Feature

NeoSTAR Alliance seminar on Youth and Digital Bangladesh

Edward Apurba Singha

NeoSTAR Alliance (NSA) a forum of creative minds and next generation leaders organized a discussion show titled “Utilize the Power of Youth to Materialize Digital Bangladesh Dream” at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) on July 27. The prime objective of this event was to motivate students about Digital Bangladesh with real life experiences and at the same time give them proper directives so that they can reinvigorate their courage to lead the trend of digital dream.

Dr. A.B.M. Siddique Hossain, Dean, Faculty of Science, AIUB in his welcome address said, “Digital Bangladesh would not be a distant reality for us if we properly utilize our human resource and give them right opportunity to prove competency. In this regard, the role of academia is invaluable to produce skilled workforce whereas government and industry can collectively work to generate more employments”. “We need to strengthen the ICT education in both SSC and HSC level in order to enhance the quality of the students and increase their IT expertise as well. But infrastructure is another crucial consideration for ICT education and in this regard NGOs, philanthropists and interested entities can extend their helping hand to develop infrastructure for ICT education”, he added.

AKM Fahim Mashroor, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bdjobs.com Limited said, “We need to change our mindset if we wish to become a tech-minded nation. The first target of all IT graduates is to get a job. But due to the lack of proper experience and knowledge many of them cannot avail right scope and later become disheartened. But IT is a universal thing and it gives liberty to do anything. So, people having IT skill can start their own economic operation and become IT entrepreneur. The key considerations to become a successful IT entrepreneur are innovation, localization, hard work and dedication and personal sacrifice”. Abir Hassan, Chief News Editor, Radio Amar said, “Role of media is indispensable to sensitize students about Digital Bangladesh.

“We also need to concentrate on mathematics and science. Our students proved their competence in Math Olympiad. We can think about establishing a math academy in order to strengthen the intellectual capacity of the students. Apart from this, we also try to send SMS and email in Bangla and use open source software as well”, he added.

Habibullah N Karim, President, Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS)said, “IT gives us freedom to exhibit our creativity. Knowledge about IT can help us to overcome geographical constrain and for such we can easily grab the global opportunities. But the main thing is we need to increase our expertise and try to understand the economic significance of IT”.

Mustafa Jabbar, President, Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) in his keynote speech said, “We have all ingredients to turn Digital Bangladesh dream into reality. We incorporated the Digital Bangladesh concept in Awami League manifesto with vision to revive the spirit of youth so that they can come forward and take part in mainstream development activities of the country”.

Asaduzzaman Noor, Member of Parliament & Managing Director, Desh TV also the chief guest of the seminar told, “We basically need different motivation, dream, effort and vision to bring substantial changes in the society and materialize the Digital Bangladesh dream as well. Digital Bangladesh symbolizes a promising country where everything is lead by the young and vibrant personalities.

At the end of the session, Manzur H Khan, Assistant Professor, Computer Science Department & Coordinator, Student Affairs, AIUB gave the vote of thanks to speakers, organizers and participants. He also talked about AIUB's initiative to digitalize its entire academic system.

Incepted in 2008 and founded by some young professionals in the country, NSA is committed to promote new ideas by its super quality programs. NSA develops ideas by its own research and then creates an action plan for the successful implementation of any particular idea. NSA has a core team and a panel of advisers to move forward its activities.

Writer is the president of NeoSTAR Alliance (NSA)