Bangladesh, Thailand sign deal on cyber security, ICT cooperation

Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a framework deal on cooperation in cyber security, e-governance and development of the information technology industry.

A news release from the ICT Division said it signed the deal with Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society after a meeting between State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and Thailand Deputy Prime Minister ACM Prajin Juntong in Bangkok on Wednesday.

It was decided in the meeting that the next meeting on the Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway, an initiative by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), will be held in Dhaka.

A foreign ministry statement said Palak and Juntong discussed the 'Framework Cooperation MoU' in the ICT and telecom sectors for knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, training, bilateral investments, women in IT and sharing of best policy practices including on cyber security and BPOs.

Palak made a two-day visit to Thailand on Oct 4 and 5.

He briefed the Thai DPM on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Vision 2021 and Digital Bangladesh development doctrines for building a knowledge-based digitally enabled society.

The Thai minister said, to realise "our two nations’ vision for a digital nation and society, Bangladesh and Thailand would work closely towards an MOU to share best practices and technological innovations in the ICT and digital economy sectors”.

Palak invited Thai investment in the IT sector in Bangladesh and offered a dedicated high-tech park for Thailand’s IT investors.

Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Thailand Saida Muna Tasneem and Additional Secretary of the ICT Ministry Banamali Bhoumik were present at the meeting.

Besides the Thai deputy prime minister, Palak met Sri Lankan Science and Technology Minister Susil Premajayantha and Vietnam ICT Minister Rodolfo Salalima, the ICT Division said.

He also saw UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP Shamshad Akhtar who praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership in women empowerment and economic development, the release said.

In a high-level forum titled 'Internet of Opportunity in the Asia Pacific' on Tuesday, Bangladesh was elected chairman of Asia-Pacific Information Superhighway Working Group for next one year.