Govt Targets 1 Million Jobs; Minister Urges BTRC to Foster Youth Investment

Science and Technology and Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam has called on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to create a favorable investment environment for young entrepreneurs by simplifying laws and regulations and ensuring that desired public services reach people’s doorsteps. The initiative, he said, aligns with Prime Minister Tareq Rahman’s election manifesto pledge to create jobs for 1 million people.

He noted that after a long 17 years, a people-friendly government has come to power and that the public holds high expectations from it. “The Prime Minister has set a target of creating 1 million jobs. To achieve this goal, we must work together to determine what role BTRC can play. Since the formation of the new government, many young people have been coming forward with innovative plans in the ICT sector, and investors are approaching us. The BTRC Chairman should consider how they can be facilitated,” the minister said.

Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam also stated, “Three generations of my family have been involved in business. I entered politics after working in business. We have an advisor who, along with you all, will guide me in implementing the government’s manifesto. If you make the rules and regulations more people-friendly, I believe we will be able to deliver meaningful results for the public within the next five years.”

He made these remarks on Monday, 9 March, while addressing an introductory meeting with officials and employees at the BTRC building in Agargaon, Dhaka, as the chief guest. The meeting was chaired by BTRC Chairman Emdad Ul Bari. Prime Minister’s Advisor Rehan Asif Asad and Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Abdun Naser Khan were present as special guests.

Sharing his professional experience, Advisor Rehan Asif Asad said he had worked in the telecommunications sector for 15 of his 22-year professional career. Although he began his career as a fiber engineer, he served as Chief of Staff at the United Nations for the past seven years, performing diplomatic responsibilities. While he has not been directly involved in politics, the engineer—who grew up in a political family—highlighted his long experience and said the ICT sector commitments outlined in the BNP’s election manifesto announced on 6 February are clear and comprehensive.

“The manifesto prioritizes fast and reliable internet access for everyone. At a meeting this morning, the Prime Minister again emphasized prioritizing rapid internet connectivity. This will be published within the next two weeks,” he said.

Referring to the United States’ experience in connectivity development, he noted that both developing and developed countries have broadband internet mapping systems. After the Second World War, the United States connected every business establishment and household through copper cables. “The reason is that when the foundation of a house is strong, it becomes easier to expand upward and develop interior designs. Similarly, we want to ensure that within the next five years every household among the country’s 180 million people will be connected to fast and reliable wired and mobile internet,” he said.

Through this initiative, he added, the 12 commitments for the ICT sector outlined in the election manifesto will be fulfilled. He also mentioned that although he knew little about BTRC over the past 15 years, he had the opportunity to speak with the commission’s first chairman, Margub Morshed. “The Prime Minister and the Finance Minister have already stated that telecommunications is a thrust and foundation sector for the government. If we can build a solid foundation in telecommunications and ICT, foreign investment will follow. It will play a vital role in attracting foreign investment and creating new employment opportunities. In this regard, regulatory confidence is the most important factor for investors, and I will extend my full support to BTRC,” he added.

Engineer Rehan Asif Asad also called for collective efforts to ensure that Bangladesh not only remains among the world’s top 10 in terms of the number of users but also reaches the top 10 globally in service quality.

DBTech/DHE/IK/OR