BNP Pledges Affordable Internet and Digital Empowerment for All Citizens

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to ensure affordable internet access for all citizens alongside broader public empowerment if it comes to power, according to Dr Mahdi Amin, spokesperson of the party’s Election Management Committee.

He made the remarks on Saturday (January 31) at a programme titled “The Role of the ICT Sector and the Way Forward in Building Tomorrow’s Bangladesh”, held at the Banani Club in the capital.

Organised by the Nationalist ICT Forum and moderated by Shamim Azad, Founder of Affix Bangladesh Limited, the event was attended as chief guest by BNP’s former Minister for Science and Technology Dr Moin Khan. Among others who spoke at the programme were Dr Hossain Uddin Shekhar, Vice-Chancellor of Gopalganj University of Science and Technology, Nawid Hossain, CEO of Global Infotech, and Syed Mosharraf Ali Mirshad, CEO of Trimatrik AI.

Joining the event virtually, BNP’s Information and Technology Affairs Secretary AKM Wahiduzzaman outlined seven key focus areas of the party’s ICT roadmap, noting that each would be promoted under a distinct slogan. The priorities include universal internet access, a cash-light economy, creation of one million jobs, and establishment of the country’s first AI campus.

Speaking as a special guest on the roadmap, Election Management Committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin said BNP would work to empower the people of Bangladesh if it wins the election on February 12.
“Appropriate opportunities will be ensured for talented individuals. These issues are clearly reflected in BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s vision,” he said.

Referring to the party’s internet policy, Mahdi Amin added that BNP aims to gradually introduce free institutional internet access.
“As our leader Tarique Rahman has already announced, if BNP forms the government, all schools, colleges, universities, offices, rural digital centres, hospitals, railway stations, airports and other densely populated public spaces will be brought under free internet services in phases, Insha’Allah,” he said.

Responding to demands from freelancers, he further noted that BNP has already begun work to introduce PayPal in Bangladesh. Expressing optimism about forming the government through a free, fair and neutral election, he said the party plans to create one million jobs in the ICT sector.

Addressing the programme, AKM Wahiduzzaman said BNP aims to bring 95 percent of the population under high-speed internet coverage. He also announced that a National E-Wallet would be launched within 180 days of forming the government.

Overall, BNP’s election manifesto prioritises ICT through seven key commitments:

Internet for All
If BNP forms the government, free internet services will be provided at designated public locations including educational institutions, offices, rural digital centres, hospitals, railway stations and airports. This initiative aims to ensure easy access to information and modern services for all citizens.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: Internet for Everyone.”

One Million New Jobs
To rapidly energise the ICT sector, BNP plans to create 200,000 direct jobs in areas such as cybersecurity, BPO, AI-data and semiconductors, and another 800,000 indirect jobs through freelancing and content creation.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: No Skilled Unemployment.”

Technology-Driven Citizen Services
BNP promises AI-based citizen services including Farmer Cards, Family Cards prioritising women, AI-driven health cards, connected schools and learning systems, instant emergency ambulance services, automated policing and security, AI-powered immigration systems, and automated land and tax management.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: A Nation of Integrated Digital Services.”

Modern Cybersecurity Framework
To protect citizen data and critical digital infrastructure, BNP plans to introduce robust cybersecurity laws and policies in collaboration with national and international stakeholders.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: Secure Cyberspace, Protected Rights.”

Cash-Light Digital Economy with PayPal
BNP aims to launch a national e-wallet alongside PayPal to facilitate digital payments for shopping, bills, fees and taxes.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: Digital Transactions for All.”

Country’s First AI-Driven Data Centre Campus
Citing widespread cyberattacks and data breaches, BNP plans to establish multiple Tier-4 and Tier-3 data centres under a ‘cloud-first’ strategy, including the country’s first AI-powered data centre campus.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: Bangladesh’s First AI Data Centre.”

Positioning Bangladesh’s Tech Industry Globally
To strengthen the software, hardware and BPO sectors, BNP intends to launch the ‘Made/Assembled/Serviced in Bangladesh’ initiative to enhance global competitiveness.
“Pledge of the Sheaf of Paddy: Bangladeshi Technology for Global Markets.”

DBTech/HM/EK/OR