‘Digital Bangladesh’ to become ‘Smart Bangladesh’ before govt tenure ends: Swapan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said the government will transform “Digital Bangladesh” into “Smart Bangladesh” before completing its tenure, speaking at the inauguration of construction work on the Divisional Modern Information Complex in Barishal city today (16 August).

The Tk17 crore information complex, being built in Kashipur, will provide information, entertainment, knowledge and research services, while also featuring a technology-focused archive and facilities aimed at enhancing young people’s skills, he said.

Swapan also called on journalists to become the facility’s first users, saying their early involvement could help turn the complex into a functional, service-oriented centre quickly.

“If four films are screened every day at the information complex, people can buy tickets online from home, come here, watch good films and leave,” the minister said.

“We have started this information complex to provide a wide range of information, entertainment, knowledge and research services,” he added.

The minister urged journalists to use the facility on a priority basis to help make its services efficient and service-oriented as quickly as possible.

“My appeal is that the first users of the information complex should be people from Barishal’s media community,” he said.

Swapan said there were plans to establish a world-class, information-rich archive at the complex and provide services aimed at enhancing young people’s technological skills.

“The government is working to establish state-of-the-art information complexes across the country. Bangladesh will also move forward with the evolution of technology,” he said.

The minister also called for development based on modern, knowledge-driven progress rather than development understood solely in conventional economic terms.