Biometric SIM registration inaugurated
The trial run for biometric registration of mobile phone SIM (subscriber identity module) cards began in the country yesterday.
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, information and communication technology affairs (ICT) adviser to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the test run by registering his SIM card of state-run mobile phone operator Teletalk at the Posts and Telecommunications Division of the secretariat.
Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Md Faizur Rahman Chowdhury and Managing Director of Teletalk Md Giasuddin Ahmed handed over the SIM to Joy. He surprised everyone by paying for the SIM from his wallet.
Later, Joy told reporters that he came to the country to assist the people to turn Bangladesh into a digital one.
I just had some desire to do something for the people of the country by implementing the Digital Bangladesh dream. Todays initiative is a step ahead towards achieving the goal. I just made some advises, you people implemented it. So the credit goes to you, Joy said.
He also said that he was feeling very proud as Bangladesh became the second country in the world that adopted the biometric system of registering mobile SIM cards.
State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim said the formal process of SIM registration will begin on December 16, with all the mobile phone operators installing the biometric system at their respective outlets.
Lauding the role played by Joy in the development of the relevant sector, the state minister said recently Bangladesh won prestigious ITU Award for sustainable development in the ICT sector.
After the informal inauguration ceremony, Joy attended a meeting on the progress made in the activities of the Posts and Telecommunications Division.
