Digital Bangladesh

 

The word 'digital' is derived from the Latin word 'digitus' means 'finger'.  Now-a-days, the word is synonymous with the works related to computer or electronics device. By the term Digital Bangladesh, we visualize a knowledge based well-educated Bangladesh.

It is ironical to note that, the term “Digital Bangladesh” still remains as a misunderstood concept to many. Digital Bangladesh does not necessarily mean one man-one computer.  But it indicates a computer-based networking with administrative units like, Union, Upazila, District and Division. The pioneer of the concept in our country was Ex Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Prime Minister has emphasized to establish a knowledge based society within 50 years of our independence in 2021. According to the current government, the primary aims of this digitization are:

i)     To ensure easier access to government forms and documents by citizens.

ii)    To ensure submission of applications, forms, and complains electronically.

iii)   To ensure greater access to information for the citizens.

iv)   To ensure University admission process to be digitalized except the admission test.

v)    To ensure greater connectivity by wireless internet.

In the meantime, the government has achieved remarkable success regarding this. But still the vast rural areas of the country do not have adequate exposure to technology. So, the process of digitalizing the country entirely would not be very easy task. I think the obstacles to reach the destination are gigantic. A vast majority lives below the poverty line and 35% or more are illiterate. We also have to keep in mind the following things:

i)     Bringing 17 crore citizens on the information high way will not be easy.

ii)    Bringing whole public sector under a network will not be easy.

iii)   Bringing economic units of private sector under a common platform will not be easy.

So, the process of digitalizing the country would not be very easy task. It is not possible for the government alone to make the country digital. The participation of general public is a must. Only an all out effort of both the common people and the government can make it happen.

The world is becoming a Digital Planet gradually. Almost every state of the world is running to become a knowledge-based society. Bangladesh cannot remain out of it. To build a better Bangladesh, there is no alternative to improve the IT sectors of the country. But still, we have to pass a long way.