ICT
B’desh gets $750 mln foreign investment in startup in a decade: Palak
The country has received foreign investment of over $750 million in the startup sector in a decade, said State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Wednesday.
He said this at the BCC auditorium of ICT Tower in Dhaka while participating in the second phase of Investment Assistance for Startups under the "Shotoborshe Shoto Alo" campaign organized by ICT Department’s Startup Bangladesh Limited.
Read: Inter-operable Digital Transaction to begin from January: Palak
He said the government is providing financial assistance to the country’s nearly 22,500 startups through Bangabandhu Innovation Grand (Big), the idea project of Startup Bangladesh Limited.
Palak said "Shotoborshe Shoto Alo", an initiative by the department to commemorate the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh, aims to invest Tk 100 crore in 50 startups and create entrepreneurial culture and employment in the country.
As part of this, an investment agreement was signed today to provide capital assistance of Tk 17 crore to eight startups in the second phase.
As an investor, Sami Ahmed, managing director of Startup Bangladesh Ltd. and CEOs of the eight companies signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The eight startups are- Hello Task, 10 Minutes School, iFarmer, Frontier Nutrition, Loop, Zantrik, Shuttle and Truck Lagbe.
In the first phase, seven startups were given Tk 17 crore.
Palak said the initiative would create a national entrepreneurial platform in the country and accelerate the implementation of new innovations.
Read:Remotest region to connect with broadband internet by 2025: Palak
Specialized labs in 53 universities, Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers, Joy Digital Service Centers in 494 upazilas, 300 Schools of Future, Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology are being set up to cope with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he added.
Executive Director of Bangladesh Computer Council Dr Md Abdul Mannan, Ambassador of Turkey to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan and President of Bangladesh Association of Call Centers and Outsourcing Wahid Sharif spoke at the event among others.
Govt wants to raise ICT products export to $ 5 billion by 2025: Munshi
Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday assured that the government will provide all necessary support for boosting export income from ICT products and services to USD $ 5 billion by 2025.
“There is a huge demand of Bangladeshi ICT products abroad and we have to utilise this opportunity to achieve our export income target,” he said.
Tipu Munshi came up with remarks while exchanging views with newly elected executive committee members of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) at his secretariat office on Wednesday.
READ: CIP cards awarding: Businesses should prepare to compete in post-graduation period-Tipu Munshi
The BASIS delegation was led by its president Russell T Ahmed. Among others, BASIS Senior Vice President Samira Zuberi Himika, Vice Presidents Abu Dawood Khan and Fahim Hasan were present.
The minister mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced $5 billion ICT products export target at the inaugural function of Dhaka International Trade Fair.
He emphasized on more investment for the development of the ICT sector industries to utilize the skilled manpower in the ICT sector of the country.
The Ministry of Commerce is implementing a project to build skilled manpower in the ICT sector, he said.
Investigation of Drik Gallery founder Shahhidul Alam to continue in ICT case: HC
The High Court on Monday cleared the way for the police to continue investigation against renowned photographer Shahidul Alam in a case filed in 2018 under the Information and Technology (ICT) Act.
The HC bench of Justice JBM Hassan and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil passed the order after rejecting a writ challenging the legality of going ahead with the investigation into the case lodged under section 57 of the ICT Act.
In the case Shahidul Alam, founder of Drik Gallery and Pathsala, has been accused of spreading lies and provocative statements on social media during the 2018 student movement for road safety.
Former Attorney General AF Hasna Arif and Barrister Sara Hossain stood for Shahidul while Attorney general AM Amin Uddin and Deputy Attorney General Tushar Kanti Roy represented the state.
Also read: CPJ names Shahidul Alam among four for Int’l Press Freedom Awards 2020
The probe was stayed for three months by the High Court on March 14, 2019 following a petition from the internationally known photographer. This was later upheld by the Appellate Division.
In the petition Shahidul said that the case was lodged to harass him. He also challenged the legality of the case and sought court’s order to stay all proceedings relating to it.
Shahidul was picked up from his Dhanmondi residence by detectives on August 5, 2018 after he gave online interviews to international media and went live on Facebook in support of the students who took to the streets of Dhaka demanding safety on roads.
Also read: Probe into Shahidul case to remain halted
A case was filed against him with Ramna Police Station the following day for 'spreading propaganda' through Facebook.
The High Court granted him bail on November 15, 2018 and he was released from jail on five days later on November 20.
Axiata Group laud's Bangladesh's digitalisation efforts
Ahead of the upcoming Digital Bangladesh Day on December 12, Izzaddin Idris, president of Axiata Group Berhad and Group CEO, has lauded the digitalisation efforts of the country.
Robi's Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer Shahed Alam handed over a congratulation letter from the Axiata Group CEO to State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak Sunday.
READ: Robi’s digital employee healthcare platform becomes role-model for Axiata
In his letter, Izzaddin praised Palak's efforts in setting up hi-tech parks around the country, creating Startup Bangladesh, branding Bangladesh as the leading outsourcing destination for the global ICT sector, and expanding ecommerce in the country.
While thanking Axiata, Palak said: "I am very happy to be able to celebrate the successful implementation of the vision Digital Bangladesh in the same year the country is celebrating the golden jubilee of its independence."
Madagascar keen to work with Bangladesh on blue economy, ICT
Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar Ratsimandao Tahirimiakadaza has proposed that both Bangladesh and Madagascar can establish cooperation in the blue economy, including collaboration among maritime universities and extraction of marine nutrients.
He said the Madagascar government is eager to establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector of Bangladesh and suggested establishing G2G cooperation in expanded IT-ICT areas.
Tahirimiakadaza met Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Dr Momen sought support of the Madagascar government in favour of the candidature of Bangladesh at the forthcoming IMO election as well as Humans Right Council.
Read: US donates 18 freezer trucks for vaccine delivery in Bangladesh
The Madagascar Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs was accompanied by officials of the Madagascar government who are participating in the 21st Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers and related meetings.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr Momen welcomed the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar to Dhaka.
He mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved tremendous socio-economic progress during the last decade.
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh has expertise in the IT-ICT sector and the government is offering various types of digital services to people.
He also suggested that the two countries may establish cooperation in the IT-ICT sector and Madagascar may import RMG and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh.
Read: Counter-terrorism police arrest online head of banned Ansar Al Islam
The Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry of Madagascar briefed Dr Momen about measures taken by the government of Madagascar in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
He congratulated the Bangladesh government for the measures undertaken by the government of Bangladesh for containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
He mentioned that Madagascar and Bangladesh are working together at international platforms on matters of mutual interest and commended the role of Bangladesh at IORA in protecting the interest of the developing countries.
Recognising the importance of cooperation in agriculture areas, both sides agreed to establish cooperation in food and agriculture areas, including collaboration in seed technology and agricultural production. Dr Momen suggested that a Fact-Finding Mission may go to Madagascar to discuss the possibilities of contract farming opportunities in Madagascar.
He also sought continued support of Madagascar on the Rohingya repatriation issue.
The Permanent Secretary assured Dr Momen of their continued support to Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue.
Toppers of Huawei's Seeds For The Future 2021 Bangladesh named
Chinese telecom giant Huawei Monday announced the toppers of its Seeds For The Future 2021 Bangladesh programme from eight universities.
Seeds For The Future is Huawei's flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) students worldwide and was launched in Bangladesh in 2014.
This year, the University of Dhaka (DU), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) and East West University (EWU) joined the event.
Read Huawei BUET ICT Academy to develop talent ecosystem
More than 600 students from these eight universities rolled in the selection phase. And from there, 16 toppers, one male and one female student from each university, were selected based on their academic record, spot-exam, presentation skill and innovative thinking.
The 16 students are Imtiaz Ahmed, and Syeda Fatima Fayruj from BUET; Sumayya Rahman, and Mehedi Hasan from KUET; Nahian Rifaat, and Nazifa Rahman Adhora from RUET; Aninda Nandy, and Fatema Islam Tania from CUET; Syed Doha Uddin, and Nishat Tasnim from the DU; Seeamoon Hasiba Reza, and Mohtasim Tasnim Zaman from EWU; Kazi Arham Kabir, and Sadia Karishma Kabir from AUST; AKM Rakib, and Ramisha Raida Karim from IUT.
Traditionally, the selected students go to China for a study trip. However, due to Covid-19, the training has been shifted to an online programme.
Read 5G Quiz campaign: Huawei announces winners
"As Bangladesh is progressing fast and digital transformation will determine our future growth, we are in dire need of skilled young people. So, Huawei' Seeds For The Future will yield positive outcomes not only for the future leaders but also for the country," Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury said at the event.
"We started this programme in Bangladesh seven years ago, and the response has been phenomenal. Huawei considers the youth as of today's seeds, which must be facilitated with proper care so that they can prove to be assets in the future," said Zhang Zhengjun, CEO of Huawei Technologies Bangladesh.
"Today's youths are the future of tomorrow. Huawei, through the Seeds for the Future Programme, is supporting Bangladesh's emerging ICT talent and future ICT leaders by broadening their knowledge and equipping them with skills that will be useful and relevant to them both in their professional careers as well as lives as responsible global citizens," Beatrice Kaldun, Unesco representative to Bangladesh, said.
Read Huawei Bangladesh for collaborative efforts to widen digital education, online learning scopes
"This programme has been an excellent opportunity for our students to develop skills and learn so many things firsthand from experts and Huawei engineers," BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Satya Prasad Majumder said.
Huawei releases Intelligent World 2030 Report
At the Intelligent World 2030 Forum in China, telecom giant Huawei has released the Intelligent World 2030 report to explore trends in the next decade.
This is the first time that Huawei has used quantitative and qualitative methods to systematically describe the intelligent world in the next decade and forecast industry trends, helping stakeholders identify new opportunities and discover new value.
The report proposes eight cross-disciplinary and cross-domain directions for exploration at the macro level. It explains how ICT technologies can solve critical problems and challenges of human development and what new opportunities can be brought to organisations and individuals.
READ: Huawei Connect 2021 begins
At the industry level, it explores the future technologies and development directions of communications networks, computing, digital power, and intelligent automotive solutions.
At the event, the prominent futurist and science author Steven Johnson said, "We are entering an era of exponential growth. The coming decades will be characterised by a golden age of collaboration between human and machine intelligence, and algorithms will enhance human intelligence. As technology grows exponentially, all of society will benefit."
David Wang, executive director and president of ICT products and solutions of Huawei, said: "30 years ago, we decided to enrich life through communications. 10 years ago, we decided to connect every corner of the world to build a better, connected world. Now, our vision and mission are to bring digital to every person, home, and organisation for a fully connected, intelligent world."
READ: Canadians released after Huawei CFO resolves US charges
ICT talent development: Huawei launches 'Seeds for the Future 2021 Bangladesh'
Huawei Technologies has launched "Seeds for the Future 2021 Bangladesh," for the seventh year in Bangladesh, to inspire ICT talents.
The announcement came through a virtual inauguration event Monday.
State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak graced the virtual inauguration ceremony as the chief guest.
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Seeds for the Future is Huawei's flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme dedicated to top science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM students worldwide and is meant for developing local talent, enhancing knowledge transfer, and promoting a greater understanding and interest in the ICT sector.
Launched in Bangladesh in 2014, the programme has been nurturing talents for around 10 years in the global scene.
Palak said: "I have been observing Huawei's Seeds for the Future program for quite some time. I must say that this kind of initiative has been contributing a lot to not only in equipping our youth with future-fit ICT skills but also in developing an ecosystem for nurturing ICT talents in the industry."
Read Huawei donates digital equipment to unprivileged children of Obhizatrik School
"The youths are our future. In upcoming years, we will be heavily reliant on ICT skills. Keeping that in mind, Huawei has designed this programme to equip the youths with necessary skills and leadership qualities," Huawei Bangladesh President George Lin said.
"Seeds for the Future has been at the centre of attention as it has not only enabled the STEM and non-STEM students to enhance their ICT knowledge but also opened up new opportunities for them in the industry. I am hopeful that this year's programme will be, as usual, a revealing experience for all the participants," Dr Mohammad Rubaiyat Tanvir Hossain, head of the electrical and electronic engineering department of the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, said.
Read APAC: Huawei to boost startup initiatives to build robust ecosystems
This year, students from different science and engineering universities will join the event; the 18 most talented students based on their academic record, knowledge and innovative thinking will be selected as the winners from Bangladesh.
The winners will be moved to the next step which will be a common platform for all winners of different countries.
Launched globally in 2008 in Thailand, Seeds for the Future has been implemented in around 130 countries worldwide, according to a media statement.
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Empowering youths: 5 lakh to get soft skills training in 5 years
The government is going to provide soft skills training to 500,000 jobseekers and employees within the next five years, aiming to improve their employability skills.
“The demand for soft skilled and trained people will substantially be increased over the next decades as huge jobs will be transformed by technology,” State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said on Saturday.
He said the government in partnership with a reputed global organization will provide the quality soft skills training to students, jobseekers, employees, self-employed individuals and freelancers to enhance their personal ability to get and keep a job.
Also read: ICT division to digitize 73 libraries, says Palak
Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) under ICT Division in partnership with Wadhani Operating Foundation (WoF), a US-based nonprofit public benefit corporation, will provide the training online under BCC’s training platform `www.bdskills.gov.bd’.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BCC and WoF last week (1 August 2021) to complete the soft skills training programme by 2026.
ICT division to digitize 73 libraries, says Palak
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division will digitize 71 government and two private libraries across the country, said ICT State minister Junayed Ahmed Palak.
A virtual review meeting was held between the ICT Division and Ministry of Cultural affairs to discuss the details of implementing this initiative on Sunday night.
Also read: Bangladesh to launch ‘Jogajog’ as alternative to Facebook, says Palak
He said the ICT division plans to turn the traditional libraries into E-libraries to meet the demands of the new generation by expanding quality online services.
For each library a separate digital library management system will be used for managing the eBooks and each of them will have a children and a Mujib corner, said Palak.
All the libraries are being designed in a way so that using any type of mobile set anyone can enter the e-libraries and read their desired books, he added.
For digitalization ICT division will connect the libraries with wireless LAN network, IP phone and RFID technology will be incorporated in divisional libraries.
Also read: 170,000 schools to be connected with high speed internet by 2030: Palak
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Executive director of Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Parthapratim Deb, Director General of the Department of Public Libraries Abu Bakkar Siddique, Director (Training) of BCC Md Enamul Kabir and others were present at the meeting Chaired by the ICT State Minister.