Startup Bangladesh Limited, the pioneering venture capital company under the ICT Division, has announced a strategic investment in Bongo, one of the leading digital entertainment platforms in Bangladesh. This collaborative endeavor aims to increase the landscape of online entertainment and content consumption in the country. An agreement was signed between the two entities, for an investment of Tk 5 crore in Bongo's growth and expansion plans. Read: How to Make Money with Amazon Kindle Publishing: A Step by Step Guide The signing ceremony took place in Dhaka where State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Md. Shamsul Arefin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Startup Bangladesh and Senior Secretary of ICT Division, Sami Ahmed, Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh and representatives from Bongo were present as distinguished guests. Read: Banglalink wins Ookla Award for the 7th consecutive time  The State Minister said that this partnership with Bongo exemplifies Startup Bangladesh's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting homegrown startups that cater to the diverse needs of our population. “Bongo's success story resonates with the vision of a Smart Bangladesh, and we are excited to play a role in amplifying their impact of home-grown solutions," he added. Read: BGMEA President expresses condolence over death of SB Knitting employees "We are embarking on a transformative journey, driven by innovation and collaboration, as we partner with Bongo to reshape the digital entertainment landscape of Bangladesh. This strategic investment underscores our commitment to nurturing homegrown startups and fostering technological excellence, aligning with our vision of a Smart Bangladesh that thrives on cutting-edge solutions and enriching experiences for all." said Md Shamsul Arefin, secretary of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division. "We believe that Bongo's innovative approach to entertainment delivery has the potential to redefine how Bangladeshi audiences consume content. Through this partnership, we aim to provide Bongo with the resources and support needed to further innovate and revolutionize the entertainment industry," emphasized Sami Ahmed, Managing Director of Startup Bangladesh Limited.  

In today's hectic urban life, stress has become a constant companion, affecting our mental wellbeing. Research suggests that information overload, constant digital connectivity, unlimited screen time and heavy use of tech devices can lead to issues such as sleep problems, depression, and increased stress levels. Amidst such situation, digital detox can help to refresh the mind and help find moments of tranquility.  A digital detox is a personal choice to temporarily disconnect from digital devices and social media. Taking a break from screens and unplugging from the online world can provide a much-needed escape from the overwhelming digital noise. Let's explore the ways of embracing a digital detox for a rejuvenated mind. 11 Ways to Unplug Temporarily from the Digital World  Set Screen-free Zones Consider setting up designated screen-free zones in your home. Like the dining table or bedroom, as peaceful havens for unwinding and enjoying precious moments with your close ones. By creating these spaces, you can foster relaxation, encourage meaningful connections, and cherish quality time without the distractions of screens. Let these areas become sanctuaries of togetherness and tranquility in your home. Read more: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents Prioritize Real-world Connections You can schedule frequent face-to-face meetings and outings with your loved ones. These moments hold immense value in nurturing deep connections and decreasing our dependence on virtual interactions. Engaging in real-life interactions allows us to have authentic conversations, shared experiences, and a sense of closeness that cannot be replicated online.  Set Tech-free Hours You can try to set aside specific hours each day for complete disconnection from digital devices. During this time, give yourself the opportunity to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, exercising, or pursuing your favorite hobbies. You can create a space for personal growth, and the fulfillment that comes from offline experiences. You can embrace this valuable time to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday made his most direct statement yet that some amendments will be made to the Digital Security Acts as part of steps to stop misuse of the law. “The Digital Security Act has not been enacted to regulate freedom of expression or the media or it is not being used to do these. Several solutions have already been taken to prevent the misuse of the law. As part of these solutions, some amendments will be made to the Digital Security Act,” he said. The minister made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting titled ‘Digital Security Law in Bangladesh and freedom of expression’ at Brac University of the city's Mohakhali area. UN Resident s Coordinating office in Bangladesh and Brac University organize the program. The government had lengthy discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office on the DSA and received some inputs which are under review now, the minister added. Read more: Misuse of DSA should end: Information Minister "Women are often harassed online which needs to be addressed. The country, the government or any individual will not be allowed to be defamed through indiscriminate misuse of the digital space,” said Anisul Huq. The minister also said “We need to protect our national interests and those who are targeted and vulnerable to digital attacks. That's why we need a DSA.” So there is no question of repealing this law, the law minister said adding, “However, amendments to the law are being reviewed. It must be considered.” Parliament Member Ahsan Adelur Rahman, BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Senior Journalist Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Professor Dr Kaderi Gayen, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Electronics brand Marcel has launched its Digital Campaign Season 17. Under the "Grand Houseful Offer," customers can get cash vouchers of up to Tk1 lakh and products on the purchase of refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners (ACs), and washing machines, Marcel said in a media statement Sunday. The announcement of Digital Campaign Season 17 was made at a programme in Dhaka recently. The offers of the campaign will be available till April 30, 2023, Marcel said. Read more: Marcel 2nd Division Chess League prizes distributed End/UNB/M/MA  

Electronics and tech company Walton has launched its Digital Campaign Season 17. Under the campaign, customers can get 101 free products and vouchers of up to Tk1 lakh and products on the purchase of refrigerators, televisions, air conditioners and washing machines. The announcement of Digital Campaign Season 17 was made at a programme in Dhaka Wednesday. The campaign will run till April 30, Walton said. The company is now manufacturing and marketing 200-plus models of refrigerators of various capacities. Prices of these fridges range between Tk14,990 to Tk1,13,990.  Also, Walton's LED and Smart TVs are available for Tk12,900 to Tk110,000.

Walton has completed its countrywide ‘Digital Campaign Season-15' with huge success and customer response. Customers got sure cashbacks of up to Tk 20 lakh or free products worth crores of taka purchasing Walton brand products during this campaign, making their Eid festival colourful, the company said in a statement. According to the statement, Walton had started the season-15 with lucrative customer benefits on May 16, 2022 that continued till July 18. It is conducting the campaigns in a bid to give customers swift and best after sales service through online automation. In this process, detailed information including the name of the customer, cell phone number and model number of the purchased product being stored on Walton's server so that customers get the best after sales service from Walton service centers even if the warranty card is lost. Read: Walton CEO visits Italy to see ACC's progress on plant dismantling Walton provides various benefits to ensure customers' spontaneous participation in the campaign, it added. A readymade garment worker Parvin Akhter in Kashimpur of Gazipur, tea seller at Feni sadar, Sabuj Miah and banker Md Shahabuddin Ahmed of Mahidia village of Jashore sadar received Tk 20 lakh cashbacks each buying Walton fridge while huge numbers of customers across the country have got crores of taka and free products on Walton products purchase. Firoj Alam, Chief Marketing Officer of Walton thanked all customers and well-wishers for their active participation in this campaign.

Digital payments can boost Bangladesh’s annual GDP by 1.7 per cent, an addition of US$6.2 billion (Tk 50,058 crores) annually to the economy, according to a new report by the United Nations-based Better Than Cash Alliance and its member, the Bangladesh government’s flagship program a2i.  Planning Minister MA Mannan in an online event officially launched two publications titled ‘National Digital Payments Roadmap, Bangladesh 2022-2025’ and ‘Measuring progress to scale: Responsible digital payments in Bangladesh’. According to the report, 53 per cent of the US$6.2 billion will come from digitizing just 30 per cent of micro-merchant transactions in the retail sector; 45 per cent from digitising credit disbursements in the agricultural sector; and the remaining from scaling digital wages in the informal ready-made garments (RMG) sector.  Responsible payments digitisation in these sectors, crucially prioritizing women, will help accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.  The planning minister said digitisation can play a crucial role in country’s target to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and by 2041to transform into a fully developed state.  He said Bangladesh's economy has grown significantly in the last 13 years.  “We are moving forward towards being recognized as one of the top 25 economies in the world by 2035,” he said. “It is one of the main commitments of our government and we are working diligently to achieve this goal by building a cash-less society, leaving no one behind,” he said. READ: RMG workforce survey reveals seamless shift to digital payments a2i Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury said that there are many areas where the country has already witnessed remarkable adoption of digital payments.  As digital payments ecosystem grows in scale and complexity, its dependence on infrastructure increases commensurately, he added.   “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that we build a reliable and inclusive digital infrastructure that will serve as the foundation on which digital payments and services can be built,” he said. Deputy Managing Director at the Better Than Cash Alliance Camilo Tellez said that Bangladesh has achieved remarkable progress towards the Digital Bangladesh vision.  He said that digital transactions have grown from 5 per cent to 20 per cent in 5 years – an impressive four-fold increase.  He mentioned that it has also withstood the impact of the pandemic by digitally delivering social safety payments, wages, and stimulus packages to citizens and industries. “We look forward to continuing our work with the leaders of Bangladesh to advance digital payments nationwide, particularly for women, and sharing lessons from Bangladesh with our global Alliance members.” Since joining the Better Than Cash Alliance in 2015, reports suggest that Bangladesh has made significant progress in moving towards a digital economy.  Based on the reports, the government has released the National Digital Payments Roadmap 2022-2025.  The roadmap identifies 22 solutions to build a safe, inter-operable and inclusive digital payments ecosystem over the next three years in the ready-made garment (RMG), retail, agriculture, health and education sectors.

Mobile financial services provider (MFS) Nagad has won the "Best Innovative Digital Financial Services Brand" award of the UK-based Global Brands Magazine. Also, Tanvir A Mishuk, founder and managing director of Nagad, was named "Fintech Personality of the Year 2022." Global Brands Magazine recently announced the awards in its 10th edition.  READ: Nagad organises workshop on money laundering & crime control The magazine has been recognising innovations and accomplishments in several businesses such as fintech, banking, education, and technology. This year, it awarded the best organisations in 11 industries, including airlines, banking and finance, fintech, consultancy, education, education technology, the stock market, insurance, investment, leadership, and technology. Nagad has positioned itself as the country's second-largest MFS provider in less than two years through a series of innovations and customer-centric services since its establishment. Read Nagad training workshop with Postal officials held It already won several awards from both domestic and international institutions. Tanvir was selected for the award for his exceptional contribution to financial inclusion in Bangladesh through Nagad.

The government has prioritised vocational and digital education at secondary and higher levels in a mid-term plan that seeks to create jobs and skilled manpower, according to an official document. The plan (FY2021-22 to FY2023-24) envisages using science and technology education as a key strategy for development and poverty alleviation. Apart from expanding vocational education the plan seeks to develop necessary infrastructure for digital education. It also underscores the need for increasing the financial opportunities for teachers and encouraging activities related to creative talent exploration. To this end, according to an official document, following the 8th Five Year Plan, SDGs 2030 and Vision 2041, appropriate activities and projects are being taken by ensuring quality higher education in all fields, encouraging students to do research, ensuring information technology based education, expansion of science based education, encouraging women in higher education, reducing the dropout rate, etc. as set under the National Education Policy 2010. The objectives are to improve the overall quality of education, eliminating inequalities in education, improving quality and expanding education. The document said that the government is currently implementing the 'Secondary Education Development Program'. Activities under this include- expansion of infrastructure and setting up of new infrastructure with the help of existing development projects to enhance the capacity of secondary and higher secondary education, setting up of Upazila Training and Resource Centers under integrated education information management program, expansion of MPO schemes in private schools, provision of scholarships for outstanding students, and training of teachers. During the COVID- 19 transition, online classes at secondary and higher secondary levels and teaching on important subjects on television under the title of 'My school in my house' have been introduced. The Technical and Madrasa Education Division has placed emphasis on job-oriented technical and vocational education to facilitate the development of skilled human resources. Some steps have already been taken to expand technical and vocational education, ensure job-focused education, and attract the general public towards technical and vocational education, said the document. For example, projects for making computer/ technical education compulsory, organizing skill competitions, setting up technical schools and colleges in 329 upazilas along with the existing 100 technical schools and colleges, setting up women's polytechnics in 4 divisional cities, and setting up 4 engineering universities in 4 divisions are ongoing. The ministry of primary and mass education has taken multifaceted initiatives to ensure quality and universal primary education, and has adopted and implemented a number of development activities. For example, the ministry has nationalised 26,193 private primary schools. It has started using mobile banking for stipends to about 14 million students across the country by making payment to their mothers on their mobile phones. Further, infrastructure of government primary and modernised primary schools has been developed, free textbooks are distributed, and computers and multimedia are provided in schools. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has started broadcasting "Learn at Home" lessons on television to keep students focused on lessons, and lessons are being broadcast on radio and community radio for students in remote areas. In the medium term, the ministry will provide quality pre-primary and primary education, basic education, ICT, English, sub-cluster training to teachers. One of the main objectives of the ministry of science and technology is to build a science and technology-minded nation. The ministry has undertaken research activities on, and formulated policies and laws related to, science and technology. In the medium term, as per the document, the main development priorities of the ministry will be providing fellowships in MS, PhD and post-doctoral courses at home and abroad for higher education in science, completion of various feasibility studies for construction of nuclear power plants in southern Bangladesh. It also included providing world-class specialised library services for students and researchers, discovering low-cost tide and web power generation methods. The other priorities are developing infrastructure and human resources for marine resource research, improving the quality of industrial products, and ensuring the quality of food and food products.

Entrepreneurs and traders got a hang of the latest digital technologies adopted by Daraz Bangladesh at its seller's summit in Dhaka on Tuesday. The main objective of Daraz Seller Summit 2021, held at Bangabandhu International Convention Center for the fourth time, was to inform the sellers about the new digital changes that have taken place in Daraz's activities as a result of the consistent technological and commercial alterations. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam was present at the event as the chief guest, while Rezwanul Haque Jami, Head of eCommerce, a2i Program, ICT Division joined as the special guest. READ: Daraz relaunches dMart for customers from Sept 21-27 In his speech, Mayor Atiqul said, “In recent times, especially amid the Covid-19 crisis, Daraz has gained significant popularity as a digital platform. My request to everyone present here is that you do not deceive the mass.  "Entrepreneurs need to conduct their businesses in an appropriate manner through sustainable business models, and we need to take our e-commerce forward with credible platforms like Daraz who are able and willing to take complete responsibility for their product quality and delivery." Syed Mostahidal Hoq, Managing Director of Daraz Bangladesh, said, “The lively participation of our esteemed sellers and partners in today's event has inspired me a lot. This spirit of business unity and co-operation is the lifeline of Daraz, which has been proved once again by the successful organisation of this 4th Seller Summit. We wish to move forward with you with equal cooperation in the years to come as well." The discussion at the Daraz Seller Summit primarily focused on how sellers in the e-commerce range can conduct their business operations in a simpler and more efficient way as a part of Daraz through the addition and incorporation of modern technology. The seller summit further discussed numerous upcoming features and initiatives of Daraz ranging from the world’s biggest sale campaign 11.11 to the usage of new attributes of the Daraz App. Currently, Daraz has 40,000 sellers, 2.5 million products and thousands of brands. Apart from the discussion on digital innovation and e-commerce inclusion, one of the highlights of this year's Daraz Seller Summit for the guests was the impeccable music arrangement of the popular band 'Joler Gaan'. READ: realme becomes top selling brand in Daraz 7th Anniversary Sale According to the organizers, approximately 800 guests participated in this year's Daraz Seller Summit. Daraz is a concern of the Alibaba Group.