Joy hopes Bangladesh to lead in 4th industrial revolution

Prime Minister's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy on Thursday expressed his optimizing that Bangladesh would lead in the fourth industrial revolution as the country is marching forward following the target.

"Bangladesh is marching towards fourth industrial revolution. Bangladesh has the capability," he told a ministerial conference of World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre here.

Joy, also grandson of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, presented a keynote paper titled "Ensuring an Inclusive, Trusted and Sustainable Digital Society" joining it virtually.

He said Bangladesh is putting emphasis on artificial intelligence, block chain, IOT, nano-technology, biotechnology, robotics, microprocessor designing and other areas to lead in the fourth industrial revolution.

Mentioning that united efforts are needed to lead the 4th industrial revolution, he said: "We will have to work together on the path of innovations and thus we will go ahead," he said.

He said as the invention of steam engine, use of electricity and invention of transistor had changed the course of human civilization through creating massive industrialization, these three incidents are identified as three industrial revolutions.

In this regard, now it is being called that fourth industrial revolution is coming on the path of newer innovation of digital technology, he mentioned.

Urging foreigners to invest in IT sector of Bangladesh, the PM's adviser said 39 high-tech parks have been constructed in Bangladesh having world class facilities.

Joy said foreign investors would enjoy various facilities inducing exemption of investment tax, ensuring 100 per cent ownership for foreigners and exemption of income tax.

He said those who want to get infrastructural facilities by investing in information technology sector, they can invest here.

A2i policy adviser Anir Chowdhury moderated the event while State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak also spoke on the occasion.