Newly appointed Posts, Telecommunications and Information and Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar has said a robust internet is what all the ministries need to cater services to the people.
Jabbar made the observation during a meeting with Post and Telecommunication Division officials at the Secretariat on Thursday, reports agencies.
“This ministry’s role will decide how the other ministries will reach out to the people and vice-versa,” said Jabbar.
"Bangladesh will not be digitalised without ensuring fast internet at reasonable price. The people have the right to enjoy proper service. Complete steps will be taken so that people can't raise any complaints in this regard," he said.
"Digital Bangladesh is not possible without turning internet into a highway, so all measures will be taken for realising Digital Bangladesh," he further added.
On becoming a minister he said, "It is a great achievement for me and I am grateful to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for giving me such opportunity."
Junaid Ahmed Palak is the state minister for Information and Communication Technology or ICT section of the ministry.
State Minister for Telecom Tarana Halim was shunted to the information ministry in a reshuffle to the Cabinet made on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission or BRTC Chairman Shahjahan Mahmood greeted Jabbar with flowers as he reached the Secretariat at 2:30pm.
“Digital Bangladesh will remain only a dream if an internet highway is not built. This ministry will provide necessary assistance to all the other ministries,” the new minister said.
Jabbar, the inventor of Bangla keyboard ‘Bijoy’, said he had known Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the past 47 years and worked for the Awami League from behind the scenes.
“The prime minister had once asked me to become a member of parliament but I preferred to work behind the scenes and help her out.
“I am grateful that in the very last year of her term, she has brought me to my favourite place. I have spent most of my life dealing with subjects related to this ministry.”
"The tables have turned now," he continued. "Before, I used to come to the telecommunication secretary’s office to make recommendations on behalf of the people and the industry but now my duty is to implement them.”
Tough challenges are lying ahead in the telecom division, Jabbar added. “Some of our agencies need to be upgraded to make profits.
“I am like a student here. I need to know and understand this ministry first. I have only a year in hand so I cannot waste time. Hopefully, I’ll learn everything within a week.”
The minister asserted that he was open to criticisms.
“I believe that the internet is our fifth basic right. The right can be guaranteed only if we can expand the internet highway and reach people in time.”
