We want to remain ahead in 4th industrial revolution: Mustafa Kamal

Finance minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Saturday said the information and technology (IT) sector of Bangladesh will perform better than the readymade garments sector in the future, reports news agency UNB.

He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of "Digital Bangladesh Mela-2020" at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital city.

The fair began on Thursday aiming to demonstrate benefits of 5G technology and information technology in Bangladesh.

The minister said the digital fair was organised at a good time when the country's people are celebrating the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

He hoped that Bangladesh will roll out 5G services soon.

Mustafa Kamal also said Bangladesh could not join the first and second industrial revolutions. “We’d been able to participate in the third industrial revolution to a little extent. But we want to remain in the front of the fouth industrial revolution.”

Mentioning that Bangladeshis youths are most talented, he said they will not fail in the IT sector. “We have to acquire knowledge in this regard and use modern technological tools, including robots, which will help create employment here," he said.

Posts and telecommunications minister Mustafa Jabbar who presided over the function hoped that Bangladesh would do better in the digital revolution in future compared to neighbouring countries.

He also underscored the need for cutting internet VAT rate to five per cent for ensuring everyone's access to internet.

Posts and telecommunications division secretary Md. Nur-Ur-Rahman gave the welcome speech in the event.

He said a total of 82 stalls took part in the fair. “We hope digital activities in Bangladesh will further be expanded in future."

Awards were handed over to the winners of competitions among students as well as ministry officials and employees for their outstanding contributions to the IT sector.