Speedy internet connectivity for UDCs underscored

RAJSHAHI, Oct 16 (BSS): The existing Union Digital Centres (UDCs) need speedy internet connectivity as many rural people are not getting requisite services from the centres timely due to slow speed, speakers at a discussion here alleged.
They viewed the centres are also suffering from various problems due to low internet connectivity. There is an urgent need for solving the problems for the sake of quick service delivery.
The observation came at a local government dialogue styled "Role of UDCs Towards Decentralisation of Information and Communication Technology" held in the city Wednesday.
Mass Line Media Centre (MMC) and Local Government Journalists Forum (LGJF) jointly organised the dialogue in association with Citizens Voice for Improved Local Public Service Project.
Paba Upazila Social Service Officer Abu Taher and President of Rajshahi Press Club Anwarul Alam Fatik spoke at the event as the chief and special guests respectively with LGJF president Mamunur Rashid in the chair.
MMC Regional Manager Jahangir Alam Khan and LGJF General Secretary Sohel Mahbub also spoke.
In his keynote presentation, Kazi Nazmul Islam, vice-president of LGJF, said the UDCs have attained popularity among the grassroots people as they are getting various need-based services. So, there is no alternative to solve the problems being faced by the UDCs.
He said the entrepreneurs working in the UDCs are lacking in necessary training and the centres are also facing manpower crisis. The UP authorities are reluctant to monitor the centres properly.
Mr Nazmul, however, said the UNOs, UP chairmen and secretaries and entrepreneurs are the key players to make the centres popular.
He said people now know about digital Bangladesh, but many of them are not aware of the services and benefits of the process they would be enjoying in future.
Other speakers said proper functioning of the UDCs has become an urgent need for bringing the rural people under the ongoing digitisation process.
The digitisation process has already created opportunity for employment and income generation in various ways including outsourcing and selling products through e-shop.
The process would also help develop a knowledge-based society and good governance.