Information Technology (IT) will be the major element in ruling Awami League’s (AL) polls manifesto in line with the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ initiative, made popular by the incumbent government.

Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar hinted that future steps as continuation of the ‘Digital Bangladesh’ initiative will be detailed in the manifesto. 

“IT, especially Digital Bangladesh will cover a significant part in the manifesto highlighting around 20 issues,” he told Bangla Tribune.

“A summary outlook of this sector and possible future endeavours will also be included,” added Jabbar who also sits in the Awami League manifesto’s formulation committee.

Elaborating on the matter, he said, “In 2008, it was announced that ‘Vision 2021’ is ‘Digital Bangladesh’. We are on our way to implement the initiative as its goal is likely to be attained before the deadline.”

“However, we are contemplating on steps after ‘Digital Bangladesh’ which are yet to be identified, he said, before adding, “We are thinking a number of issues but haven’t settled on anything.”

Jabbar also said, “The prime minister is likely to announce the polls manifesto on Dec 13 or 14. We will finalise a slogan before that.”

The minister informed that the announcement of Digital Bangladesh in 2008 came after eight hours of efforts whereas World Economic Forum announced digitalisation of countries in 2012.

“Bangladesh is leading on this front. India and Britain followed Bangladesh in making similar announcement aimed at digitalisation,” he said.

Jabbar said that the government has over 300 action plans to digitalise 900 services which they have identified to be directly connected to people.

“Bangladesh has now entered the fourth industrial revolution which is being termed as ‘4.0’. Japan is calling it ‘Society 5.0’. It essentially means our adaptation capability has increased a lot in the past 10 years,” he said.

It’s possible to go a long way with specific guidelines in place, hoped the minister.