh Diesel Plant Limited Managing Director Brig General Syed Md Rafiqul Islam was present as a special guest at the function.
Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner Md Shariful Islam, Superintendent of Police Masum Ahmed Bhuiyan and Joypurhat District Awami League President Arifur Rahman Rocket were also present during this time, among others.
