Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, today inaugurated the Upazila Service and ICT Training Centers in 100 upazilas throughout the country as part of the Establishing Digital Connectivity (EDC) Project. The event was held in the conference room of the ICT Division, chaired by its Secretary, Shish Haider Chowdhury.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb emphasized the need to broaden ICT services and skills beyond the capital to realize the vision of a Digital Bangladesh. He mentioned that centers in 100 upazilas have been completed, with plans to finish another 179 centers within six months. These centers will provide office spaces, training centers, and co-working spaces for upazila-level ICT officers.
Taiyeb outlined the centers’ objectives, including developing ICT skills among students and freelancers, providing cybersecurity training to government officials, and offering ICT support to educational institutions. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining these centers through initiatives like IDEA and Startup Bangladesh.
ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury noted that 303 centers are now operational out of 400 planned, with 100 launched today. He stated that these centers would offer a range of modern, technology-based services to local youths. The centers will feature digital labs, training rooms, startup zones, and plug-and-play zones, enabling collaboration for at least 20 entrepreneurs or freelancers simultaneously.
Chowdhury highlighted the role of these centers in fostering new entrepreneurs and freelancers by providing training and workspace facilities. He projected that more than 50,000 people could receive digital services annually from each zone, significantly contributing to the country’s digital transformation towards building “Smart Bangladesh”.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Chief Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department Md Belal Hossain, Director General of the Department of ICT Md Abu Sayed, and Additional Secretary of the ICT Division Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan.