State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak has expressed hope that the governments of Bangladesh and Malaysia will work together more intensively in the future in the development of digital economy, investment in information technology skills and development of the tourism sector. ICT State Minister expressed this optimism in a courtesy meeting on Wednesday at ICT Tower in Agargaon of the capital with the Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Forum Dr. Syed Hamid Albar and High Commissioner of Malaysia appointed to Bangladesh Haznah Md. Hasim.
Expressing the commitment to strengthen the existing relations between the two brotherly countries in the coming days by exchanging innovation and experience, the State Minister of ICT said that, with the aim of developing the digital economy and achieving the Smart Bangladesh Vision-2041, the domestic ICT sector will have the opportunity to employ skilled manpower and employment through the formulation of strategies and action plans suitable for the fourth industrial revolution. Various innovative initiatives are being implemented in the IT sector of Bangladesh, especially in the startup, e-commerce and freelancing sectors.
Various innovative initiatives are being implemented through digital center entrepreneurs spread across the country, especially women entrepreneurs, to ensure inclusiveness of marginalized people in the digital economy. The World Islamic Economic Forum and the Government of Malaysia can come forward to work in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh to develop artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, nanotechnology and cyber security among other cutting-edge technological capabilities of these entrepreneurs.
Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Forum praised the unprecedented progress and success achieved over the past decade in the construction of Digital Bangladesh. Syed Hamid Albar said that the two brotherly countries can work together to develop ICT skills among the youth and exchange knowledge gained in digital innovation. He invited Bangladesh to participate in the upcoming international conference to be held in Malaysia, expressing interest in working to create cooperative opportunities in tourism, education and other promising areas.
After the courtesy meeting with the Minister of State for ICT Department, the Malaysian delegation visited the a2i office located at the ICT Tower. At this time, the senior officials of the delegation were welcomed by the Project Director (Joint Secretary) of a2i Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir and handed over publications titled ‘The a2i Journey’ and ‘Amar Digital Bangladesh’ ( My digital Bangladesh) as a memento.
Meanwhile, World Islamic Economic Forum and a2i agreed to organize various innovation exhibitions in the future for mutual benefit, relationship development and exchange of experience and to organize various workshops and webinars to share the knowledge gained. Mr. Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor of a2i, Head of Social Innovation Cluster Mr. Manik Mahmood, International Communications Advisor Ashfaq Zaman and senior officials of a2i and WIEF were present.