Technology becomes useless without a psychological change of thought: Palak

It is possible to bring equality in the country eradicating discrimination against girls through sustainable technology framework with a touch of intimacy and love. However, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that this structure is ready and stressed on the awareness of all concerned. The ICT department will soon launch 'Bandhan', an online platform for digital transformation of marriage and divorce activities. This information was given by the state minister in his speech as the chief guest in the dialogue titled 'Digital Generation, Our Generation' organized on the occasion of International Girl Child Day on the role of technology in prevention of child labor. Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, President of Dialogue, emphasized on building gender equality in the use of technology. He expressed optimism that technology would be a tool to solve the problem. State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak addressed the function as the chief guest. In order to prevent child marriage, the respect and dignity towards women in the society must be ensured first. No technology or project plan will work without a psychological change of mind. Additional Deputy Inspector General of National Emergency Service Branch of Bangladesh Police Md. Tabarak Ullah, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of North South University Dr. Nova Ahmed, National Specialist and Program Coordinator of ILO Bangladesh Monira Sultana, President Mariage Registrar Association Muhammad Abdul Wahed took part in the dialogue among others. Zunaid Ahmed Palak opined that, "No matter how much technology or planning we have, it will not function without a psychological change in thinking." So, women have to be placed on the seat of honor. The Dialogue was conducted by Navnita Chowdhury, Director of BRAC University's Gender Justice Diversity Program. Referring to the role of the Prime Minister in women's equality, Palak said that from the very beginning of setting up the Union Digital Center, she had ensured the appointment of a girl with a boy at the front desk. Leader of the people Sheikh Hasina is not only the embodiment of digital Bangladesh; she is the architect of modern Bangladesh. The state minister further said that today's digital Bangladesh has been established due to the master plan of the government. As a result, even in the pandemic, 70% of the people are connected online and educational activities is going on. In his speech, Palak told the story behind the introduction of National Emergency Number. "In the last four years, we have received 18,000 calls on child marriage through National Emergency Number 333," he added. Highlighting various initiatives of ICT department, the state minister said digital verifiable ID, digital payment system, inter-digital verification etc. have all been prepared. An interoperable system of identity verification through Parichay.gov is also ready. Now just need to pair. We have already created an online marriage and divorce system called 'Bondhan.gov.bd'. I t will be unveiled soon. Then many problems will be solved automatically. We have all the solutions. Suggesting the use of blockchain and artificial intelligence to prevent child labor, Palak further said that the people of Bangladesh are very tech savvy.