DHAKA, March 27, 2024 (BSS) - Speakers at a national consultation put emphasis on ensuring safe coexistence of Bangladesh with rest of the world in ongoing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) era which witnessed a massive revolution in information technology.

Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) and Bangladesh NGO's Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP, Bangladesh, organized the consultation titled 'Global Digital Compact: An Open, Free, and Secure Digital Future for All' and 'Summit of the Future 2024: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow' at a city hotel today, said a press release.

Foreign Secretary (Senior Secretary) Masood Bin Momen spoke at the closing ceremony of the event as the chief guest, which was attended by more than hundred of representatives from the government, civil and youth society, academics, media and private sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the foreign secretary said that the government is giving utmost importance to the Global Digital Compact as Bangladesh wants a global digital system without discrimination.
 
Momen also said that there would have an opportunity to control the digital system in the light of the country's heritages, culture, history and life style to protect the country's rights.

Former information minister and chairperson of BIGF Hasanul Haq Inu said as the whole world is going through the tremors of climate change and digital transformation, Bangladesh has to cope with it. 

He emphasized on ensuring availability of the technology and access to it. 

Policy Adviser of a2i Anir Chowdhury presented the keynote paper in the event and called for huge investment to ensure zero digital divide or non-discriminatory digital system across the globe.
 
Professor Shameem Reza of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University moderated the first session of the consultation while Professor Samia A Selim of the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh presented the keynote paper. 

Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office in Bangladesh Louis Barber and the Chief Executive Officer of BNNRC AHM Bazlur Rahman took part in the first session as discussants. 

Research Fellow of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Tahreen Tahrima Chowdhury presented the keynote paper in the second session while CEO of BNNRC AHM Bazlur Rahman and Director General of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Brigadier General Khalil-ur-Rahman took part in the discussion.

Editor-in-Chief and Chief Executive Officer of TV Today Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul moderated the second session.