ZCZC
BSS-45
HASAN-BANGABANDHU-SATELLITE
Digital Bangladesh now a reality: Hasan
DHAKA, May 19, 2019 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the
concept of ‘Digital Bangladesh’ is now not a dream, but a reality though it was beyond
the imagination of the people when Awami League (AL) incorporated the concept in its
election manifesto before the general election of 2008.
“When we mentioned about the concept of digital Bangladesh in our election manifesto
in 2008, many people made fun with it. Now it is not a dream, but a reality,” he said.
The minister was addressing the first launching anniversary of the country’s first
communication satellite Bangabandhu-I (BS-I) and formal inaugural function of satellite
as the chief guest at InterContinental hotel in the city.
Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar and State Minister for
Information and Communication Technology Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak addressed the
function as special guests with Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited
(BCSCL) Chairman Dr Shahjahan Mahmud in the chair.
Dr Hasan said the number of internet users in 2009 was about 40 lakh in the country
which now stood at 9.15 crore.
The total concept of Digital Bangladesh was came from Information and Communication
Technology Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the minister said
adding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is now implementing it.
‘Bangabandhu Satellite-1’ is a milestone on the way of building Sheikh Hasina’s
‘Digital Bangladesh’ with a pledge to build ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said.
The prime minister is implanting the dreams which she showed the countrymen, Hasan
said, adding, “We can exceed our dream, if we could work together with sincerity”.
Exceed
Addressing the function, Mustafa Jabbar said BS-1 is a matter of pride for the nation
while it is also matter of pride that “Our sons” will operate it.
Earlier, people of the country had faced interruption in internet service during
natural calamities, but the BS-1 will ensure uninterrupted internet service in any
situation, the minister said. After successful launching of the BS-1, the government is
now working on BS-2, he added.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak said as per the government target of bringing all the unions of
the country under the internet service by 2021, the unions in remote areas, where
getting internet connection is not possible through optical fiber, will be brought
under the service.
He also said that the cost of the BS-1 will be realized by the first seven or eight
years.
Information Secretary Abdul Malek and ICT division secretary and other officials
concerned were present in the function.
Earlier, the information minister distributed prizes among the winners of essay
competition marking the first launching anniversary of the BS-1 and formal inauguration
of commercial operation of the satellite.
He released a commemorative postal stamp worth Taka 10, the first-day cover worth
Taka 10 and a data card worth Taka 5 on the occasion.
In the function, six televisions channels struck deals with the BCSCL. The six TVs-
Dipto TV, Samoy TV, Jamuna Tv, Bijoy TV, Bangla TV and MY TV will now broadcast their
programs through BS-I.
In the ceremony, the BCSCL also signed a memorandum of understanding with state owned
Sonali Bank to provide connectivity from BS-I.
BSS/Asg/SAH/MRU/2127hrs