Call to reduce the digital gap
The fourth meeting of the Smart Bangladesh Taskforce Executive Committee took place on Tuesday, July 2nd, at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting was held virtually using the Baithak platform, with Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the Prime Minister's ICT Advisor, participating as the chief guest.
Joy emphasized the importance of bridging the digital divide in Bangladesh and assured the committee of the government's full support for the ICT sector in achieving this goal.
The meeting, chaired by Tofazazl Hossain Miah, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, discussed various topics related to Smart Bangladesh, including implementing cashless toll management systems. Establishing interoperable digital platforms; Strategies for reaching the $5 billion export target in the ICT sector; Fostering partnerships between domestic and foreign companies for significant projects; Integrating e-mutation and document registration for smart land management; implementing shared health records and a single registry-MIS system.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the Prime Minister's ICT Advisor, provided updates on the progress of ongoing Smart Bangladesh projects. Other attendees included the Governor of Bangladesh Bank, the Director General of Bangladesh Railway, the Chairman of the National Board of Revenue, and representatives from various ICT-related organizations.
Aneer Chowdhury, the A2I Policy Advisor, presented a comprehensive overview of the different visions for Smart Bangladesh.
The meeting was attended by several key figures, including Russell T Ahmed, President of BASIS (Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services), Enamul Haque, President of ISPAB (Information Service Providers Association of Bangladesh), Wahid Sharif, President of BKCC (Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association), and other high-ranking government officials. During the meeting, the BASIS President presented plans for achieving the ICT export target.
Earlier that day, State Minister Palak chaired a meeting to prepare for the Smart Bangladesh Award 2024. The meeting discussed the proposed program for the award. Later, he met with a delegation from the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by their President, Mohammad Sabbir Ahmed Khan.
