Government working to build technology-driven Smart Bangladesh: ICT minister
The present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is working to build a modern, technology-driven and Smart Bangladesh, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam said today (11 May).
The minister, who also holds the science and technology portfolio, made the remarks during a meeting at his office at the Secretariat with a delegation led by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen and representatives of leading Chinese technology and telecommunications companies.
The minister praised China's longstanding cooperation in Bangladesh's digital transformation journey and said Chinese companies have been making significant contributions to the development of the country's telecommunications and ICT infrastructure.
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Expressing interest in establishing an AI Training Centre in Bangladesh, the minister said such an initiative would help equip young people with modern technological and artificial intelligence skills.
He said trained youth would be able to become active contributors to the ongoing global ICT revolution.
Faqir Mahbub Anam further said Bangladesh firmly believes in multilateral cooperation, technological advancement and the expansion of digital connectivity.
He expressed hope that the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and China would become even stronger in the future, opening new avenues of cooperation for the welfare of the people of both countries.
Ambassador Yao Wen said leading Chinese technology companies have been operating successfully in Bangladesh for the past three to four decades.
He said Chinese investment in Bangladesh has now exceeded $1.5 billion and that, with Chinese technological support, nearly 98% of the country's population has come under mobile network coverage.
He also said these investments have created employment opportunities for more than 10,000 people.
The ambassador further said mobile phone manufacturing plants have been established in Bangladesh with the cooperation of Chinese companies, with more than eight million mobile devices being produced and marketed annually.
Chinese enterprises have also played an important role in the development of the national ICT network, the construction of national data centres and the implementation of digital connectivity projects.
During the meeting, both sides expressed interest in working jointly for the development of the artificial intelligence sector in Bangladesh.
Discussions were also held on expanding cooperation in 5G network expansion, digital infrastructure development and technology transfer in the future.
The meeting also discussed various international initiatives related to the International Telecommunication Union, particularly Bangladesh's support for hosting the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 in Shanghai, as well as China's candidatures for the ITU Council and the Radio Regulations Board.
Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Bilkis Jahan Rimi, Chinese Embassy Third Secretary Zhang Pengfei, Bai Zhaoshi, Huawei representative Ma Ben and ZTE representative Mao Yongjun were also present at the meeting.
