DHAKA, Bangladesh, Sept 19 (NNN-BSS) -- Adviser for Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Bangladesh caretaker government Dr C S Karim called for taking initiatives to change peoples' mindset--both at public and private levels-to popularize wider uses of information and communication technology (ICT).

"The government is working on a proposed roadmap of ICT in the country," he said on Thursday as the chief guest a national seminar on Development of National ICT Roadmap/Action Plan for Bangladesh at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

The proposed National ICT Roadmap/Action Plan for Bangladesh was presented at the seminar with Science and ICT Secretary SM Wahid uz Zaman in the chair.

The Ministry of Science and ICT has initiated the formulation of a draft report on the national roadmap on ICT.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Power and Mineral Resources Prof. M Tamim, President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Annisul Huq and former information minister Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelly addressed as special guests.

CS Karim said there are many sectors who require digitalized systems so that institutes at government and private levels could run smoothly.

For example, he said, the land management is a very vital field that needs to be digitalized soon. And steps have been taken towards that end, he added.

"We should identify areas where ICT can be applied for their faster growth," he suggested.

M Tamim urged ICT entrepreneurs to play their due role for the development of the sector further and said ICT was not only a business but also a social responsibility for employment generation.

Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelly said the investment in education and ICT sectors must come from the government.

Annisul Huq said this is the proper time when the country needs a practical roadmap on ICT. – NNN-BSS