The second exposition of the Digital Device & Innovation Expo started with the slogan ‘Make here, sell everywhere. This exposition is being held virtually due to the deteriorating pandemic situation.
Bangladesh Computer Samity Secretary General Md Monirul Islam delivered his welcome speech at the inaugural event held in Bangladesh Film Archive conference hall in the capital on Thursday.
Later, in a video message, President Mohammad Abdul Hamid commented that the country is now in the final stage of building digital Bangladesh. The Digital Devices and Innovation Expo is a timely step to be known as an innovative nation.
Speaking as the chief guest, he called for taking strict measures to prevent some unscrupulous frauds in the e-commerce business and ensuring cyber-security.
The President inaugurated the Exposition by expressing his determination to build Bangladesh as a role model of development in the world by utilizing the innovations of talented youth.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak addressed the inaugural session as a special guest while Hosneara Begum, Managing Director, Hi-Tech Park Authority chaired the program.
Joining virtually at the event Palak expressed his optimism that Bangladesh will soon be established as an innovative nation in the world. a2i has already launched a number of commercial products including new models of nebulizers, ambulances and refrigerators in the innovation lab.
He added that the government has already been earning billions of dollars in exports from IT and ITES. By 2025, the government will earn 5 billion in export earnings from the country’s hardware and software sector.
The Minister of State for ICT also expressed his determination to formulate the necessary policies to make Bangladesh a digital device manufacturing hub through the exchange of views with the stakeholders at the conference.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that Bangabandhu issued a directive in 1973 to set up an electronics manufacturing system. And due to the right and far-sighted decision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the import duty on 94 ICT components has been reduced to 1 percent and now it is possible to meet the local demand for mobile-TV-fridge made in the country. 80 percent of the country’s demand for mobile phones is being made in the country.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak further informed that the government is setting up specialized labs in 100 universities across the country to engage the country’s youth in technology and lead the fourth industrial revolution. “We have formulated a microprocessor designing strategy to develop the hardware industry,” he said.
Robotics, AI, Internet of Things and blockchain strategies have been formulated. These have been approved by the Prime Minister in the Cabinet division meeting. Initiatives have also been taken to set up ULSI labs in various universities to further expand the high-tech industry.
