Soft Skills Soar with Smart Tech: ICT Secretary
The use of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) has not reduced employment but instead enhanced people’s soft skills, remarked Shish Haydar Chowdhury, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communication Technology.
He made the observation as chief guest while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting with students trained under the Enhancing Digital Government and Economy (EDGE) project at the URP Lecture Theatre of Khulna University.
Shish Haydar stated, “The world is now advancing from the Fourth Industrial Revolution towards the Fifth Industrial Revolution. At this juncture, Bangladesh too must move forward by building a technology-driven society. Earlier, it was feared that the arrival of computers would destroy employment opportunities. But even in today’s era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is still humans who manage and control everything.”
He further noted, “Through the EDGE project, students have improved their soft skills. In the future, more advanced-level training will be organized. Even after the completion of the EDGE project, activities of the Innovation Hub will continue under various projects of the ICT Division, playing an effective role in enhancing students’ skills.” The Secretary also emphasized plans to build a cashless society and a paperless office while stressing closer cooperation between administration and academia.
The meeting, held on Sunday afternoon, August 17, was presided over by Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim. He said, “Through the EDGE project, not only students of Khulna University but also those from other educational institutions have received training to improve their soft skills. This will play a vital role in their career development.”
Special guest A.K.M. Amirul Islam, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, also spoke at the program. The welcome address was delivered by Professor Dr. S.M. Rofizul Islam, Head of the Computer Science and Engineering Discipline of Khulna University, while Professor Dr. Sheikh Alamgir Hossain, Coordinator of the EDGE KU CSE Digital Skill Training Program, gave a felicitation speech.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Khulna (Education and ICT) Nurul Hai Mohammad Anas, BPAA, also addressed the gathering. On behalf of the trainees, students Md. Zahidur Rahman, Arpita, and Arifuzzaman Ujjal shared their experiences.
The event began with a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs of the Liberation War, the martyrs of the July 2024 Movement, and those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash of Milestone School and College. Teachers from different disciplines, trainees, and invited guests were present at the program.
Earlier, ICT Division Secretary Shish Haydar Chowdhury paid a courtesy call on Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim. The Vice-Chancellor welcomed him and presented a university monogram-embossed crest.
Director of Student Affairs Professor Dr. Md. Nazmus Sadat, Director of the Office of International Affairs Professor Dr. Md. Ashiqur Rahman, Director of ICT Cell Professor Dr. Sheikh Alamgir Hossain, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority’s Managing Director A.K.M. Amirul Islam, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Nurul Hai Mohammad Anas, along with other officials, were also present.
