There is no alternative to spreading positive use of information and communication technology (ICT) and internet facilities among common people for proper implementation of the Vision 2021, reports BSS from Rangpur. Deputy Commissioner Md Rahat Anwar said this at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day Digital Fair-2015 and Internet Week at Sadar upazila parishad premises in the city on Wednesday afternoon as the chief guest. The district and Sadar upazila administrations have been jointly organising the event for sensitising and bridging the people with the ICT and rights to information, popularising internet use and providing its cost-free service. The UNDP-assisted Access to Information (A2I) Programme of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has been assisting in arranging the fair where hundreds of enthusiastic people, mostly students, adolescents and youths thronged the inaugural ceremony.
After the inaugural ceremony, the chief guest visited 19 stalls set up by the different GO-NGOs, Union Digital Centres and institutions on the fair premises to exhibit newer digital innovations and internet service providing techniques and facilities.
Later, a discussion meeting was arranged at Sadar Upazila parishad auditorium with Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Ziaur Rahman in the chair. Moderated by Sadar Upazila Youth Development Officer Tahmina Shirin, Deputy Director (Local Government) Sultana Parveen addressed the discussion as the special guest. Vice-chairman of Sadar upazila Shahinur Islam Swaon and its Female Vice-chairman Afifa Banu Ratna, Chandanpat Union Chairman Aminur Rahman and Saddyapuskurini Union Chairman Masud Rana addressed, among others.
Upazila level heads of different government departments, organisations and educational institutions, NGO officials, entrepreneurs of Union Digital Centres, teachers, students, youths, public representatives, professionals and local elite were present.
The speakers narrated the tremendous success already achieved through digitisation and internet services in reaching government services to the common people at doorsteps quickly through the Union Digital Centres and other web portals.
The common people have been getting digital services like e-purjee, e-governance, e-education, e-agriculture, e-health, e-admission, e-earning, e-banking, e-employment, outsourcing and other services easily to accelerate development, they said.
The chief guest said the fair is being organised with a view to reaching digitised internet services among the grassroots level people through popularising ICT in ensuring their easier access to information, computers, internet facilities and digital devices.