NEW DELHI, April 26, 2022 (BSS) - Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has expressed keen interest in contributing to IT eco-system in Bangladesh through sharing the Institute's research facilities and incubation models.

"IIT Delhi can be a knowledge partner for the government of Bangladesh, including for the IT industries and universities," said Prof Rangan Banarjee, Director of IIT, a prestigious Indian public technical university here today. 

In a meeting with the Bangladesh State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak at the university campus today, Prof Banarjee also shared his ideas how the IIT can undertake various collaborative approaches with the Bangladesh's ICT division and technical based education sector including universities. 
 
Palak is now on an official visit to New Delhi to attend the 7th round of Raisina Dialogue, a multilateral flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics that began in New Delhi yesterday. He will attend the event as a panellist. 

During the meeting, State Minister for ICT Palak highlighted Bangladesh's success stories in realizing 'Digital Bangladesh' under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

He also mentioned the remarkable efforts made by PM's ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy towards transforming Bangladesh into a developed, knowledge-based and tech-savvy country by 2041.

Besides, Palak requested the IIT Director to design and arrange some knowledge sharing exchange programmes for the Bangladeshi students, youths, faculties, entrepreneurs and innovators, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, special robotics, microprocessor chip design and cyber security. 

He proposed to formularise and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICT Division of Bangladesh and IIT Delhi in enhancing collaboration in innovation, research and entrepreneurship and create a platform for a week-long training and certification programme for both students and professionals.

Dean of International Office Prof. Naveen Garg and Coordinator of Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF) Prof. Neeraj Khare were present at the meeting, among others, Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi sources said. 

Later, the state minister went round the various laboratory facilities and Assistech Lab at the School of Information Technology, Nanoscale Research Facility (NRF), 3D Weaving and Structural Composites at the IIT campus. 

Assistech is an international inter-disciplinary group of faculties, research staff and students, who are engaged in using modern technology to find affordable solutions for the visually impaired.

Later on, the state minister also visited the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), the premier trade body and chamber of commerce of the tech industry in India and met its senior officials, including Gagan Sabharwal, Senior Director, Global Trade Department. 

State Minister Palak proposed the NASSCOM officials to ink a possible MoU between ICT Division of Bangladesh and NASSCOM focusing on modern and emerging technologies, including cyber security, nano-technology, digital payment, skills development and digital connectivity.