SPARSO and a2i agrees to ensure optimal use of technology
Aspire to Innovate (a2i) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSO) to shift the economy from labor based to talent based through new innovations. Universities, individuals and commercial organizations will also be brought under this agreement to develop their own solutions through research and innovation. Sector stakeholders see this agreement as a milestone to exploit the potential of the space industry.
In the afternoon, in the conference room of the ICT tower, the chairman of SPARSO, Md. Abdus Samad and the project director of the a2i Project Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the chief guest of the program, commented that through this agreement, Bangladesh has moved towards building a smart Bangladesh and smart society through this agreement to ensure the best use of technology in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, geology, mapping, public resources, land use, weather, environment and education.
He said at the pre-agreement ceremony, Bangabandhu's dream was that Bangladesh would lead the world in space research and science practice. At the same time, Bangladesh will have its own satellite. But after losing Bangabandhu, we were aimless and leaderless. Then, under the opportune leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina, we transformed from a poor and less developed country to a technology-dependent digital Bangladesh in a very short period of time. Now research should be given the most importance in implementing the concept of Smart Bangladesh. Regarding its areas, Honorable Information and Communication Technology Advisor, Architect of Digital Bangladesh, Sajeeb Wazed Joy has identified the areas of our research. They are AI, robotics, micro nanochip designing and manufacturing and cyber security.
Palak said that the smart government system will be paperless, transparent and accountable. Economy will be cashless. For that, a pilot project has been implemented in Matijheel. The a2i Innovation Lab has already set up Research and Innovation Centers with 151 universities to encourage innovation and research and assisting with intellectual property.
The a2i Project Director Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun presided over the ceremony while the ICT Division Senior Secretary NM Zeaul Alam, Defense Ministry Senior Secretary Gholam Md Hasibul Alam and SPARSO Chairman Md Abdus Samad spoke among others.
The a2i Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury also spoke being connected online.
