Feature

Today we live in an age where ICT holds the center stage and all development and progress are revolving around it. Though Bangladesh is lagging behind in this sector compared to the world and its neighbours we have hope of changes in this sector with the coming of the new government. The new government has already set upon this course promising to bring about the necessary changes to usher in an age of digital Bangladesh where the populace will have easy and untrammeled access to information and computer technologies. The politicians and policy makers finally realized that a society could only develop if it was knowledge based and in tune with ICT based society. They had to join the ICT bandwagon lest they invited retaliation from the fresh voters. Therefore with the awareness dawning on them the political parties this time in the national election promised digital Bangladesh. The manifestos of both the major parties promised a digital Bangladesh to the citizens. The leaders could sense the mood of the electorate, which was palpable. They knew the urgency of bringing the issue before them and making their stand clear about this pivotal matter. Their stance was definitely a positive sign, which showed that Bangladesh had come of age and planning to embark upon this road. The educated class demanded the use of computer and information technologies (IT) for national development. So, now the stage is set for the age of IT.

In 2006 Bangladesh joined the fibre optic club to make Internet faster, quicker, cheaper and

more efficient. New innovative ideas and breakthroughs are fostering digital wireless technologies. WiFi is another such new introduction in this area. To harness the potentialities we need to have an ICT based environment and should consistently improve and modernize it. The corollary of this will be a burst of social, economic and political benefits. The rapid advances in telecommunication and computer technologies globally are to be embraced with a passion. With the right attitude, mindset and knowledge we can bring about vast changes and obtain enormous benefits.

The explosion of information through these technologies can bring about improvement in the standard of living and lifestyles and will accelerate the progress and development of the country. The country needs a kick-start in this area and cannot afford to lag behind. The moment has come and we need to seize the opportunity and in synch with the modern developed world must improve information infrastructure and logistics.

ICT will have immense positive impact on all the important sectors, which are essential for a balanced change and continued progress. Those are governance, economy, environment, and health and education sectors. All these sectors must incorporate ICT in a big way and with trained and efficient people should get the ball rolling. To be successful in deriving optimum benefits from these technologies rural Bangladesh should be on priority list. It would be futile if ICT is not allowed to penetrate deep into the remotest parts of Bangladesh. Computers and Internet must be accessible to schools, colleges, and businesses, and to people of all ages, young and old alike, who live in the countryside. Digital Bangladesh should be launched from rural Bangladesh where the majority lives and which is far from technology and deprived from the blessings of ICT. If the government succeeds in bringing the rural Bangladesh within the fold of Information technologies the country can quickly propel into the new age and flourish. Internet is a window on the world and is the gateway to a wider avenue of knowledge. Internet must be inexpensive and fast and the breakdown in connectivity due to sabotage and theft of fibre optic cables must be checked. Electricity is essential too, which at the moment is not stable and regular. So, it is imperative that the government ensures regular supply of power and let not this prevent the growth and development of this sector.

The impact of computer and digital technologies is pervasive and can transform our lives in a profound way. These technologies enable us to store and transfer information in seconds, effortlessly and inexpensively. The effect will be deep, changing every nuance of our society.

Environment in today's perspective and the prevailing scenario is an area, which cannot be ignored. Today's world must remain constantly informed of the changing dynamics, the issues that affect global warming, the countries most vulnerable and relevant matters. Bangladesh requires having the knowledge to act and respond to the need of the hour. The knowledge regarding this highly volatile issue must be widely and evenly disseminated so that the people in the remotest parts would be informed of the situation and their roles in these new emerging circumstances. Bangladesh is one of those countries, which is most affected by the environmental changes, rising sea levels, food crisis due to erratic weather patterns and pollution.

Law and order situation can be improved with the induction of ICT in every sphere of the society. Crime and criminals can be handled more effectively and competently with the use of ICT. It has become indispensable and a modern society cannot function smoothly without it. Though there are downsides, which have to be grappled with, we cannot further ignore it and must take up the challenge.

The flurry of activity that we are witnessing in this area lately is sending the right signals. It is evident that Bangladesh is gearing up for ICT. But, at the same time the more the media keeps harping on this subject by writing, discussing, holding talk shows, debating, holding seminars the more there will be pressure on the government to hold the course and implement the policy. We hope this mood and trend are kept up and the momentum is maintained so that Bangladesh finally takes this road and makes the most of these technologies.