Government to launch PayPal, provide ID cards to 2 lakh freelancers: PM

The government has taken an initiative to launch the long-awaited online payment gateway PayPal in the country. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman informed parliament that this step has been taken to expand the information technology sector and create employment. Additionally, a master plan has been adopted to provide ID cards to two lakh freelancers over the next five years and train thousands of youths in high-tech skills.

The prime minister disclosed this information while responding to a written question from Md Abdul Aziz, member of parliament for the Natore-4 constituency, in the Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday, April 22.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a committee has already been formed to commence PayPal's operations, and work is underway to move the matter forward. The government plans to provide ID cards to approximately two lakh freelancers over the next five years. Of these, 7,500 individuals have already received such ID cards. Additionally, initiatives have been taken through the Information and Communication Technology Department to create new freelancers.

Various plans have also been adopted to develop a skilled workforce in the high-tech sector. Through the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, 2,400 individuals will be trained in subjects such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual reality in 2026.

Furthermore, the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) will conduct ITEE (Information Technology Engineers Examination) training for nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 20 batches of various training programmes over the next five years. The BCC has also undertaken initiatives to provide training, including short-term courses in AI, mobile app development, Python programming, data analytics, cyber security, as well as one-year diploma and post-graduate diploma programmes, to 5,020 job seekers and students. Programmes have also been launched to make nearly 700 individuals with special needs self-reliant by providing them with basic computer training.