ICT
'Smart' service points to be set up in 500 post offices across country: Palak
State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak has announced 'Smart' service points will be set up in 500 post offices across the country.
He made the remarks while talking to reporters after a meeting with ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
“We have 500 post offices in the district and upazila headquarters of the country, which are in very excellent positions. We will set up smart points there alongside the government's post office services. We want to make smart service points there as public and private service providers. This service will be provided at 500 points. Which is a project of only Tk 49 crore,” said the state minister.
Complications with birth registration servers have been going on for a long time. Asked whether a solution is coming to overcome this problem, he said, "We have given all the proposals and suggestions in this regard. Now that the new government has been formed, we will sit with Local Government Minister Tazul Islam. We will follow up on our suggestions and suggestions and try again.”
“One is to provide quick service and the other is to ensure the security of information. Both were interrupted. We will discuss the matter soon," he added.
Asked when the problem will be resolved, he said, "I will tell you in seven days."
Regarding the meeting with the EU representative, the state minister started off by saying the European Union has stood by the government in this sector with all-out support, including technology and knowledge transfer.
"It still is," he insisted, adding: “In the new vision of the new government, we are working in a new way. We will get financial assistance from the European Union to establish a Smart government to implement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Vision 2041 of Smart Bangladesh. They will invest here, they will also support their technology and knowledge.”
BNP’s social media handles spreading lies and disinformation, Sajeeb Wazed says
Sajeeb Wazed, freshly re-appointed as the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adviser to the Prime Minister, has accused the opposition party BNP of orchestrating a disinformation campaign. This emerges amidst a backdrop of pre-election violence that has gripped the nation.
Wazed, in a tweet sharing content from the Awami League’s official X (formerly known as Twitter) account, stated, "BNP official twitter handles flooded with barrage of lies, disinformation and smears targeting arson victims, diplomats and Awami League.”
The shared tweet with an accompanying video elaborates BNP and Jamaat's involvement in a disinformation campaign against the Awami League leadership, reportedly to obscure their role in recent arson attacks on public transport.
Govt considering framework to hold those spreading disinformation accountable: Info State Minister
Since October 28, the country has witnessed a surge in violence, characterized by the torching and vandalism of buses, derailing of trains, and attacks on civilians. According to Wazed, these acts, carried out in the guise of democratic protest by BNP and Jamaat, aimed to disrupt the January 7 national election.
Govt has no discomfort over US statement about election: Quader
Sajeeb Wazed, a prominent figure in the 2008 'Digital Bangladesh' declaration, has been instrumental in shaping the technological policies of the Awami League’s election manifesto. His return to the role of ICT adviser is seen as crucial in the pursuit of establishing a 'Smart Bangladesh', an initiative mirroring his previous achievements under the Digital Bangladesh movement.
PM re-appoints Sajeeb Wazed as her honourary ICT adviser: PMO
Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed has been re-appointed as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Adviser (without salary) to the Prime Minister.“A gazette notification signed by Director General (Administration) of Prime Minister’s Office Mohd Ahsan Kibria Siddiqui was issued today (Sunday) in this regard,” PM’s Assistant Press Secretary MM Emrul Kayas told UNB.
Look for new markets for Bangladesh's products: PM Hasina at DITF openingSajeeb Ahmed Wazed, popularly known as Sajeeb Wazed Joy, was also the PM’s ICT adviser earlier and he resigned from the post on November 29, 2023 ahead of the national election.Besides, another gazette notification signed by Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain was issued bestowing the responsibilities on six other PM’s advisers who were appointed on January 11, 2024, the day Sheikh Hasina formed a 37-member cabinet.
PM inaugurates month-long Dhaka International Trade FairAs per the gazette notification, Dr Mashiur Rahman is the PM’s economic adviser, Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury is the PM’s power, energy and mineral resources adviser, Dr Gowher Rizvi is the PM’s international affairs adviser, Salman Fazlur Rahman is the PM’s private industry and investment adviser, Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury is the PM’s education and cultural affairs adviser and Maj. Gen. (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique is the PM’s Security Affairs Adviser.
EIB, CICA greet PM Sheikh Hasina on re-electionExcept Kamal Abdul Naser, five others were also advisers to the prime minister during her previous term.
Bangladesh can assist Sierra Leone in the ICT sector alongside agriculture: Foreign Minister
Bangladesh is keen to assist Sierra Leone in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector alongside the field of agriculture, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told his Sierra Leonean counterpart on Tuesday in New York.
“I also told him (the Sierra Leonean minister) that apart from agriculture, we have also made great progress in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and ICT. We’re keen to help Sierra Leone not only in the agricultural sector but also in the ICT sector,” said the Foreign Minister.
Momen was briefing reporters over Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s and his engagements as they are in New York to attend the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
Bangladesh Judicial Service Association slams European Parliament for ‘interference’
Talking about a bilateral meeting, he said the Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, David J Francis, praised Bangladesh for its unprecedented achievements in the overall development of the agricultural sector and ensuring food security.
Francis sought assistance from Bangladesh for the development of these sectors of Sierra Leone.
The Sierra Leonean minister thanked Bangladesh for the contribution of its troops, who worked in the African country under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.
In this context, Momen extended his sincere thanks for recognizing Bengali as a state language of the African country. “The people of Bangladesh have a very friendly attitude towards Sierra Leone,” he told his counterpart.
The foreign minister of Sierra Leone requested for setting up a Bangladesh mission in his country.
Momen said Bangladesh is working to expand relations with Africa and many initiatives have been taken accordingly.
Traditional friendship between Bangladesh, China blooms with light of youth in new era
Momen also joined a high-level meeting of the Rohingya Contact Group of OIC and called for resource mobilization from OIC members to speed up the ongoing legal process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
In reply to a question, he said the Rohingya crisis is not our problem alone, rather it is a global issue. “We’ve given them shelter on humanitarian ground. But others (international community) also have a responsibility here. The countries that are vocal on humanitarian issues and human rights have much larger responsibility here,” he said.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh often reminds them to keep pressure on Myanmar to solve the crisis. “I must say that they continue exerting enough pressure on Myanmar,” he said.
Noting that Myanmar is not an enemy country of Bangladesh rather it is a neighbour, he said Myanmar agreed to take Rohingyas back to their country. It also said that they would ensure their safety and create a conducive environment for Rohingyas. But Myanmar authority has not kept their words as of today, though discussion continues on the issue, he added.
“I am always optimistic. I hope our initiative taken to solve the Rohingya crisis will be a success… It is a slow process. Myanmar created this problem. So, the permanent solution to the crisis depends on Myanmar,” said Momen, adding that some 1.2 million Rohingya people are now staying in Bangladesh.
Development should prioritise environmental protection over environmental damage: Dr Hossain Zillur
The Bangladesh foreign minister also attended a high-level meeting on deep-sea scientific research jointly organized by Bangladesh, Argentina, and the International Seabed Authority at the United Nations headquarters.
France happy with Bangladesh’s commitment for acquisition of 10 A350 from Airbus
France has thanked Bangladesh for its commitment concerning the acquisition of 10 A350 from Airbus.
The two countries underlined the importance of continued cooperation on improved air traffic management in all airports of Bangladesh.
Both countries welcomed enhanced cooperation in strategic sectors, according to the joint statement on Bangladesh-France partnership for peace, prosperity and people.
Bangladesh and France regard sovereignty and strategic autonomy as key principles for a stable, multi-polar world.
Also read: Bangladesh, France are opening up new areas of cooperation: PM Hasina
Likewise, as a contribution to the 2041 Vision of a Smart Bangladesh, the two countries welcomed the conclusion of a space partnership between Airbus DS and Bangladesh Satellite Company Ltd. (BSCL) that will strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a Space nation after it masters its own sovereign earth observation satellite.
Bangladesh and France have agreed to cooperate in the fields of ICT and digital technology, including artificial intelligence.
In this regard, France invited Bangladesh to consider joining initiatives such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.
They also stressed the importance of joining their efforts towards an enhanced management of cybersecurity issues for a global, open and secure cyberspace governed by international law.
Also read: Dhaka, Paris willing to step up defence cooperation, take relations to “strategic” level
France will work towards identification of technical assistance to Bangladesh in dealing with cybersecurity threats and will work together on the Global Digital Compact under the aegis of the UN.
Bangladesh and France share a deep-seated friendship, based on shared democratic values, promotion of human rights, sustaining peace and sustainable development.
This friendship is rooted in multi-layered historical ties that notably saw André Malraux, France’s former Minister of Culture, launch his memorable call for supporting Bangladesh during the Liberation War in 1971 and his subsequent meeting with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhaka in April 1973.
Building on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to France in November 2021, at her invitation, President Emmanuel Macron paid a bilateral visit to Bangladesh from 10-11 September 2023. The President of France and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh met on Monday in Dhaka to give a strong impetus to the bilateral relations, and stated their common conviction to develop a trusted and meaningful partnership fostering strategic autonomy - in support of global peace and security, resilience and prosperity, and people-centric connectivity.
Also read: France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron
PM calls for more Swedish investment as H&M boss calls on her
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) called for more Swedish investment in various sectors of Bangladesh, particularly in ICT and Economic Zones, and reap the benefits.
The Prime Minister made the call when a Swedish Delegation led by CEO and President of world-renowned clothing company H&M, Helena Helmersson, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.
Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde and Chief Financial Officer of H&M Adam Karlsson were also in the delegation.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters.
Read more: Saudi Arabia wants to make large-scale investment in Bangladesh: Saudi ministers tell PM Hasina
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh has its own economic policy and targeted plan on poverty reduction, food security, healthcare and on creating employment opportunities.
She mentioned that the government wants to expand the export basket to further strengthen the economy of the country.
During the meeting, Helena Helmersson mentioned that Sweden has had special relations with Bangladesh for the last three decades and said, they want to carry forward the business with Bangladesh.
The CEO and President of H&M highly appreciated the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and lauded the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
Read more: More cooperation may attract more US investment in diversified segments, hopes AmCham President
In response, the Prime Minister also appreciated the Swedish Company as they did not cancel their orders during the pandemic.
As Helena Helmersson pointed out the climate change issue describing it as very important, Sheikh Hasina said, her government is carrying out mitigation programmes on its own fund.
In this regard, the Prime Minister noted that her government is aware about climate change and is working on this issue.
Sheikh Hasina also highlighted her government’s achievements in women empowerment and gender equality in the country.
Read more: Bangladesh has an amazing growth trajectory amid investment opportunities: German Diplomat
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.
Bangladesh, Japan sign MoC to deepen partnership in various areas of ICT
Bangladesh and Japan has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to deepen partnership in different areas of ICT, including innovation and research, the digital economy, cyber security, and fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies to accelerate Bangladesh's journey towards building a knowledge-based Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
The MoC was signed between the governments of Bangladesh and Japan in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office.
Under the agreements, both Bangladesh and Japan would foster deeper partnership in various areas of ICT, including cooperation in human resources development, innovation and research, digital literacy, the digital economy, cyber security, and promoting 4IR technologies, sharing the most recent developments in the ICT sector, according to a press release by the ICT Division.
State Minister of ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh IWAMA Kiminori put initials on the MoC on behalf of their respective sides.
The two countries will cooperate with each other to prevent and respond to the fast-growing cyber incidents and exchange of information on prevalent cyber security policies and best practices, and arrange dialogue to discuss current issues on this issue, the MoC said adding they would cooperate to build capacity of human resources and exchange experts.
State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the MoC signed today with the technologically advanced country, Japan, is a milestone development in the journey towards building a sustainable, knowledge-based and innovative Smart Bangladesh by 2041.
Read more: Dhaka-Tokyo friendship is flourishing for mutual benefits: PM Hasina
“We have reached an understanding to work together in various areas of ICT such as human resources development, innovation and research, the digital economy, digital literacy, cyber security, and the use of 4IR technologies,” he said.
Palak said Japanese cooperation is very important in all the above-mentioned areas, especially for implementing Smart Bangladesh within the stipulated time.
Japan is Bangladesh's top development partner and it is helping the nation’s advance in fields including infrastructure, manufacturing technology and human resources, he said pointing out that the government in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has already made a `Smart Bangladesh: ICT 2041 Master Plan.
The ICT State Minister said with the signing of the MoC, Bangladesh would now seek cooperation and suggestions from Japan to undertake and implement projects in line with the Smart Bangladesh: ICT 2041 Master Plan and about the use of 4IR technologies like AI, IoT, robotics, 3D printing that would shape several sectors of Bangladesh in the future health, education, energy, communication, commerce, economy, climate, infrastructure, natural resources, governance, financial transactions, security and entrepreneurship.
As per the MoC, Bangladesh and Japan would also work together in the international arena to promote implementation of the UNGGE reports of 2013, 2015 and 2021 by reaffirming the applicability of international law in cyberspace as well as by appropriately conducting Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and extending capacity building.
Utilise export opportunities emerging due to Russia-Ukraine war: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (March 20, 2023) put emphasis on formulating new long term export policy for Bangladesh, considering graduation to a developing country from LDC after 2026.
“After 2026, while we will graduate to a developing country from LDC, we will get some opportunities… We have to utilise those opportunities to make our economy stronger and develop the country further,” she said.
The prime minister said this while speaking at the 11th meeting of the National Committee on Export, at her official residence Ganabhaban.
She mentioned that after graduating to a developing nation, the next aim will be to become a developed one.
Read More: Canada to increase potash exports to Bangladesh to boost food production, says country’s trade ministry
Sheikh Hasina also asked the concerned to utilise opportunities regarding enhancing Bangladesh’s export items that have emerged due to Russia-Ukraine war.
She said that due to Russia-Ukraine was, there is an opportunity for Bangladesh to create new markets with its own products.
In this regard, she said that many countries have already shown interest to import food items from Bangladesh.
“We could export food items after fulfilling local demands. We can take initiatives for that,” she said.
Read More: Simplified policy, product diversification could boost exports to UK over $12 billion by 2029: Study says
She said that immense opportunities could be created through establishing food processing industries in the country and export those items.
The PM said that the government has given importance to the export sector.
“After assuming office, we have taken steps to formulate long term export policies instead of policies on one-year basis. To sustain achievements, there is no alternative to long term strategy,” she said.
She said that the government has formulated export policy until 2024 (2021-2024).
Read More: Apparel export to EU up 14.3% during July-February of FY23
“…But what will we do after that? In the meantime, we are graduating to a developing country. I think this is the right time to consider what we will do in the coming days or how we will advance,” she said.
She put emphasis on setting the next moves for economy, keeping in mind the current economic turmoil across the globe.
“We have to find new markets across the globe. We have to diversify our products, we have to include new items in our export basket,” she said.
The PM said that the Awami League government has given utmost importance to the private sector and it opened every sector to entrepreneurs as it is not possible for the government alone to develop the country.
Read More: 'India a great potential market for Bangladesh's RMG exports'
For the development of the export sector, she said, a strategy needs to be adopted and products have to be identified.
“For that we have formulated a prospective plan – to turn the country into a developed one by 2041,” she said.
The PM also mentioned ICT and digital devices, RMG, pharmaceuticals, light and medium weight industries, motor vehicles and electronic motor vehicles, while talking about diversifying products.
She said that the government is preparing 100 economic zones with investment from home and abroad.
Read More: Bangladesh export income rises despite bad global economy
“Bangladesh has been able to attract foreign investments,” PM Hasina said.
5 M’singh men get life sentence for war crimes
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday sentenced five people to life imprisonment for their crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.
The three-member tribunal led by Justice Md Shahinur Islam pronounced the judgment.
The convicts are Khandakar Golam Sabbir Ahmed, Harmuj Ali, Fakhruzzaman, Khandaker Golam Rabbani and Abdus Sattar. Among them, Fakhruzzaman and Rabbani were tried in absentia.
Lawyers Sultan Mahmud Simon, Rezia Sultana Chaman and Barrister Taposh Kanti Bol represented the state while Advocate Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, Mizanul Islam and Haji MH Tamim stood for the accused.
Rahima Khatun, wife of martyred freedom fighter Abdur Rahman, filed a case against former Jatiya Party MP MA Hannan, Jamaat leaders Fakhruzzaman and Golam Rabbani, for their involvement in crimes against humanity during the Liberation War on May 19, 2015.
Also read: 6 sentenced to death for war crimes in Mymensingh
Investigating officer of the case Motiur Rahman, conducted the investigation from July 28, 2015 to July 11, 2016.
Police found involvement of five more people in the case and included them in the charge sheet.
On October 1, 2016, the tribunal issued warrants for the arrest of the accused.
MA Hannan, his son Rafique and three more accused were arrested from Trishal upazila in Mymensingh district. Mintu died during the trial proceedings while two other accused Fakhruzzaman and Rabbani went into hiding.
Various allegations, including mass killing, rape, confinement, abduction, torture, and arson attack on houses, were brought against them which were proved in the tribunal. They committed the crime in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district during the Liberation War.
The tribunal took the cases against eight people into cognizance on December 11, 2016.
Ambassador Lee visits South Korea-supported innovative ICT-integrated pilot classroom in Dhaka
South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Sunday visited the Government Laboratory High School in the capital, where an innovative ICT-integrated classroom opened in 2019 with the support of the South Korean government.
In his speech to the students, Ambassador Lee said: "Education has been a major driving force in Korea's rapid economic growth. Korea will continue to help improve Bangladesh's education services so that it can build a brighter future with talented students."
The Korean government helped establish innovative ICT-integrated classrooms in which students can use state-of-art technology to maximise the efficiency of their study at the Government Laboratory High School and Government Mohammadpur Model School and College in Dhaka in 2019.
Read more: South Korean envoy Lee for strengthening infrastructure cooperation with Bangladesh