Skilled workforce needed ‘to unlock ICT potential’

FE REPORT
Developing a skilled workforce including a large number of youths is essential to unlock the potential of Bangladesh's ICT sector.
Proper training and guidance, adopting a comprehensive ICT master plan and concerted efforts of the public and private sectors are also essential to play a leading role in the global ICT landscape.
This was observed at a seminar titled "Bangladesh: The Emerging ICT Powerhouse" organised by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, Purbachal, in Dhaka on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing month-long international trade fair.
Policy Adviser (ICT Coordination & Reform) of the ICT Division Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh Ichiguchi Tomohide and Director General of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Baby Rani Karmakar attended the programme as special guests.
Country Representative of JETRO in Bangladesh Yuji Ando, Director General of KOTRA Samsoo Kim and senior officials from various organisations also joined.
In his welcome speech, BASIS Administrator Dr. Muhammed Mehedi Hassan said BASIS had created millions of jobs and developed world-class local innovative products and services.
Highlighting the country's potential in the global ICT landscape, he said, "I call upon all stakeholders to make their concerted efforts to accelerate innovation, enhance collaboration and ensure sustainable development."
While presenting a keynote paper, BASIS Standing Committee Chairman Rafel Kabir said developing skilled manpower was crucial for realising the future potential of ICT sector.
"Our country has a large pool of talented youth, proper training and guidance can lead them to the global ICT landscape. BASIS has been playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal, and this seminar will open new horizons towards our path to progress," said Mr Rafel.
Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb said, "We are committed to ensure global leadership for Bangladesh in the ICT sector. This year, we aim to implement the Bangladesh National Data Architecture (BNDA) design, formulate a comprehensive ICT master plan, and improve the unplanned high-tech parks to upgrade ICT infrastructure."
"By 2030, we plan to train 6-8 million skilled ICT professionals. With a strong data governance framework and the right national image, we aim to contribute 5 per cent to GDP from the ICT sector," Mr Faiz said.
Baby Rani Karmakar highlighted the creativity of young innovators, and their contributions to building a prosperous, technology-driven Bangladesh.
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