ICT Labs Planned for Every Upazila

The government will establish one ICT lab in every upazila across Bangladesh to develop skilled human resources through freelancing training and prepare the next generation for artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology, said Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapan.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme held at the Madhupur Upazila Parishad Hallroom in Tangail on Saturday afternoon, where educational scholarships, bicycles and sewing machines were distributed among students and members of ethnic minority communities.

The minister said, “Alongside the Bengali language, young people should learn English, Chinese and Japanese. There is significant demand for workers from ethnic minority communities in Japan and China. Cultural centres will be established to help them learn these languages and further strengthen cultural practices. AI and freelancing education centres will be established within a few months so that people in Madhupur can earn foreign currency.”

He added, “The current government of Tarique Rahman has taken various measures to bring young people back from drugs. Efforts are being made to encourage their participation in sports and cultural activities. To make young people employment-oriented, AI and freelancing training has been arranged across the country.”

Referring to concerns among parents about drugs in Madhupur and Dhanbari, the minister instructed the administration to remain vigilant and take a strict stance against drugs. He made it clear that no one should receive any concession in matters related to drugs.

Fakir Mahbub Anam said the government was working to bring public services to people’s doorsteps. He said government support was playing an important role in improving the living standards of ethnic minority communities, expanding educational opportunities and creating self-employment.

He said distributing bicycles and sewing machines alongside educational scholarships would encourage students to continue their education while creating positive changes in beneficiaries’ daily lives and economic activities.

The programme was organized by the Madhupur Upazila Administration under the ‘Development Assistance for Special Areas (excluding Chattogram Hill Tracts)’ programme implemented by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated the anniversary celebrations by releasing balloons and pigeons at the Upazila Parishad premises. A procession later marched through the main streets of the town.

The minister said one ICT lab would be established in every upazila to develop skilled human resources through freelancing training. He added that, on the Prime Minister’s advice, the government aims to create employment for 1 million people through ICT.

Among those present were Dhanbari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nurjahan Akter Sathi, Food and Sugar Corporation Chairman Shamsuzzaman Suruj, Upazila BNP President Principal Azizur Rahman, Assistant Police Superintendent Arifur Rahman, government and private-sector officials and employees, political leaders and activists, and teachers and students of schools and colleges.

Earlier, on Friday afternoon, September 4, at the 20th anniversary programme of Dhanbari Upazila in Tangail, the minister told journalists after his speech as chief guest, “ICT and AI are important issues at present. The government is taking initiatives so that the next generation can acquire skills in AI and information technology and work both at home and abroad.”
//DBTech/TBP/SME/MIS//