Tech-based skills necessary to secure country’s future

Speakers at a views-exchange meeting yesterday stressed the need for creating opportunities for the country’s students so that they can develop technology-related skills for building the nation in future.  

They said the future of mankind will be based on technological advancement and Bangladesh’s next generation should take preparation in that direction from now.

The views-exchange was arranged as part of the 2nd Standard Chartered Bangladesh-Prothom Alo Inter School and College Programming Contest 2019 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.

Addressing the meeting, noted scientist Prof M Kaykobad said developing technology-based skills among students is a necessity because Bangladesh’s transition into a middle-income country will not be possible only through earning foreign remittance and exporting RMG goods.

He emphasised on developing problem-solving skills among students.

Matiur Rahman, editor and publisher of Prothom Alo, said, “Bangladesh is making progress. We always think about the future of the nation. For that purpose, we will try to make this year’s programming contest larger, more effective, and preparatory than last year.”

Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said they need skilled individuals who have the ability of critical thinking and are capable of solving various problems.

Last year, 60 schools took part in the competition, while this year it will start with participation from 100 schools, said Munir Hasan, coordinator of Prothom Alo’s Youth Programme.

The computer programming competition aims to provide a national platform for the youth, particularly school and college students, to help them become problem-solvers capable of applying technical skills in real life.

This year there will be a series of school activations, regional workshops, online and offline contests, and programming camp for the winners. Based on results, five schools from remote areas will get three laptops each. The final phase of the contest will take place in Dhaka. 

At yesterday’s programme, three laptops were handed over to five schools each that took part in last year’s contest.