Prime Minister’s Private Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman has pledged to resolve the challenges faced by the information technology (IT) sector in the upcoming budget for the next financial year.
He made this announcement during the inauguration of the ‘JCI Smart Bangladesh Summit and Expo’ fair at the Bashundhara International Conference Center in the capital on Friday.
Expressing his agreement with the President of BASIS (Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services) regarding the withdrawal of VAT-tax on software and the IT sector in the budget, Salman F Rahman emphasized that any misunderstandings in the proposed budget would be rectified.
He assured that the final budget would not include provisions that hinder the growth of the IT industry, acknowledging that while achieving 100 percent resolution might be challenging, the government is committed to addressing the issues highlighted in the budget.
Salman F Rahman also shed light on the challenges of building a technologically advanced Bangladesh, emphasizing the rapid pace of technological advancement and the global influence of artificial intelligence.
He highlighted the importance of staying abreast of technological transformations and noted that while governments can provide legislation and infrastructure to keep pace with such changes, it is the responsibility of the youth to actively contribute.
The Prime Minister's investment adviser emphasized that the direction of Bangladesh’s progress should not be solely determined by politicians, but rather by the collective efforts of the country’s youth.
He encouraged the youth to think about how they can engage with foreigners, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. Highlighting Bangladesh’s success in various sectors, including agriculture, social development, and healthcare, Salman F Rahman stressed that the country has become a global focus. He urged the youth to become problem solvers and take the lead in shaping the future.
ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the special guest, emphasized the importance of knowledge acquisition and problem-solving skills among the youth, encouraging them to lead the world.
FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, BGMEA Acting President Shahidullah Azim, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce President Barrister Sami Sattar, E-CAB President Shami Kaiser, ACI Limited Business Director Sohail Tanvir Khan, JCI General Secretary Niaz Morshed Elite, and JCI National President Ziaul Haque were among the notable speakers at the event.
The JCI Smart Bangladesh Summit and Expo, spanning two days, aims to provide a platform for national and international brands to showcase their smart solutions. The event will feature 11 special sessions with expert speakers from both within and outside the country, focusing on various aspects of technological advancement and innovation.
With Salman F Rahman's assurance to address the concerns of the IT sector in the upcoming budget, the government demonstrates its commitment to promoting a thriving digital ecosystem in Bangladesh and empowering the youth to lead the nation into a technologically advanced future.