Hi-tech parks can help fight unemployment

A government plan to set up hi-tech parks was mooted in early 2000s. These were initially planned on lands in the outskirts of Dhaka. But such a government plan could not be materialised despite persistent pressure from the software development and export companies in the country. This group of businessmen are undoubtedly now seeing a ray of hope as the Bangladesh government is stepping up efforts to set up 28 hi-tech parks across the country over the next three years.

The news was carried by many newspapers after State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak during a public gathering in Rajshahi on Sunday said that more than 300,000 young men and women would get jobs within next three years in 28 hi-tech parks across the country. All 28 parks are now under construction outside the capital city. He also said that at least 14,000 young men and women would get jobs in the Rajshahi Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-tech Park.

This is a commendable move by the government. Besides addressing the unemployment problem in the country, the software developers and exporters will be greatly benefited by such hi-tech parks. These hi-tech parks will also open up scope for foreign companies to invest in Bangladesh. This will be a big boost for the economy as a whole. But one thing I want to see is that the government monitors these projects properly so that project execution is not delayed. Because, any delay will only increase the project costs.

Akibul Javed

Indira Road, Dhaka