Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb Calls for ‘Yes’ Vote to Ensure Power Balance and Prevent Authoritarianism
“Over the years, whoever became prime minister held absolute power. The same individual acted as parliamentary leader, head of government, head of the cabinet, and exercised control over the judiciary. Authority was imposed over the judicial system, and chief justices were appointed under their influence. Laws were passed in parliament accordingly. Beyond the prime minister’s will, neither the police administration, nor the Election Commission, nor the Anti-Corruption Commission could function independently. As a result, fascism keeps returning. That is why this country needs a balance of power, decentralisation of authority, and strong institutional capacity.”
With this assertion, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, called on citizens to vote ‘Yes’ on February 12. He said, “Even after more than two thousand people sacrificed their lives during the July mass uprising, there is no alternative to voting ‘Yes’ in favour of change so that no prime minister can again turn authoritarian.”
He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Meherpur IT Training and Incubation Centre, implemented by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) under the ICT Division. The inauguration took place at around 11:30 am on Friday, January 23. The IT park is being constructed under the second revised project at a cost of Tk 68 crore 33 lakh 10 thousand.
In his inaugural speech, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said that for sustainable development in an emerging district like Meherpur, creating skilled human resources and technology-based employment opportunities is the most urgent priority. With this goal in mind, the IT Training and Incubation Centre has been established in Meherpur.
He stated that the centre has three core objectives. First, to develop local entrepreneurs and IT-based small businesses into startups by providing necessary infrastructural support. Second, to create quality employment opportunities by training students and young people in freelancing, e-commerce, and ICT skills. Third, to reduce the gap between education and practical skills by establishing effective linkages between universities and industry.
The Special Assistant further said that the training centre will feature modern computer labs, startup spaces, incubation facilities, and a 150-seat auditorium. These facilities will be used for entrepreneur development, business training, and skill enhancement. He added, “All training provided here will be verified by the National Skill Development Authority (NSDA) so that trainees receive national and international recognition.”
Referring to Startup Bangladesh Limited and the iDEA Project, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said that local entrepreneurs will be able to apply for government startup funds, training, and investment support directly from this centre, which will significantly reduce Dhaka-centric disparities.
Speaking as a special guest, Monir Haider, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser (Consensus), said, “Such training centres are extremely effective in developing skilled manpower in the IT sector. This will open a new horizon of opportunities for the youth of Meherpur.” He urged local residents to ensure the optimal use of the IT Training and Incubation Centre.
In his chair’s address, Mohammad Saiful Hasan, Member (Joint Secretary) of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, said, “The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority is working to expand IT infrastructure and training activities across the country. The Meherpur centre is an important addition to that initiative.”
At the beginning of the programme, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb inaugurated a training workshop titled ‘Specialised ICT Training for College Teachers’ and planted saplings on the premises of the IT Training and Incubation Centre. Special guest Monir Haider also planted saplings at the site.
Among those present at the event were Meherpur University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin, Meherpur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Syed Enamul Kabir, Superintendent of Police Ujjal Kumar Roy, Project Director Arifuzzaman, officials from various government and non-government organisations, local dignitaries, trainees, and members of the media.
DBTech/JNP/MJU/EK/OR
