"We need to create smart networks by empowering every citizen to use technology in their daily financial transactions', said Salman F. Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister on Wednesday.
The Adviser said there should be a focus on timely development to reach remote areas and benefit everyone. Our country has all kinds of skills to undertake this initiative but the private sector needs to come forward for its successful implementation.
He was addressing a seminar, organised to launch the “Smart Bangladesh Network”, by the iDEA Foundation and ICT Division with the support of A2I (Aspire to Innovate) and Bangladesh Brand Forum (BBF), on Wednesday.
Planning Minister, M A Mannan attended the seminar as chief guest while Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister, Information and Communication Technology Division attended as special guest. Speaking about the need to continue Bangladesh’s GDP growth, MA Mannan said, “Both public and private organizations are working towards the realization of Vision 2041. We hope to see more technological advancements in the goals of keeping poverty to a minimum, using paperless trade in building a cashless society, expansion of education at all levels, use of innovative technology in higher education, prosperity in agriculture, and creation of new employment opportunities with guaranteed employment for all.” Kazi M. Aminul Islam, former alternate executive director of World Bank, former secretary and former chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and chairman of IDEA Foundation presided over the seminar.
The keynote and detailed plan of the network was presented by Mr. Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor, Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme, ICT Division and Mr. Hussain A Samad, Deputy Secretary and Lead Researcher, IDEA Foundation.
Speakers at the seminar also discussed the contribution of the public and private sectors to the four essential pillars of Vision 2041: Smart Citizen, Smart Government, Smart Society and Smart Economy. Together, these pillars will help to realize a “Developed and Prosperous Bangladesh” by 2041 and a “Safe and Planned Delta” by 2100.
