United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday released a commemorative stamp at the State Guest House Jamuna marking the International Telecommunication Day. Prof Yunus on Friday urged everyone to work together to achieve top-tier telecommunications and information technology services in every sector. He said the interim government is sincere in developing the country's telecommunication and information technology (IT) sectors, and it has ensured transparency and accountability in all the activities of these sectors. Prof Yunus for establishing dedicated ‘Microcredit Bank’ The Chief Adviser made the  remarks marking the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which is being celebrated in the country on Saturday with the theme 'Gender Equality in Digital Transformation' "I am delighted to learn that World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is going to be celebrated on May 17 in Bangladesh like elsewhere in the world," he added. The chief adviser said equal participation of men and women in all the sectors of digital transformation and utilization of telecommunication service and IT, is a prerequisite for building a discrimination-free and modern society. CA urges unified efforts for world-class telecom, IT services He added that the interim government is committed to ensure equal opportunities and rights for men and women in all the segments of digital transformation by upholding the spirit of July mass uprising, adding, "that is why I think the theme 'Gender Equality in Digital Transformation' was significant". Different information technology services are being launched through union information and service centers across the country, he said, adding Initiatives have already been taken for 'She-STEM' training for female students and special freelancing training for women entrepreneurs. Bangladesh is going to get connected to satellite-based high-speed internet networks, which is an important milestone in terms of ensuring continuous internet service across the country including the remote and inaccessible areas," he added. Prof Yunus  also expressed his firm belief that through united efforts, Bangladesh can become an inclusive, progressive, and equality-based nation, with digital equality at the forefront of development.  

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for working together to defeat COVID-19 and ensuring that digital technologies are a force for good that help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. "On World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, let us commit to work together," he said adding that they should not leave anyone behind. The United Nations, through a Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and the vital work of the International Telecommunication Union, aims to make the transformation equitable, safe, inclusive and affordable for all, with full respect for human rights. Also read: Restore planet amid pandemic: UN chief The UN chief made the remarks in a message marking the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day that falls on May 17. Guterres said digital technologies sustain life, work, health and learning for billions of people. Also read: Let's plant seeds for sustainable future: UN chief In the face of COVID-19, he said, businesses, governments and the digital community have proven resilient and innovative, helping to protect lives and livelihoods. "These challenging times have accelerated the transformation everywhere." Yet 3.7 billion people – nearly half the world’s population – remain unconnected to the Internet; and of these, the majority are women, said the UN chief.   Also read: UN chief lauds Bangladesh’s Covid mitigation efforts "They, too, must be included if we are to make the possibilities of 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, digital health and other technologies truly transformative and sustainable," he said.    "We must also protect against the dangers of digital technologies, from the spread of hatred and misinformation to cyberattacks and the exploitation of our data," Guterres added.