National
PM: Young generation to be key-force in building Smart Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the pivotal role of the country’s young generation in shaping a Smart Bangladesh during her speech at the Bangladesh Startup Summit-2023 held at Hotel InterContinental. As the chief guest, she expressed confidence that the youth would be equipped with the necessary skills to lead the nation’s progress across all sectors. With a vision to transform Bangladesh into a smart country by 2041, the Prime Minister commended the young generation’s innovation and adaptability to implement new ideas.
To prepare for the challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Prime Minister Hasina highlighted her government’s initiatives to develop skilled human resources. These efforts include establishing vocational and technical educational institutions in every upazila and providing training facilities for future professionals. Acknowledging the importance of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, robotics, big data, medical scribes, and cyber security, she stressed the need for skilled professionals in these fields.
Focusing on promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, the Prime Minister outlined her government’s target to create five unicorn startups by 2025 and 50 unicorns by 2041. These unicorn startups are expected to generate significant employment opportunities for millions of people, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. She urged both domestic and foreign investors to invest more in startups, assuring them that the government has formulated necessary policies to safeguard their investments.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of the “Smart Bangladesh accelerator,” the “India-Bangladesh Startup Bridge” networking platform, and the “Smart Bangladesh Startup Fund.” These initiatives aim to foster a conducive ecosystem for startups to thrive and contribute to the country’s growth. Furthermore, several startups were recognized for their outstanding performances, receiving awards in different categories, including Shopup, Pathao, bkash, 10-minute school, UNDP Youthco lab, Nagad, SBK Tech Venture, and funded next.
Prime Minister Hasina also distributed grants from the Bangabandhu Innovation grant to two entrepreneurs, underlining the government’s commitment to supporting innovative projects. The ceremony concluded with the screening of audio-visual documentaries showcasing the Bangladesh Startup Summit, the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant, and the vision of Smart Bangladesh.
Overall, the summit served as a platform to inspire and encourage the youth to lead the way in building a Smart Bangladesh, leveraging technology and innovation to drive progress and prosperity. The government’s proactive measures to nurture skilled professionals and promote entrepreneurship demonstrate a clear commitment to embracing the opportunities presented by the 4IR and securing a bright future for the nation.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has issued forecasts of rain or thundershowers for Dhaka, Rangpur, and five other divisions, commencing from 9 am today and extending over the next 24 hours. This weather forecast encompasses Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, and Sylhet divisions, where accompanying gusty or squally winds are anticipated during the rainfall. Additionally, Chattogram division is expected to experience some activity, albeit in fewer places, with the potential for hail in isolated areas.
The BMD bulletin highlights that various areas within these seven divisions may witness significant thunderstorm activity, accompanied by temporary gusty or squally winds, with isolated occurrences of hail.
Temperature levels across the nation are projected to remain consistent, both during daytime and at night. Over the past 24-hour period, Rajshahi recorded the highest temperature in the country at 34.7 degrees Celsius, while Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, experienced the lowest temperature at 21.2 degrees Celsius.
Dhaka witnessed the most substantial rainfall, measuring up to 87mm. Residents in the affected divisions are advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions and stay informed about further forecasts from the BMD.
The Jashore Education Board has achieved the highest pass rate of 92.32% among the nine boards in the 2024 Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination, according to official data.
Conversely, Sylhet remained at the bottom with a pass rate of 73.35%, continuing its trend from last year when it also recorded the lowest pass rate of 76.06%.
Data from the education board website reveals that the Dhaka board secured a pass rate of 83.92%, while Rajshahi board achieved 89.25%, Cumilla board 79.20%, Barishal board 89.13%, Chattogram board 82.80%, Dinajpur board 78.40%, and Mymensingh board 84.97%.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received the results of this year’s SSC and equivalent examinations. Students have been able to access their results through the official website.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched the 2024 Hajj program (1445 hijri) in Ashkona, the capital, today, May 8th.
Subsequently, she exchanged pleasantries with the Hajj pilgrims at the Ashkona Hajj camp.
The maiden Hajj flight is set to depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport for Saudi Arabia on Thursday (May 9).
Dedicated Hajj flights will also operate from Chattogram and Sylhet airports, landing at Jeddah and Medina airports.
This year, 85,257 Bangladeshi pilgrims are expected to undertake the holy journey. Among them, 4,562 will be under government management, while 80,695 will be managed privately.
The Hajj is tentatively scheduled for June 15th, contingent upon the moon sighting.
In attendance were Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqur Rahman, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Religious Affairs Ministry Mohammad Huchamuddin Chowdhury, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, and president of Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) Shahadat Hossain Taslim.
Religious Affairs Minister Md Faridul Haque Khan chaired the inaugural function, while Religious Affairs Secretary Md A Hamid Zamadder delivered the welcome address.
