Information complexes to be built in every district, upazila: Info Minister

The government plans to expand information complexes beyond divisional cities to every district and upazila across Bangladesh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahiruddin Swapon said.

He made the announcement while speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of a divisional information complex on C&B Road in Barishal city on Sunday (August 16).

Built at a cost of around Tk 170 million, the complex was scheduled for completion in 2023 but was inaugurated nearly three years later.

Swapon said the facilities should not be viewed merely as large government buildings. They are intended to provide internet- and technology-based information and services, integrating modern technology to make essential services more accessible to the public.

“The goal is to create new knowledge products by bringing together information, services, skills and knowledge,” the minister said, stressing that information-based services should reach people at the grassroots.

He said the government does not want to confine such services to divisional headquarters. Information complexes will be developed gradually at district and upazila levels to expand technology-driven services across the country.

Information Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana chaired the inauguration ceremony, while Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Jahan Shirin and other government officials and local representatives attended.