Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Advisor Nahid Islam on Monday (Nov 25) urged the Japanese government to help build expertise of Bangladesh's young IT talents through training. He made the request during a meeting with Japan's Ambassador Iwama Kiminori at ICT Tower in city’s Agargaon. Nahid mentioned that Bangladeshi youths are highly talented and interested in IT. With proper training, they can develop their skills, seeking Japan's cooperation in this regard.
Ambassador Iwama highlighted Japan's assistance in the ICT sector, particularly in imparting training to young IT talents of Bangladesh to enhance their expertise and create new employment opportunities. He also mentioned about Japan's readiness to cooperate in this area. The Ambassador emphasized that the friendship between Bangladesh and Japan has been longstanding and remains unchanged under the current interim government.
Nahid Islam expressed his gratitude to Japan for its continued support and cooperation.
The Ambassador raised concerns from the Japanese business community regarding the internet disruption caused by the internet shutdown in July.
In response, Nahid Islam remarked that shutting down the internet is equivalent to a violation of human rights. The previous government tried to suppress the student uprising by cutting off the internet and used the opportunity to carry out indiscriminate massacres.
He stressed the importance of establishing a system that would prevent such shutdowns in the future and mentioned that Bangladesh is introducing satellite internet services through Starlink to ensure uninterrupted internet access.
When the ambassador mentioned about promoting Japanese culture in Bangladesh, especially films, cartoons, and dramas, Nahid emphasized the importance of cultural exchange.
The adviser requested for establishing a Japanese cultural center in Bangladesh to facilitate such exchanges.
The ambassador expressed hope for a temporary establishment and a virtual cultural center. The ambassador also stated that Japan is aware of the interim government's efforts to ensure media freedom and expressed Japan's willingness to assist in this regard.
Nahid Islam added that members of the ousted fascist government have been spreading misinformation about the July uprising in foreign media and social networks. He requested Japan's cooperation in promoting the true events of the uprising.
Secretary of the ICT Division, Shish Haider Chowdhury, and ICT Policy Advisor Faiz Ahmed Tayab, were present during the meeting.
