Three-day 8th Bangladesh School of Internet Governance-2024 concludes

The 8th edition of the "Bangladesh School of Internet Governance-2024" was held from April 25 to April 27. The event was organized in collaboration with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and was initiated by the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF).

Professor Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Commission, graced the program's conclusion at the BTRC building in Agargaon, the capital, on Saturday (April 27), as the chief guest.

The event featured 14 sessions attended by BTRC officials, telecommunications sector experts and technicians, researchers, university faculty and students, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various public and private organizations.

A total of 82 fellows attended a three-day programme focused on various aspects of technology, including Global Internet Governance, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Domain Name System (DNS), Internet Ecosystem, Secure Internet Technology, Data Protection, Telecommunication, and E-Commerce laws, along with Information Technology. The sessions also covered discussions on strategies to address the digital divide, alongside hands-on training sessions on related topics.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony, BTRC Chairman Prof. Md. Mohiuddin Ahmed said, "Technology is designed to benefit people, so it's essential for people to actively engage with it." He also commented that the type of digital divide is different between developed, developing and underdeveloped countries.

"High-speed, uninterrupted internet services are a more urgent priority than artificial intelligence or driverless cars," he added.

Calling for giving importance to the technologies that are needed for the country, the BTRC Chairman said, "To make the country prosperous, the young manpower should be developed efficiently. Besides, every citizen should be technologically savvy to enjoy the benefits of Smart Bangladesh."

BTRC Vice-Chairman Md Aminul Haque chaired the law and technology session on the third day of the seminar. He believes that rather than controlling technology, it requires the establishment of various laws and policies for its appropriate utilization.

In a discussion on Smart Bangladesh on the same day, Commissioner of Spectrum Division of BTRC, Sheikh Riaz Ahmed said, "The radiation emitted from the tower is not harmful to the environment, so people should be encouraged to install the tower."

Mentioning that a large number of smartphones are being produced in the country, he said, "Currently, 96 percent of the total demand is being met by 17 local factories."

During the President's speech, Hasanul Haq Inu, Chairperson of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF), said, "While bridging the digital divide presents challenges, it's crucial to encourage backward communities to embrace technology, considering its ever-evolving nature. To enhance digital participation across the country, we must focus on improving and ensuring accessibility to digital infrastructure and services."

"The use of technology must be people-friendly, climate-friendly and women-friendly, he added.

Brigadier General Mohammad Khalil-ur-Rehman, Director General of the Commission's Systems and Services Division said, "The participation of youth, women and youth in digital technology related activities is guaranteed and their views should be accepted. AI, Big Data, IoT are constantly changing, so we have to learn to adapt to these technological changes."

"Technological disparities need to be identified and addressed," he said, noting that new technologies would widen the digital divide.

BIGF Secretary General Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu anchored the closing ceremony which was attended by BTRC Director General of Administration Abdullah Al Mamun, Director General of Engineering and Operations Brigadier General Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, BTRC Secretary Nurul Hafeez, National Consultant of ATUI Shahriar Hasan Jisan, technology and telecom expert Sumon Ahmed Sabir and representatives of various public and private institutions.