DHAKA, June 02, 2025 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today proposed the national budget allocating Taka 2,144 crore for the Information and Communication Technology Division for fiscal year (FY) 2025-2026, which is Taka 140 crore higher than the allocation in the revised budget in FY 2024-2025. 

The adviser, in a televised speech, said the ICT Division has been working to build a youthful, innovative and inclusive Bangladesh through the development of information technology-rich human resources. Digital signatures are being introduced to ensure greater security and mobility in work of the government, he added.

The Adviser said Mobile Financial Services (MFS) is playing an important role in building a cashless society, establishing financial governance and increasing the scope of financial inclusion. Banking services are reaching the people of remote areas through mobile financial services, which are playing an important role in sending money instantly, receiving various social safety net allowances of the government, paying service bills, receiving remittances and various financial services easily, he added. 

As of January, this year, the total number of registered MFS accounts in the country was 239.3 million, of which about 42 percent were held by women, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said.

He said ICTD Digital Labs have been set up in 5,000 educational institutions and ICTD School of Future in 300 educational institutions across the country.

Besides, 36,020 teachers are being imparted training on 'ICT in Education Literacy, Troubleshooting and Maintenance'. Huge employment opportunities have been created through freelancing as a field of proper application of youth energy, he added. 

To utilize this opportunity, he said 'Upazila Service and Information Technology Training Centers' are being set up in 491 upazilas across the country to provide training to the youth. 

"Considering the potential of the IT sector and encouraging new entrepreneurs in this sector, I propose to allocate Tk 100 crore as start-up fund in the next fiscal year," the adviser said.

To encourage and inspire research and development work on science and technology in the country, he said, special research grants amounting to Tk 16.66 crore have been given in favor of 492 projects in different universities in the fiscal year 2024-25. 

In addition, he said initiatives have been taken to provide fellowships to 1,500 researchers and students by the Science and Technology Fellowship Trust in 2025. "Considering the importance of scientific research to reach the highest level of development, I propose allocating Tk 200 crore in the next fiscal year to utilize the potentials of blue economy through extraction of marine resources and its proper management as well as for basic scientific research," Dr Salehuddin Ahmed added.