Sajeeb Wazed Joy, information and communication technology adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been conferred upon ‘ICT for Development Award, 2016’ in New York, for his contribution to the people of Bangladesh through implementation of Digital Bangladesh initiative, the foreign ministry sources said yesterday.
Joy was given the award for his unmatched leadership and commitment towards ICT and competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development and for his far-reaching initiatives in setting Bangladesh on the path to the digital world.
Introduced this year on the occasion of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly, the award will be given regularly on an annual basis.
Eminent actor Robert Davi handed over the award at a gala function.
Prime Minister Hasina as well as ministers and political leaders from Bangladesh and other countries, UN senior officials, heads of international organisations, ambassadors, private sector and civil society leaders and celebrities attended the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Hasina thanked the organisers for nominating someone from Bangladesh for the award.
She said Sajeeb Wazed, who happens to be her adviser on ICT, has been instrumental in shaping her government’s vision for a “Digital Bangladesh”. “He (Joy) continues to inspire our youth to think big and act boldly.”
Hasina said, “As a mother, I am indeed proud to see my son being recognised for his work. He is making his mark in realising ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bengal), the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.”
She said, in Bangladesh, her government has made substantial investment in expanding IT infrastructure and building an IT-educated workforce. “We’ve seen a sea-change in broadband access and IT-enabled public services.”
The Bangladesh PM said ICT has thus become a critical enabler for the country’s inclusive growth, sustainable development and good governance.
“It drives our aim to build a knowledge-based society for achieving our Vision-2021’ and Vision-2041,” she said.
“Indeed, ICT holds for us a key to unlocking the full potentials of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” she added.
After receiving the award, Joy said, “I feel deeply honoured to receive this award.”