Parliament calls for affordable, secure internet
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry on Wednesday called for expanding affordable and reliable internet services, strengthening cyber security and improving digital services for citizens.
The recommendations came at the committee’s first meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, chaired by Kalim Uddin Ahmed, BNP MP from Sunamganj-5.
The meeting reviewed the manpower and functions of departments and agencies under the ministry, along with their major achievements and future plans.
Officials briefed the committee on policy formulation and implementation in the posts and telecommunications sectors, spectrum management, the telecommunications industry, parcel services and ongoing Wi-Fi services.
The committee was informed about plans to introduce Wi-Fi services at airports, improve the quality of land services, reduce internet costs, make effective use of unused assets of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and expand parcel services through the postal department.
The committee stressed accelerating efforts to maintain the addresses of all citizens in the postal department’s database, expand broadband infrastructure and ensure reliable and affordable internet services.
It also emphasised developing an AI-enabled Bangladesh, expanding digital payments, resolving customer complaints through call centres and strengthening cyber security.
The committee called for faster implementation of projects aimed at ensuring safe internet use for children, adolescents and secondary-level students.
It recommended necessary measures to widen the use of information and communication technology to develop the younger generation and create employment, while supporting the establishment of a knowledge-based society.
The committee also recommended steps to improve the quality of services provided by state-owned mobile operator Teletalk.
Committee members and senior ministry officials took part in an introductory session at the beginning of the meeting.
