With mega projects and a touch of digital technology, Moheshkhali, a backwater separated from Cox’s Bazar, has seen eye catching changes.
Along with health care, education, trade and agriculture, the islanders are facing a wide variety of facilities. On Apr 27, 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decalred Maheshkhalu a ‘Digital Island’ after which its metamorphosis began.
The people of the island are experiencing fast Internet as the government chose Moheshkhali as a pilot project to reach IT services to the grass root level people.
A variety of e-facilities has reached the people of the island.
At the Moheshkhali government primary school, students learn multimedia and get lessons via distance learning.
A resident of the island, Jahanara Begum, was suffering from skin ailment and at one point, a visit to Chattogram became necessary. However, the health complex doctor Shekhar Bhatyacharya used video conferencing and got the treatment for Jahanara.
She is now able to meet a dermatologist via video from the island.
Many of the young are engaged in online business, emerging as entrepreneurs. Nine young persons have started online based trade of poison free dry fish supply.
International Organisation of Migration (IOM) has helped in transforming the island into a rising IT centre. This is IOM’s first Public Private Partnership (PPP) project.
This project is being implemented by IOM, Korea Telecom, IT and communication department of Bangladesh government and Bangladesh Computer Council.
IOM’s head of Transition and Recovery Division, TRD, Patrick Sherignon, says: “This island was chosen because it’s least developed, the rate of illiteracy is high and salinity impedes agriculture production.”
UNO of Moheshkhali adds: “Digital Island is a multifaceted project which connects an isolated community to the rest of the world. Through telemedicine, IT clubs, distance learning the people are getting benefits; e-commerce has generated employment.”