Bangladesh Association of Software and
Information Services (BASIS) has requested all the ministries and their
affiliated agencies to allocate 10 percent of their annual budget for buying
software and ITES.
The newly elected Executive council of BASIS, led by Russell T Ahmed,
placed their demands at a meeting with Planning Minister MA Mannan at his
office today, said a press release.
At the meeting, Russell T Ahmed said, “All the ministries and its
affiliated agencies has adequate budget for their internal development. At
least 10 per cent of their budget should be allocated for buying software and
ITES.”
He also said BASIS is contributing greatly in the economy. “We are
implementing fintech, edutech, healthtech, e-commerce and almost all e-
governance projects of the government. Moreover, our activities in the
international sphere are contributing to achieve government’s target to earn
$5 billion in ICT exports.”
Russell T Ahmed also proposed for forming a working committee for the
finalization of RFP document, ensuring software budget, lessening tough
conditions for ensuring more participation of local software and ITES
companies and training government officials on buying software and ITES.
The Planning Minister listened to all the demands of the BASIS leaders and
assured them to give all the necessary support to develop the Information and
Communication Technology industry and implement their recommendations.
BASIS Senior Vice President Samira Zuberi Himika, BASIS Vice President
(Administration) Abu Daud Khan, BASIS Vice President (Finance) Fahim Ahmed
and BASIS Secretary Hashim Ahmed were present among others.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)