An advanced computing laboratory will be set up at Buet o grow interest among students about robotics, cyber security, microprocessor designing and artificial intelligence, said State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak on Wednesday.

Through this it will be possible to create more technology experts in the country, create human resources in the IT sector, meet the demand and tackle the Fourth Industrial Revolution, said Palak at the inaugural function of ICT Academy in collaboration with Huawei and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).

Besides, specialized VLSI Labs and Unibators will also be established, he said.

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The state minister said ICT academy will be set up in five universities including Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet), Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (Ruet) after Buet. 

Palak said 13,000 Sheikh Russell Digital Labs have already been set up in various educational institutions to make present and future generations skilled in technology and give them ideas about disruptive technology. 

“Additional 10,000 Sheikh Russell Digital Labs will be set up across the country through Digital Connection Project, ” said Palak.

Work is underway to set up 39 high-tech parks, Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centers in 64 districts and Joy Digital Service Centers in 494 upazilas across the country, said the state minister.

Startup Bangladesh Company Ltd has been established to build a startup ecosystem in the country. Broadband internet connectivity has been extended to 3800 unions through ‘Info Sarker’ project. 

He also said 300 Schools of the Future, Sheikh Hasina Institute of Frontier Technology are being established in the country.

“We are working with the aim of ensuring 100% internet and 100% online government services by 2025,” said Palak.