‘Digital Bangladesh not possible with dependence on foreign tech, personnel’

It is not possible to make Digital Bangladesh a reality by buying computers, parts, software from abroad and bringing foreign engineers to Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people have to realise the vision themselves.

Experts made the statement at the opening ceremony of a day-long training programme on Internet of Things (IoT) on Wednesday.

By referring to examples from multiple countries including Japan, Taiwan and Korea, they encouraged the young participants to improve their skills.

Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA) project of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division organised the training programme.

While speaking as a special guest, technology expert Professor Dr M Kaykobad said, "Foreign consultants are expensive. If the skills can be developed further in the country, it can be more effective."

Senior Secretary of the ICT Division NM Zeaul Alam PAA was present as the chief guest while Executive Director of BCC Parthapratim Deb spoke as a special guest at the inaugural ceremony.

NM Zeaul Alam PAA said, "Bangladesh could not be a part of earlier industrial revolutions, but it has a great opportunity now to be a part of the forth industrial revolution."

"We all need to work harder and together to succeed," he said.

The online programme was presided over by the Project Director (Additional Secretary) of the iDEA Syed Mojibul Huq.

Associate Professor of Institute of Information Technology of the University of Dhaka BM Mainul Hossain, and Professor of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Dr ABM Alim Al Islam, among others, were also present there.