March 29, 2024, 1:20 pm


Staff Correspondent

Published:
2023-01-26 08:04:15 BdST

Digital Bangladesh Mela kicks off on Thursday


Digital Bangladesh Mela-2023 is going to begin tomorrow at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Agargaon area of the city.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today wished the overall success of all the programmes undertaken on the occasion of 'Digital Bangladesh Mela-2023'.

The three-day fair is the largest exposition aimed at showcasing IT and ITES products and services in Bangladesh, concerned sources said.

It will focus on creating more collaborative relationships at the national and international levels, inviting trade delegations to experience the immense potential of the Bangladeshi ICT industry, the sources added.

The premier, in a message, hoped that the people of the country will be more informed about various aspects of telecommunication and information technology through 'Digital Bangladesh Mela' alongside using digital services by keeping pace with the rest of the world.

Various measures, taken by the present government in the field of telecommunication and information technology, have boosted the information technology across the country, she said, adding: "As a result, Vision-2021 has been successfully implemented."

After building 'Digital Bangladesh' in the light of Vision 2021, the next goal of the government is to build 'Smart Bangladesh'.

"Smart Bangladesh will have smart government, smart population and smart industries," she said, adding that the use of digital devices will be ensured in all fields including business, health, education, agriculture with the help of robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, genetic-engineering and biotechnology.

The main goal of Vision 2041 is to build a developed country and a knowledge-based society after transitioning from a less developed country to a developing country, Sheikh Hasina continued.

She mentioned that socio-economic development at the marginal level by universal use of information technology for public welfare, utilizing 5G-technology to meet the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and proper application of artificial intelligence is the next challenge.

The premier also added that the Awami League-led government has implemented a comprehensive development programme in this sector including infrastructure development, practical excellence and widespread use of technology to deliver the benefits of telecommunication and information technology to every part of the country.

All the services of the telecommunication sector have been modernized including launching of Bangabandhu satellite, increasing the use of Internet, increasing the capacity of submarine cables, setting up new submarine cables, she said.

"IT-friendly policies have been formulated," she said, adding that 5G-technology network has been launched experimentally in the country.

"We've already started using the services of our own Bangabandhu Satellite-1', the first terrestrial communication and broadcasting satellite of Bangladesh," she continued.

She said optical fiber connectivity at all union and upazila level, 'Totto Batayan' in all districts and more than 4,500 digital centers have been established across the country.

"As many as 8,500 post offices have been converted into Post e-centres... Video conferencing has made communication faster and easier," she said, adding that video conferencing has played an important role in keeping the country's economy moving.

The implementation of these initiatives has made it possible to deliver government services to the doorsteps of the people, the premier added.

The doors of immense possibilities have been unlocked in every sector including education, health, business and social communication of the country, Sheikh Hasina said.

She hoped that the young generation will get jobs as the new employment-opportunities have been created for them due to the government's pragmatic initiatives.

The three-day 'Digital Bangladesh Mela' will remain open for everyone from 10 am to 8 pm every day at BICC here and the detail information regarding the fair will be available on www.digitalbangladeshmela.org.bd.

Due to the corona pandemic, the fair could not take place in 2021 and 2022 consecutive years. However, this year, anyone can make registration via the aforesaid website free of cost.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the fair virtually at 10 am on January 26.

With Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar in the chair, the inaugural function was attended, among others, by Education Minister Dipu Moni, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology AKM Rahmatullah and Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Abu Hena Morshed Zaman.

During the time, individuals, government and private institutions and organisations nominated by the jury board in 12 categories including telecommunication and internet services, digital transformation of education, contribution to medical field, contribution to increase digital security, contribution to development of imaging technology and special contribution to journalism in development of telecommunication technology will be awarded postal and telecommunication medals (Dak O Tele-Jogajog Padak) for the first time.

In the fair, about 77 pavilions will showcase the products of various digital companies.

A total of eight seminars will be held there highlighting the current and future technology-based destination.

Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel will be the chief guest in a discussion on "Skill Development and Digital Transformation of Education: Bangladesh context" at Media Bazar at 3 pm on January 26.

Besides, another discussion titled "Made in Bangladesh" will be held at Windy Town hall on the same day at 3 pm where Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will be present as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Fifth Industrial Revolution and 5G Infrastructure:  Preparation of Bangladesh" will be held at Media Bazar at 11 am on January 27 where Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar will be attended as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Telecommunication Sector during Disaster: Things to do of  pre and post-strategies" will be held in Windy Town 11 am on the same day. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman will address it as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Data Science Robotics and Artificial Intelligence" will be arranged in the Windy Town at 3 pm on January 27 with the presence of Minister for Science and Technology Architect Yeafesh Osman as the chief guest.

Another discussion will be held on the same day at 3 pm on "Digital Transformation: The Driving Force of the Future Bangladesh Economy" where State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam will attend as the chief guest.

On the last day of the fair, a discussion on "Safe Digital Society: Role of the State" will be held at Media Bazar on at 11 am where Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq will be present as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Bangladesh on the highway of technology to build a smart city" will be held in Windy Town at 11 am on the same day where Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operative (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam will deliver his speech as the chief guest.

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