With the main objective being to prepare bright young minds through transformative upskilling and helping them to get future-ready, leading telco operator Grameenphone’s dedicated platform, GP Academy, recently hosted its latest 'Masterclass', with Zunaid Ahmed Palak MP as the esteemed guest
As the nation eyes an optimistic acceleration towards realizing 'Smart Bangladesh' under the government's Vision 2041, the insight and guidance they received first-hand from the state minister for ICT at the session is expected to transform the way the attendees think, and reshape the idea surrounding the future of the nation among future leaders.
Over 300 young students from various backgrounds pre-registered to be a part of the Masterclass, and brought their enthusiasm to the event. Held at the GP House recently, the Masterclass saw the State Minister outlining the structure of Smart Bangladesh, its four core pillars – Smart Citizen, Smart Economy, Smart Government and Smart Society – and his expert opinion on how to make the most of the digital shift through acquiring apt skills.
He pointed out that even 18 years back, there was a lack of fast and affordable connectivity solutions in Bangladesh. But following the government’s steadfast approach, backed by Grameenphone and similar organizations’ support, now there are over 127 million internet users in Bangladesh, enjoying seamless internet connectivity.
Addressing the government’s ‘Triple A’ strategy, Palak said: “Our objective has been to make internet and digital services affordable and available, and create awareness for it. In the next 5 to 10 years, we will witness a rapid shift from labor-based economies to tech-based economies, and we must act immediately to align ourselves accordingly”.
He further added, “Our objective now is to generate an innovation ecosystem in Bangladesh, where entrepreneurs and start-ups will thrive. And the ground is ready, with investors from countries like the USA, Japan, Singapore and India investing over USD 800 million in our market in the past 6 years. The government has also invested USD 50 million, as in the next 18 years, we want to create a knowledge-based economy, like Silicon Valley did in the past.”
Palak thanked Grameenphone for the initiative, and congratulated the organization for sustaining strongly as the nation’s connectivity partner.
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman sat among the mentees, as he proudly declared himself a student for the day. “I believe that I also have many things to learn, and it is indeed a great opportunity for all of us to hear about Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 from one of the key policy makers of the concept."
Hossain Sadat, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs; Farhana Islam, Head of Social Impact; Farhana Hossain Shammu, Program Lead of Grameenphone Academy and other officials from Grameenphone were also present during the event.
Grameenphone Academy is an online learning platform (www.grameenphone.academy) which is free of cost for all. The academy also periodically arranges physical sessions on contemporary topics relevant to career, freelancing, entrepreneurship along with 4IR skills.