Even before Bangladesh appeared as an independent country, Bangabandhu, the then Chairman of Awami league had a vision of a modern country, based on technology. We find the reflection of that vision in his speech broadcasted on Radio and TV on 28 October 1970- prior National election. He paid due importance to undergo research works on jute- the golden fibre. He specified in that address that we needed a Marine Institute for undergoing research without delay.
‘We want to generate 2500 kilowatts of electricity in 5 years, Ruppur Atomic Energy Project and coal mining project in Jamalpur would be implemented.’ he declared after the election.
For the implementation of his vision, we needed skilled human resources. That’s why, he emphasized quality education. More particularly on tech-based vocational education. He suggested mandatory primary education for the children at the age of o5 which would be free of cost. The door of secondary education would be open for all. New universities including Medical and technological universities would be established on an emergency basis. Lest poverty should not be a hindrance on the way to higher education.
It was 1920, a century ago. It was a late spring evening, March the 17th. It was dark all around. It was one of the thousands of villages in Bangladesh – Tungipara at the present Gopalganj district. Born there was a baby boy, affectionately called ‘Khoka‘ – meaning a little boy – by his parents, who half a century later removed all the darkness ad odds; changed the history of the Bengali nation and the world; created an independent and sovereign Bangladesh in 1971.
After the liberation, Bangabandhu took a number of initiatives in this connection.
Immediately after achieving independence, he planned an education system based on science and technology. On 26 July, 1972, he formed an education commission headed by Dr. Qudrat e Khuda, an eminent scientist and his teacher. He took all possible measures to utilize Information and communication technology as the main tool for 3rd industrial revolution. He also initiated to turn the future generations into scientific-minded beings.
With his relentless effort, Bangladesh achieved the membership of International Telecommunication Union (ITU); made policies regarding satellite orbit or frequency allotment and sowed the seed of space missions in the background of a war-torn Bangladesh. Consequently, on 14 June 1975, inaugurated Betbunya Satellite Centre at Kaukhali Upazila of Rangamati District. Using that satellite centre, as many as 11 countries are linked with Bangladesh and Telephone data communications, Fax, Telex etc. are being transferred.
That was how, Information and Communication technology got extended, and the foundation stone of sending a satellite to space was laid.
The world is now at the doorstep of the 4th industrial revolution. The main tools for the revolution are like the internet of things (IOT); Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, Biotechnology, Material Science quantum computing and so on.