Govt’s digitization initiative makes many Rajshahi youths self-reliant

When Ziaul, 43, a physically challenged person, started learning computer operation in 2008, many people mocked him.

Considering his interest, Huzripara Union Parishad under Paba Upazila appointed him as an entrepreneur in its Union Digital Centre (UDC) in 2011.

He had started operating the UDC with an initial investment worth Taka 50,000. Now, the centre has been enriched with eight desktops, two laptops, two photocopier machines, two color printers, three laser printers, one scanner, laminating and spiral binding machines with around Taka five lakh.

While talking to BSS Ziaul Haque said all the machines and instruments were purchased with the earnings of the centre. Five youths including three girls are working in the centre.

So far, 350 rural youths received computer training from the centre and they were given certificates from the technical education board. Many of them got jobs in many government and private organizations.

Computer literacy along with efficient use of the internet has not only eradicated the distress of Ziaul Haque but also turned him into a successful entrepreneur who contributes a lot to the society at present.

Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Shamiml Ahmed told BSS Ziaul has been playing a pioneering role in the field of E-commerce.

He becomes a successful freelancer earning more than Taka 80,000 to 90,000 per month on an average through providing ICT-based services to the people.
In terms of his earnings, he retains the top position in the e-commerce in the division comprising eight districts.

Abdur Rahman made himself another example by using the digitization process and has now become an icon in the field of freelancing and outsourcing as his regular foreign currency earning is around Taka 40,000 to 45,000 per month at present.

With his own earnings, he has established an IT farm with 30 computers and necessary accessories generating around 300 successful entrepreneurs. His capital now stands at Taka 14.40 lakh.

Rahman got a chance to take a two-month long training on digital marketing a couple of years back. The Learning and Earning Development Project (LEDP) under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) division arranged the course.

Rahman said: “For the first time, I had got a two dollar work order for search engine optimization”. So far, he has earned around 4,500 dollars. The training together with the first work order was his life’s turning point, he added.

Freelancer Abdur Rahman suggested bringing all the under-graduation and postgraduate students under the ICT training so that they can avail the scope of becoming competent freelancer.

Like Abdur Rahman and Ziaul Haque, at least 3,000 youths are involved in freelancing and became regular foreign currency earners through various digital works.

Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayunk Kabir, Commissioner of Rajshahi division, said more than 1,500 entrepreneurs including 750 females are working in 563 UDCs and 91 PDCs in the division and their monthly earning are Taka 8,560 each on an average and number of service-recipients is 350.

In order to boost students’ empowerment through the internet, 437 Sheikh Russel Digital Laboratories were established. More than seventy percent of classes are being held through multimedia in the division.

Around 500 youths were imparted training on graphics design, digital marketing and web design and development, making them competent to earn money through online outsourcing.

Receiving and disposal of documents through E-filing is being practiced in offices and E-tendering and E-mobile court has been launched here, Dr Humayun Kabir added.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-tech Park has been established here for further promotion and expansion of the digital and automation ventures.

Prof Shamim Ahmed of Department of Computer Science and Engineering in Rajshahi University said more youths should learn IT based knowledge for making them economically self-reliant. (BSS)