Leaders of the newly formed full committee of the Nationalist ICT Forum (NICTF) on Saturday paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman by placing wreaths at his mausoleum in the capital, while outlining plans to expand Bangladesh’s technology exports.
The delegation was led by NICTF Adviser and writer Dr Maruf Mallik and President Rafel Kabir. Among those present were Vice-Presidents Jannatul Hoque Shapla and Hasibur Rashid, General Secretary Mamun Or Rashid, Organising Secretary Jubayer Riyel, Joint Secretary Fuad Hasan, Publicity and Publication Secretary Md Mojammel Haque, Media Affairs Secretary Yasir Wardad Tonmoy and International Affairs Secretary Mosharef Hossain Sikdar.
The visit came three days after the forum announced its 103-member full committee on October 21. Engineer Rafel Kabir is leading the committee, while Professor A K M Wahiduzzaman has been named chief adviser. Dr Maruf Mallik is among the advisers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Maruf Mallik said the forum aimed to make Bangladesh’s ICT sector more competitive in international markets and help establish a technology export industry worth US$10 billion within the next five years.
He stressed the need for a competitive business environment, stronger professional skills and greater opportunities for technology entrepreneurs and skilled workers to achieve the target.
NICTF President Rafel Kabir said the forum would work to organise ICT professionals and promote a technology-driven, modern Bangladesh by upholding the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
He said strengthening the domestic technology industry, developing skilled human resources and encouraging innovation would be among the organisation’s main priorities.
The forum aims to increase exports of software, information technology-enabled services and other technology-based products.
It expects the expansion of the sector to help create employment, attract investment and increase foreign exchange earnings.
The proposed $10 billion export target is part of the forum’s stated five-year vision for making Bangladesh’s ICT industry more competitive in global markets.