Shafiqul Islam (Jami)
Bangladesh is rapidly advancing in the field of information and communication technology. This change is coming due to various initiatives of government as well as various initiatives and efforts of the youth. The use of smartphones and internet is increasing in country through their hands. This is rapidly changing different sectors of the country. The new decade has started with all the new possibilities in the technology sector. The new decade is being called the 4th Industrial Revolution. The version is called 4.0. Entrepreneurs in Bangladesh also see this time as a potential. In the meantime, Bangladesh is moving forward rapidly with the help of various organizations in the software sector. This speed is expected to increase over time.
Meanwhile, National Digital Bangladesh Day 2021 will be celebrated on 12 December 2021 (Sunday) in district-upazilas and Bangladesh embassies abroad with the theme ‘Digital Bangladesh-er Orjon, Upokrito Sokol Jonogon.’ However, the government has taken several timely projects to enrich the country’s ICT sector. The work of many of these is visible and work on some projects is still ongoing.
The wonderful advancement of technology in the country has been visible for over a decade. In the meantime, Bangladesh’s first satellite in space, including a few big achievements has taken Bangladesh to a unique height in the world. The name of the biggest surprise is the beginning of progress as ‘Digital Bangladesh’. The Department of ICT has been working on the implementation of Digital Bangladesh with emphasis on connectivity and ICT infrastructure, human resource development, development of ICT industry and establishment of e-governance and several other aspects. Many services including passport, driving license, birth and death registration, land deeds are now available online. Freelancing is eradicating the curse of unemployment.
The judiciary has also gone digital with the help of internet. Virtual court system has been introduced. The big change has come with the launch of ride sharing services like Uber, Pathao. In this case, as employment has increased, many have also benefited from travel.
Experts are calling this development and progress based on information technology as digital renaissance. Many innovative initiatives of Bangladesh have been appreciated and rewarded outside the country as well. Outside the country, the software makers have brightened the face of Bangladesh. In this regard, the steps taken by the present government in the field of information technology to build a ‘digital Bangladesh’ have played a helpful role. The government has extended IT services not only in the cities but also beyond the district and upazila headquarters to villages and even remote and inaccessible areas.
According to the government’s IT department, Bangladesh has been gaining international recognition in information technology for several years. Among them, Bangladesh has received several prestigious awards including ITU Award, South-South Award, Gartner and AT Carney. However, more emphasis needs to be placed on industry development. For this reason, various initiatives including e-governance have to be taken along with the IT industry. This will expand the local market for local companies.
The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) have been working in collaboration with the government to implement Digital Bangladesh. Regarding the country’s technology sector, BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir said that in the face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Bangladesh’s IT sector has emphasized on various infrastructural development including development of skilled human resources. BASIS is ready for this decade & working to take the country’s software sector forward. With various training, workshops, branding, networking and up-to-date arrangements, BASIS will make its activities more dynamic.
IT Experts say that this decade will not be limited to just launching IT products and services. There will always be new and more advanced technology. The old product service will be replaced by the modern product service soon. This will further enhance the capabilities of smartphones, broadband internet, cloud computing, quantum computing, real-time speech recognition, nano computers, wearable devices and near field communication, cyber security, smart cities & internet.
The development of cloud computing and quantum computing is expected to change the world of information technology horizons in this decade. Experts are now talking strongly about the introduction of 3D printing and biometrics. The way in which new devices, strategies and trends are being introduced and developed at a massive rate in online activities now seems to be going to radically change our lifestyle in the near future.
The ICT department is implementing various programs commemorating the Mujib Year. These programs include Bangabandhu Innovation Grant 2020, holographic presentation of Father of the Nation’s historic speech on March 7, Online Mujib Borsho, initiatives taken under Mobile Game Application Skills Development Project, more than 100 strategic plans of ICT department. On the occasion of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary, Mujib Hundred website and Mujib Borsho logo were created at the initiative of ICT department. Moreover overall 27 projects works is going to develop the ICT sector.
At a press conference on Thursday (December 9), State Minister for ICT) Junaid Ahmed Palak said that country’s 170 million people are reaping the benefits of Digital Bangladesh. On 12 December 2008, the Prime Minister announced the vision of Digital Bangladesh. That was a political leader of Sheikh Hasina. But after taking charge in the 9th general election, the vision of digital Bangladesh has become for all the people of the country. He said that in the last 12 years, 20 lakh technology based jobs have been created in the ICT sector. At present, the export of ICT sector is 1.3 billion US dollars. Bangladesh ranks second in online labor force. More than 6.5 million freelancers in the country are earning about 7.5 million annually from the outsourcing sector. This is possible due to the development of proper infrastructure in the IT sector.
Palak said that even if you don’t have your own vehicle now, you can easily reach your destination by using the ride sharing app. More than 100 million citizens are able to send money to their families through their mobile financial wallets as well as make financial transactions without being the victims of fraud and harassment. As a result, besides eliminating corruption, waste and harassment, it has become possible to ensure the rights of village-town, men and women and young and old.
The state minister for ICT said that there are about 130 million internet users in the country at present. The inclusion of people in financial services using information technology is amazing. Online banking, electronic money transfer, use of ATM card is playing a huge role in establishing e-government including just building a cashless society.
National Digital Day Today: Meanwhile, 5th National Digital Bangladesh Day 2021 today. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be the chief guest at the Digital Bangladesh Day celebrations on December 12, at 11 pm at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), Hall of Fame. Earlier, Digital Bangladesh Day 2021 will get off to a good start by paying homage to the portrait of the Father of the Nation at 7 am in Dhanmondi with the aim of celebrating the day with due dignity. The rally will be held at 8 am maintaining the social distance from South Plaza Sangsad Bhaban to Khamarbari junction. There will be a National Seminar at BICC’s Hall of Fame at 3 pm and a five-hour Digital Bangladesh Concert at United International University, Badda in the afternoon. On the occasion of the day, all the Ministries, Departments will organize seminars and discussion meetings based on their success and achievement. Besides, the day will be observed simultaneously in all Bangladesh missions abroad.
Also on the occasion of the day highlighting 12 years of success and achievements in building a digital Bangladesh seminars will be organized and Digital Bangladesh Awards 2021 will be distributed to the best individuals, groups and organizations for their unique contribution in information technology in general and technical fields at public and private levels.
