Economy
a2i’s Smart Initiatives Propel Bangladesh Toward 2041 Smart Vision
The Aspire to Innovate (a2i) program, a yearlong venture in digital transformation, has emerged as a driving force in laying the foundation for a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. In the pursuit of this vision, a2i has introduced numerous smart projects, earning recognition through over 17 national and international awards in the year 2023.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated five groundbreaking projects on Sheikh Russel Day, October 18, including ‘Smart 333,’ ‘Smart E-Trade License,’ ‘ekPass’ for electronic toll collection, ‘Noipunno’ for student learning, and the ‘Smart Pregnancy Monitoring System.’
Aiming to simplify citizen services, a2i, under the Cabinet Division and ICT Division with UNDP support, introduced the ‘Sathi’ virtual assistant app and consolidated all public services under the ‘MyGov’ platform, digitizing 209 government services in the outgoing year.
Furthermore, a2i’s efforts toward a Smart Bangladesh are highlighted by achievements such as earning an ISO certificate for Procurement Process, the formulation of ‘Digital Service and Web Designing Guideline for Inclusive Accessibility 2022,’ and the passing of the ‘Agency to Innovate (a2i) Bill 2023,’ marking a new era of technological innovation.
Globally acclaimed for reducing digital divide, a2i established the ‘e-Quality Center for Inclusive Innovation,’ launching the International ICT Innovation (I-3) Matching Fund. The DPI-AI International Conference emphasized creating an inclusive world through digital public infrastructure (DPI) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Encouraging innovation, a2i organized the ‘Rocketry Innovation Challenge-2022’ and addressed the importance of blended education in shaping Smart Bangladesh through international consultations.
During the cyclone ‘Mocha,’ a2i’s national helpline 333 provided crucial information and assistance, receiving 1.4 million calls related to the disaster.
Internationally recognized, a2i received the ‘WSIS Prize-2023’ for the ‘COVID-19 Telehealth Center initiative,’ the ‘SDG Digital Game Changer Award’ for ‘ekShop,’ and the ‘WITSA 2023 Global Innovation and Technology Excellence Awards’ for skill development and education excellence.
As a2i continues to spearhead innovation, these achievements mark significant strides toward a Smart Bangladesh.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
