Nahid seeks Japan's support to build IT experts

Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Adviser Nahid Islam has urged the Japanese government to help build the expertise of Bangladesh's young IT talents through training. 

He made the request during a meeting with the Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh, Iwama Kiminori, at the ICT Tower in the capital's Agargaon on Monday (25 November). 

Nahid mentioned that Bangladeshi youths are highly talented and interested in IT. With proper training, they can develop their skills, he said seeking Japan's cooperation in this regard. 

Ambassador Iwama highlighted Japan's assistance in the ICT sector, particularly in imparting training to young IT talents of Bangladesh to enhance their expertise and create new employment opportunities. 

He also mentioned Japan's readiness to cooperate in this area.

The ambassador emphasised that the friendship between Bangladesh and Japan has been longstanding and remains unchanged under the current interim government. 

Nahid expressed his gratitude to Japan for its continued support and cooperation. 

Iwama raised concerns from the Japanese business community regarding the internet disruption caused by the internet shutdown in July. 

In response, Nahid remarked that shutting down the internet is equivalent to a violation of human rights. The previous government tried to suppress the student uprising by cutting off the internet and using the opportunity to carry out indiscriminate massacres. 

He stressed the importance of establishing a system that would prevent such shutdowns in the future and mentioned that Bangladesh is introducing satellite internet services through Starlink to ensure uninterrupted internet access. 

When the ambassador mentioned promoting Japanese culture here, especially films, cartoons, and dramas, Nahid emphasised the importance of cultural exchange and urged him to establish a Japanese cultural centre in Bangladesh to facilitate such exchanges.

Ambassador Iwama expressed hope for a temporary establishment and a virtual cultural centre. 

He also stated that Japan is aware of the interim government's efforts to ensure media freedom and expressed Japan's willingness to assist in this regard. 

Nahid added that members of the ousted fascist government have been spreading misinformation about the July uprising in foreign media and social networks. 

He requested Japan's cooperation in promoting the true events of the uprising. 

ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury and ICT Policy Adviser Faiz Ahmed Tayab were present, among others, during the meeting.