Inu suggests steps to remove digital divide

Removing the digital divide through low-cost high-speed broadband connections and content development in own languages are the keys to progress for developing countries like Bangladesh in ICT, said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Monday, report agencies.

Speaking as a panelist at a session of the three-day 'Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Forum 2014' at a city hotel, the minister stressed internet content development in one's mother language to ensure the access and understandability of people from all sectors.

The minister underscored the need for bridging the socioeconomic and cultural gaps among people by empowering them through ICT education in order to break the digital divide.

"Internet content development in mother language to ensure access and understandability for people from all sectors," he added.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's policy for building "Digital Bangladesh" is the prime force behind this revolutionary development in ICT," he added.

The government is setting up computer laboratories in 22,000 secondary schools to empower the next generation with ICT, said Inu adding e-banking, e-citizen services have already brought ease in public life.

Replying to a query, the Information Minister said the topography of Bangladesh has proved to be an advantage covering almost 100 percent of the land by internet and mobile connectivity. The government's steps in encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) played a key role in the sector.

The minister said the government has concentrated on development of e-infrastructure and e-governance to make people ICT oriented.

Chaired by Secretary General of CTO Prof Tim Unwin, the session was attended, among others, by ICT Minister of Uganda George William Thembo Nyombi, Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Atiur Rahman, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Communication Science and Technology of Tanzania Prof Patrick Makungu as panel members and delegates from the Commonwealth member countries.