Facebook, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, ICT Division and a2i, launched ‘We Think Digital’ program to provide digital literacy and citizenship training to promote responsible use of the internet.
State Minister for ICT Divison, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, launched the program through online platform while Deputy Minister for Ministry of Education, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, attended as the Special Guest. Khandker Anwarul Islam, Cabinet Secretary; N M Zeaul Alam, PAA, Senior Secretary of ICT Division; Dr. Md Abdul Mannan, PAA, Project Director (Additional Secretary) of the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme; Rubana Huq, President of BGMEA, and Ashwini Rana, Public Policy Director, South Asia at Facebook were present as panelists. Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor, a2i moderated the panel discussion and delivered the welcome speech at the launching event.
The program is a comprehensive training designed to raise awareness, build capacity and develop digital ambassadorship through a whole-of-government approach, including teachers, officials and young professionals, to move beyond foundational digital literacy towards responsible digital citizenship.
The program provides training courses and educational materials on important skills on online privacy, protecting digital identities, critical thinking, promoting respectful and empathetic online behavior, and tackling false information.
Chief Guest, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister, ICT Division, began by thanking Facebook for launching the ‘We Think Digital’ programme in Bangla, and believes it will help citizens to get a better understanding of the best practices of the internet and social media.
Special Guest, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Deputy Minister, Education Ministry, thanked a2i, ICT Division and Facebook for launching the ‘We Think Digital’ initiative.
He emphasized the importance of working with the government to realize digital transformation and the significance of including social media literacy to the ICT curriculum.
Khandker Anwarul Islam, Cabinet Secretary, talked about how social media platforms, especially Facebook can help promote Digital Bangladesh and overcome the problems of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He said, “Facebook has been an incredible tool for us to promote Digital Bangladesh. It is no longer a dream. Villages are becoming digital as well. Villagers are now enjoying the benefits of Digital Bangladesh through digital centres.”
N M Zeaul Alam, PAA, Senior Secretary of ICT Division said, “The dream of Digital Bangladesh has come a long way under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and the guidance of our Hon’ble ICT advisor. We have created digital data centres to improve transparency and provide information to the citizens.”
Rubana Huq, President of BGMEA, said that with the introduction of digital transfers has made it easier and safer to make payments. In order to widespread the practice of digital payments, the government should take necessary steps to incentivize the entrepreneurs.
