DHAKA, July 1, 2020 (BSS) – Norway will always be by the side of the development and growth of the information and communication technology sector in Bangladesh.
This assurance was given by the Norway’s Ambassador to Bangladesh SidselBlekenPalakat a digital platform meeting with State Minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Junaid Ahmed Palak here today.
During the meeting, they discussed various issues of mutual interest, especially the measures taken by the Information Technology Department to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, government plans, cooperation with private entrepreneurs and future plans for Digital Bangladesh and post Covid-19 national roadmap.
Palak said, “after the first coronavirus was identified in Bangladesh, if the situation persists in the long run, we will start using technology to keep the country’s education, health, agriculture, food supply, internet connectivity and home-based entertainment running.”
He added that at the outset of the outbreak of coronavirus, we launched the corona portal (www.corona.gov.bd) for any necessary advice on coronavirus for the citizens, and information on all services related to Corona.
Corona information services, telemedicine services, emergency food assistance for the underprivileged, self-corona testing and many new services are added to the helpline number 333.
He also said, we have launched various platforms using technology including corona BD app, contact tracing app, Volunteer Doctors Pool, BD app, self testing tool, expatriate friend call center, digital classroom, food for nation and education for nation.
Palak added, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and on the advice of Sajeeb Wazed Joy, Advisor on ICT, all these activities have been made possible due to the development of information technology with various infrastructures in the last 11 years.
He called on Norway to invest in various sectors, including the ICT sector in Bangladesh.
The Ambassador said the ICT sector in Bangladesh is ahead of many countries in the world. He lauded the unprecedented development of various sectors including ICT sector in Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.
He hoped that Bangladesh would go further in the future.