ICT-Telecom Advisor Resigns: What Lies Ahead for Science, ICT, and Telecom Sectors?
Two student representatives in the interim government, Advisors Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud, are expected to resign by February 15, while Advisor Mahfuz Alam may step down in June, according to reports. The move comes as a new political party, spearheaded by leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement, is set to be formed. Notably, Nahid Islam is likely to serve as the party’s Member Secretary.
Nahid Islam, who initially took charge as Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, later assumed an additional role as Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Despite focusing more on information affairs, he remained a key figure in overseeing ICT and telecom sectors, with assistance from Faiz Ahmed Taiyab, the Interim Government’s ICT Policy Advisor. However, Taiyab’s position remains uncertain if Nahid resigns.
If Nahid Islam steps down, it would leave the ICT and telecom sectors leaderless, especially since Science and Technology Advisor Dr. Saleh Uddin Ahmed has shifted to Finance and Commerce, leaving the field largely dependent on bureaucratic management. Industry stakeholders have expressed concerns over the diminishing representation of elected figures in key policy decisions, with trade associations being run by administrators rather than elected leaders. While discussions on reforms continue, citizen engagement in these sectors appears to be declining.
When asked about his own role, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb stated that he was “not yet aware” of any changes. Likewise, Samantha Sharmin, spokesperson for the National Citizens’ Committee, remarked that resignations and political transitions were yet to be finalized.
However, according to a report by the daily newspaper “Amar Desh”, a new political party—initiated by the leaders of the July Revolution—is in the making. Ahead of the party’s official announcement by February 15, Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud are expected to resign. Additionally, Mahfuz Alam is anticipated to leave his post in June. The new party will first form an organizing committee, though its convener remains undecided. Meanwhile, a 17-member committee is drafting the party’s constitution, along with a 24-point manifesto to be revealed before the official launch.
Speaking to “Amar Desh”, Ariful Islam Adib, Joint Convenor of the National Citizens’ Committee, stated,
“The martyrs, the wounded, and the people of the July Uprising expect its leaders to resign from the government and lead this new political initiative. I urge the student representatives in the government to fulfill the people’s aspirations by taking charge of this movement. Farmers, workers, students, and the masses of Bangladesh are eagerly looking toward the leadership of the uprising. Just as they ousted the fascist-killer Hasina, they will now remove her collaborators from every sector of the state and build a humane, welfare-oriented nation.”
