The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Finance Adviser Mirza Azizul Islam yesterday proposed an allocation of Tk 6,334 crore, which is 6.6 percent of the announced budget, for information and communication technology (ICT), telecommunication and communication sectors.

In his budget speech, the Adviser proposed an allocation of Tk 100 crore to IT Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund to enhance investment in information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Relevant agencies, including Bangladesh Computer Council will be involved in the process of channeling this fund.

He said ICT is the country's thrust sector. Taking into account this priority, the government is formulating national e-governance strategy supported by a national ICT roadmap.

The Finance Adviser said the first phase of infrastructural work of a 231 acre hi-tech park at Kaliakoir near Dhaka will be completed by the end of this year. Efforts are underway to attract the private and foreign investors to make investment in this IT-park.

The Adviser said the government has also taken a number of bold steps in the area of information and broadcasting. A set of guidelines has been prepared to introduce community radio broadcasting system.

He said there is 0.7 km road for each square km of land area in Bangladesh. "We should now concentrate on widening the roads and enhancing their quality," he said.

The Adviser said a specific programme has been undertaken in the communication sector to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the Department of Roads and Highways alongside the development of road infrastructure. Besides, the Padma Bridge construction project has been approved at a cost of Tk 10,162 crore. Currently the design phase is underway for a quick start for the construction of this 5.58 km long bridge.

Referring to the Bangladesh Railway, the Adviser said a broad based reform initiative is in place to turn the Bangladesh Railway from a losing entity into a profitable one. A new railway track on the Dhaka-Chittagong route is being laid to reduce the travel time by two hours between the capital and the port city. This will undoubtedly have a far reaching positive impact on the country's trade and commerce. As part of its ongoing reforms, Bangladesh Railway will be corporatised.

Dr Islam said implementation of a strategic action plan is underway to build a cost-effective, sustainable and safer public transport system in Dhaka city. To reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka city, steps have been taken to construct link roads connecting Bijoy Sarani to Tejgaon Industrial Area, and Airport Road to Rokeya Sarani. Initiatives for protection of Hatirjheel and Begunbari Canals have also been taken up in earnest.