BdREN to be given bandwidth at low cost: Telecom Minister

The Posts and Telecommunications Division will provide Internet bandwidth at the lowest possible cost to Bangladesh Research and Education Network- BdREN, the UGC's educational network, to enable students to have fully Internet-based education. Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mr. Mostafa Jabbar assured it in a virtual meeting with BdREN in Dhaka today on Thursday. UGC Acting Chairman Professor Dr. Dil Afroza Begum, Posts and Telecommunication Division Additional Secretary Md. Mahbub-ul-Alam, BTCL Managing Director Dr. Md. Rafiqul Matin, Submarine Cable Limited Managing Director AKM Habibur Rahman and BdREN CEO Mohammad Taurit spoke on the occasion. In his speech as the chief guest, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications highlighted the importance of digital transformation of education and said that there is no alternative to expanding digital network in spreading digital education. For this purpose, free high-speed WiFi has been introduced in 587 government colleges, universities and training institutes across the country on the initiative of the Division of Posts and Telecommunications. The Division has also been implementing digital education system in 650 primary schools funded by SOF of BTRC. Mostafa Jabbar, the pioneer of digital transformation of education, said that education should be seen in the place of education. It is our responsibility to provide bandwidth at a low cost even if required by CSR. He assured UGC, “I think your efforts in digital transformation of education are our efforts. It is for this purpose that we are providing bandwidth from BTCL at 180 taka per Mbps. He assured the supply of additional bandwidth at low cost as per the demand of BdREN, and said that after completing all the legal processes in this regard, the maximum possible discount will be given for education. Posts and Telecommunication Secretary advised the concerned to send proposals in this regard. He mentioned that the cooperation of the Posts and Telecommunications Division will continue in the digital transformation of education. Chairman of UGC said that the creation of digital content of education, classroom lectures etc. will be provided as digital content on the web site. He mentioned that the UGC is working to implement the initiatives taken to introduce mixed (blended) education system. He expressed deep appreciation for BTCL's network providing uninterrupted services to keep education system online during the Covid-19 pandemic.