DHAKA, May 30, 2023 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to build 'Smart Bangladesh' and a humanitarian state by facing global challenges to move ahead.

"Smart citizen, smart society, smart government and smart business are needed to build 'Smart Bangladesh", he said, addressing a function to unwrap the book 'Swapner Smart Bangladesh O Prodhanmanthri Sheikh Hasina, authored by Professor Dr Hafiz Muhammad Hasan Babu, dean of Dhaka University (DU) Engineering and Technology Faculty and chairman of Dhaka Stock Exchange.

From his Minto Road residence, the minister virtually joined the function held at TSC auditorium of Dhaka University (DU).

Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said earlier Bangladesh was lagging behind in three industrial revolutions. But the country has been able to connect the 4IR, the era of ICT, robotics and artificial intelligence, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and with the concept of PM's ICT Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy, he added.

"For this, we gave the slogan 'Digital Bangladesh' in 2008," he said.

The minister said public life and economic activities of the whole world had stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. But Bangladesh did not stop and all activities, including government works and education of students, were conducted, he added.

He said the position of Bangladesh was third among the 20 countries which achieved positive GDP across the globe in 2020-21 fiscal. Even, the country left behind India in per capita income in that year, he added.

Hasan said Bangladesh secured fifth position globally and first in the sub-continent in combating COVID-19 pandemic, according to a joint survey of Nikki Institute and Bloomberg. 

It was possible for introducing 'Digital Bangladesh' and reach internet facility to the people of root level, he added.

Extending thanks to the author, the minister said digital technology is being used extensively in running the government. "In this perspective ahead of the election, we want to give a new concept of 'Smart Bangladesh' before the people. Smart citizen, smart society, smart government and smart business are needed to build 'Smart Bangladesh," he added.

Ekushey Padak winner and PM's former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Professor Dr Md Sadequl Arefin of Barishal University, DU Pro Vice Chancellor Dr SM Maksud Kamal, DU Teachers Association president Professor Dr Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan and Jatiya Press Club president Farida Yesmin, among others, addressed the function as special guests.