ICT has democratized government services: Palak

State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has said that every step taken and implemented so far has ensured democratization of the country. He said that when all kinds of services were disrupted in the pandemic, about 46 million people got digital services from the national emergency service number 999, even though there was no internet connection. Every citizen has got internet connection facility and digital service from 8000 digital centers at union, municipal and city levels. Thanks to this best innovative policy of the government, it has been possible to bring marginalized people under internet connection. Mentioning that 'technology' has turned from luxury to emergency services, The state minister further said that technology was once a luxury for us. But over time, that is likely to change. During the extreme COVID-19 pandemic, people have increased the need for multifaceted use of technology. At this time, we have experienced the evidence of the best efficiency and strength of technology. Everything has been online at this time. He added that with the country's strong ICT infrastructure and its capabilities, a lot of work has been done online such as meetings, virtual education, telemedicine and e-commerce. Technology has become an emergency service. Palak said the Bangladesh Awami League had announced Vision 2021 as its political agenda ahead of the golden jubilee of independence. And in that model, the government has used 'technology' as one of the tools to empower the people. This digital technology has been used simultaneously to make government service activities easier and smoother. State Minister for Information and Communication Zunaid Ahmed Palak said this while addressing the inaugural function of "Seeds for the Future 2021" organized by Huawei Technologies Bangladesh as the chief guest. Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Fazli Elahi and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Sheikh were present in the program as special guests. The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Mohammad Rubaiyat Tanvir Hossain, Head of EEE Department, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology. Zhang Zhengjun, CEO of Huawei Technology Bangladesh presided over the function. This year, nine teams from nine top universities of Bangladesh are participating in the Seeds for the Future 2021.