Google yesterday officially launched its Google Street View services for Bangladesh, allowing people across the globe to digitally tour the country’s streets from now on.
Although from January 22, internet users were able to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Dhaka and Chittagong streets under the Google Street View services, now they would also be able to virtually tour 42 notable sites in the country following the official launch.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader launched the Google Street View at a function in a city hotel, where representatives from Google and officials from different government offices were also present. The Access to Information (a2i) Programme of the Prime Minister’s Office and other ministries provided Google with the necessary support.
With the official launch, Bangladesh became the 65th country in the globe to be included under the Google Street View coverage.
“With the vision for the Digital Bangladesh in 2021, the government is striving to bring positive changes to all areas, along with delivering government services through increased deployment of ICT technologies,” Obaidul Qader said at the lunching ceremony.
He added that the Google Street View also shows how ICT technologies can have benefits across a wide range of sectors in Bangladesh from business to tourism.
Ann Lavin, public policy director for Google’s Asia-Pacific region, said street view imagery would help promote Bangladesh to the world from a new perspective, showcasing the bustling roads in Dhaka and some of the country’s most well-known tourist attractions, which would eventually make visitors aware of the emerging tourists’ destination.
She added that Bangladeshi businesses would benefit from the street view technology by embedding Google Maps directly into their site.