Lack of awareness, the biggest challenge of digitalization: Telecom Minister

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mostafa Jabbar sees the lack of awareness as a major challenge to digitalization at the moment. He called upon the concerned trade bodies including BCS to play a leading role in educating the people about digital technology as well as engaging the people in digital technology. The minister made the call while addressing as the chief guest at the virtual inaugural function of a four-day program on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the establishment of BCS Computer City on Saturday. He said 35 per cent of the total mobile phone users in the country use smart phones. With the expansion of 4G network and broadband internet connection across the country, the number of smartphone users will suddenly increase from 85 to 90 percent. "We are entering the 5G era this year. This modern version of technology will be an industrial product," he said. In his speech, Mostafa Jabbar, former president of BCS, described the various initiatives of BCS since 1987, including computer fairs in Dhaka and outside Dhaka, to make people aware and involved in computer technology and the need to use it. He said the VAT-tax on computers was withdrawn in 1998 under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was followed by a revolutionary change in the development of computer technology in the country - a step was taken to build a digital Bangladesh. He mentioned that Digital Bangladesh program has set an example in the world in the last 12 years. He said the country used to have only 8 Gbps internet bandwidth in 2008 but now it has been increased to 2600 Gbps. Journalist Mostafa Jabbar, chairman of Anandapatra Bangla Sangbad Sangstha, the inventor of publishing magazines in Bangla script on computer, recalled the role of media in popularizing computers and the contribution of the then BCS leaders. He highlighted the contribution of BCS in the implementation of Jamilur Reza Chowdhury (JRC) report in the development of information technology and said that out of the 45 reports of the committee, BCS played a role in the implementation of 28 reports. He said the seeds planted by Bangabandhu for digitization were converted into saplings by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from 1996 to 2001. The minister mentioned that it has turned into a huge tree with the help of Sheikh Hasina in last 12 years. BSS president Shahid-ul Munir and former president Abdullah H Kafi were present on the occasion. Ahmed Hasan Jewel, Sabur Khan, former general secretary from USA Munem Rana, BCCS general secretary Monirul Islam Moni, BCS leader Bhuiyan Enam Lelin, Rafiqul Anwar, Habibur Rahman Shaheen, Moinul Islam Moin spoke on the occasion.