DHAKA, Jan 25, 2023 (BSS)- Digital Bangladesh Mela-2023 is going to begin 
tomorrow at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Agargaon 
area of the city.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today wished the overall success of all the 
programmes undertaken on the occasion of 'Digital Bangladesh Mela-2023'.

The three-day fair is the largest exposition aimed at showcasing IT and ITES 
products and services in Bangladesh, concerned sources said.

It will focus on creating more collaborative relationships at the national 
and international levels, inviting trade delegations to experience the 
immense potential of the Bangladeshi ICT industry, the sources added.

The premier, in a message, hoped that the people of the country will be more 
informed about various aspects of telecommunication and information 
technology through 'Digital Bangladesh Mela' alongside using digital services 
by keeping pace with the rest of the world.

Various measures, taken by the present government in the field of 
telecommunication and information technology, have boosted the information 
technology across the country, she said, adding: "As a result, Vision-2021 
has been successfully implemented."

After building 'Digital Bangladesh' in the light of Vision 2021, the next 
goal of the government is to build 'Smart Bangladesh'.

"Smart Bangladesh will have smart government, smart population and smart 
industries," she said, adding that the use of digital devices will be ensured 
in all fields including business, health, education, agriculture with the 
help of robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, genetic-
engineering and biotechnology.

The main goal of Vision 2041 is to build a developed country and a knowledge-
based society after transitioning from a less developed country to a 
developing country, Sheikh Hasina continued.

She mentioned that socio-economic development at the marginal level by 
universal use of information technology for public welfare, utilizing 5G-
technology to meet the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution and 
proper application of artificial intelligence is the next challenge.

The premier also added that the Awami League-led government has implemented a 
comprehensive development programme in this sector including infrastructure 
development, practical excellence and widespread use of technology to deliver 
the benefits of telecommunication and information technology to every part of 
the country.

All the services of the telecommunication sector have been modernized 
including launching of Bangabandhu satellite, increasing the use of Internet, 
increasing the capacity of submarine cables, setting up new submarine cables, 
she said.

"IT-friendly policies have been formulated," she said, adding that 5G-
technology network has been launched experimentally in the country.

"We've already started using the services of our own Bangabandhu Satellite-
1', the first terrestrial communication and broadcasting satellite of 
Bangladesh," she continued.

She said optical fiber connectivity at all union and upazila level, 'Totto 
Batayan' in all districts and more than 4,500 digital centers have been 
established across the country. 

"As many as 8,500 post offices have been converted into Post e-centres... 
Video conferencing has made communication faster and easier," she said, 
adding that video conferencing has played an important role in keeping the 
country's economy moving.

The implementation of these initiatives has made it possible to deliver 
government services to the doorsteps of the people, the premier added.

The doors of immense possibilities have been unlocked in every sector 
including education, health, business and social communication of the 
country, Sheikh Hasina said.
 
She hoped that the young generation will get jobs as the new employment-
opportunities have been created for them due to the government's pragmatic 
initiatives.

The three-day 'Digital Bangladesh Mela' will remain open for everyone from 
10am to 8pm everyday at BICC here and the detail information regarding the 
fair will be available on www.digitalbangladeshmela.org.bd.

Due to the corona pandemic, the fair could not take place in 2021 and 2022 
consecutive years. However, this year, anyone can make registration via the 
aforesaid website free of cost.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the fair virtually at 
10 am on January 26.

With Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar in the chair, the 
inaugural function was attended, among others, by Education Minister Dipu 
Moni, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Posts, 
Telecommunications and Information Technology AKM Rahmatullah and Posts and 
Telecommunications Division Secretary Abu Hena Morshed Zaman.

During the time, individuals, government and private institutions and 
organisations nominated by the jury board in 12 categories including 
telecommunication and internet services, digital transformation of education, 
contribution to medical field, contribution to increase digital security, 
contribution to development of imaging technology and special contribution to 
journalism in development of telecommunication technology will be awarded 
postal and telecommunication medals (Dak O Tele-Jogajog Padak) for the first 
time.

In the fair, about 77 pavilions will showcase the products of various digital 
companies.

A total of eight seminars will be held there highlighting the current and 
future technology-based destination.

Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel will 
be the chief guest in a discussion on "Skill Development and Digital 
Transformation of Education: Bangladesh context" at Media Bazar at 3 pm on 
January 26.

Besides, another discussion titled "Made in Bangladesh" will be held at Windy 
Town hall on the same day at 3 pm where Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will be 
present as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Fifth Industrial Revolution and 5G Infrastructure: 
Preparation of Bangladesh" will be held at Media Bazar at 11 am on January 27 
where Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar will be attended 
as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Telecommunication Sector during Disaster: Things to do of 
pre and post-strategies" will be held in Windy Town 11 am on the same day. 
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman will 
address it as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Data Science Robotics and Artificial Intelligence" will be 
arranged in the Windy Town at 3pm on January 27 with the presence of Minister 
for Science and Technology Architect Yeafesh Osman as the chief guest.

Another discussion will be held on the same day at 3pm on "Digital 
Transformation: The Driving Force of the Future Bangladesh Economy" where 
State Minister for Planning Dr Shamsul Alam will attend as the chief guest.

On the last day of the fair, a discussion on "Safe Digital Society: Role of 
the State" will be held at Media Bazar on at 11 am where Law, Justice and 
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq will be present as the chief guest.

A discussion on "Bangladesh on the highway of technology to build a smart 
city" will be held in Windy Town at 11am on the same day where Local 
Government, Rural Development and Co-operative (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam 
will deliver his speech as the chief guest.