Forging Futures: BIGF and ISOC BD Sign MoU to Boost Digital Development

Feb 25, 2025 11:16
Feb 25, 2025 21:21
Forging Futures: BIGF and ISOC BD Sign MoU to Boost Digital Development

In a move to strengthen cooperation in digital development and emerging technologies, the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) and the Internet Society Bangladesh Chapter (ISOC BD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was formalized on Tuesday (February 24) at an office in Gulshan, Dhaka, and will remain in effect for three years.

The MoU was signed by Mohammad Aminul Haque Hakim, Chairperson of BIGF, and Dr. Md. Nadir Bin Ali, President of ISOC BD. The signing ceremony was attended by Advocate Abdullah Al Noman, Vice Chairperson of BIGF; Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu, Secretary General of BIGF; and Md. Borkat Ullah Alam, General Secretary of ISOC BD.

Under the terms of the agreement, both organizations will collaborate to foster digital development and build a robust digital ecosystem aligned with principles of digital transformation, inclusion, accountability, and sustainability. BIGF will take initiatives to strengthen policies on internet governance to bridge the digital divide, while focusing on data protection, data sharing, and privacy.

The partnership will also emphasize promoting innovation, open data, big data, and data-driven decision-making for public services. Protecting human rights in the digital space and enhancing digital security to counter misinformation and discrimination will be central to their joint efforts. Additionally, the two organizations will work together to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Speaking on the significance of the agreement, BIGF Secretary General Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu stated, “Focal points will be designated from both organizations to ensure the effective implementation of this MoU. Our collaboration aims to contribute to the advancement of the United Nations' World Summit on the Information Society Action Lines, Sustainable Development Goals, the Global Digital Compact, and other national and international development initiatives.”