Govt urged to adopt ICT-friendly policies

Grameenphone launched a special internet package for its customers yesterday.
The package will include a special Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) together with a Grameenphone-branded data modem.
At the product launching ceremony at Westin Dhaka, Prof Jamilur Reza Choudhury, vice chancellor of BRAC University, urged the government to adopt policies that allocate more resources to expand and develop the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.
Rajiuddin Ahmed Raju, posts and telecommunication minister, expressed satisfaction over the performance of the telecom operator and its continuous efforts to improve the life of Bangladeshi people through its internet services.
The minister also lauded the launch as another step towards the goal of achieving a 'Digital Bangladesh' by the year 2021.
Yeafesh Osman, state minister for science and information and communication technology, put emphasis on updating Bangladesh in the ICT sector.
Oddvar Hesjedal, chief executive officer of Grameenphone Ltd, said the wireless modem, a 'plug and play'device that requires no additional software would simplify the present, complicated dial-up systems. It will take internet services to the next level, he added.
Hesjedal said customers just have to plug the device in their desktops or laptops at any location to access the web at the most affordable price.
The company's vision to expand its internet platforms and develop more internet-related products and services was highlighted at the function.
Grameenphone, with over 4.5 million active EDGE subscribers, has become the largest internet service provider (ISP) in the country.