Transformed IT centres must for skilled manpower: ICT Minister

Country’s Information Technology (IT) training and incubation centres must be transformed from mere training facilities into effective hubs for developing skilled manpower, creating employment and promoting freelancing, innovation and startups, said Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology (ICT) Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam.

He made the remarks while addressing a seminar virtually as the chief guest at the Software Technology Park auditorium in Jashore on Saturday.

The minister said that as technology is changing rapidly, greater emphasis must be placed on demand-driven, skill-based and employment-oriented training instead of conventional training programmes.

The success of a trainee should not be measured by the number of training hours completed or certificates obtained, he said, adding that employment, engagement in freelancing, becoming an entrepreneur and the practical application of acquired skills should be given priority. A post-training “after-care” system should also be introduced, he added.

He further said the centres would provide entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, technical assistance, business development support and opportunities to connect with markets and investors. An industry-academia-innovation-investment ecosystem will be developed by involving universities, research institutions, startups, banks, financial institutions, venture capital firms and industry associations, he maintained.

He added that the infrastructure, equipment, utilities, maintenance and services of the centres would be brought under an organised management system to ensure the maximum use of unused government infrastructure.

The “IT Training and Incubation Centre Operation, Maintenance and Management Guideline-2026” has been formulated to make the centres under the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority more modern, accountable and results-oriented. The guideline includes industry-demand-based curricula, regular updates and an integrated digital platform for managing training, incubation and other activities.

Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority member Anupam Barua chaired the event, while its Managing Director Md Fazlur Rahman attended as a special guest. Representatives of the local administration, law enforcement agencies and investors were also present.