IT sector must adapt to the new normal
Staff Reporter :
The global changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have also been observed in Bangladesh. In this context, the country’s business and technology sectors must undergo appropriate transformations to adapt effectively. These insights were shared during a virtual conference held on Saturday, organized by the CTO Forum Bangladesh, which brought together leaders from various organizations within the nation’s IT sector.
The event, titled “Leaders’ Thought in the New Normal Era”, was moderated by CTO Forum President Tapan Kanti Sarkar. Distinguished participants included BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir, Bangladesh Computer Samity President Shahidul Munir, Bangladesh Call Center Association President Wahidur Rahman Sharif, Internet Service Providers Association President M. A. Hakim, Md Mojahidul Islam—President of the Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum (BIJF), and e-CAB General Secretary Mohammad Abdul Wahed.
Speakers noted that the current situation has dealt a significant blow to everyday life, leading to both subtle and major shifts in lifestyle. Waiting idly for a vaccine is not a viable option. Businesses are gradually reopening, many events are now being held through online meeting platforms, most shopping is being done online, and cashless transactions are becoming increasingly common. These social and economic changes are not temporary—many of the new practices are expected to become permanent fixtures in our lives.
During the discussion, the BASIS President encouraged local software companies to become more proactive and innovative. The President of the Bangladesh Computer Samity emphasized the need to revitalize the hardware sector. Wahidur Rahman Sharif from the Call Center Association stated that automation and the use of chatbots will increase in call centers, requiring employees to enhance their skills. M. A. Hakim from the Internet Service Providers Association noted a growing demand for internet services, which is expected to continue rising.
Md Mojahidul Islam, IT Editor of the Daily Ittefaq and President of the Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum (BIJF), highlighted three key pillars of an immediate response to COVID-19: executive competence, the ability to identify and address urgent issues, and the foresight to plan for the future.
Meanwhile, e-CAB General Secretary Abdul Wahed emphasized the importance of building greater trust in the e-commerce sector.
CTO Forum President Tapan Kanti Sarkar concluded the session by urging professionals in the IT sector to approach the coming days as a new set of challenges—ones that must be met with resilience, innovation, and a willingness to adapt.
