The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology on Wednesday stressed expanding affordable and reliable internet services, strengthening cyber security and improving digital services for citizens.
The recommendations came at the committee’s first meeting held at the National Parliament Building, with its chairman BNP MP of Sunamganj-5 Kalim Uddin Ahmed in the chair.
The meeting discussed the manpower and functions of the departments and agencies under the ministry, 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 meeting was also informed about plans to provide Wi-Fi services at airports, improve the quality of land services, reduce the cost of internet services, make effective use of unused assets of Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and increase parcel services by the postal department.
The committee placed emphasis on accelerating initiatives to maintain the addresses of all citizens in the postal department’s database, expand broadband infrastructure and ensure reliable and affordable services.
It also stressed promoting an AI-enabled Bangladesh, facilitating digital payments, resolving customer complaints through call centres and strengthening cyber security.
The committee also called for faster implementation of projects aimed at ensuring safe internet use for children, adolescents and secondary-level students.
It recommended taking necessary measures to ensure wider 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 officials of the ministry took part in an introductory session at the beginning of the meeting.
