Road to Digital Bangladesh: Fifteen Organigations vow to start Pallitathya Kendra.

Speakers at a workshop stressed the need for establishing Pallitathya Kendra in the rural areas, especially those places where people are deprived of information services needed to maintain a minimum standard of life. The present government deserves appreciation for setting the goal of a 'Digital Bangladesh' by 2021. But a time-bound objective speaks of the urgency of achieving it within the time frame. Pallitathya Programme, a D.Net (Development Research Network) initiative can play a significant role for building Digital Bangladesh.

The workshop titled “An Overview on Pallitathya” was held at the seminar hall of Hunger Free World, Kaligonj in Jhenaidah district under Pallitathya Bikash Programme of D.Net on 16 April, 2009.

The daylong workshop included sessions- Pallitathya at a glance; Pallitathya in media; Open discussion on threats, opportunities and sustainability of Pallitathya Kendra; Planning to establish Pallitathya Kendra.

Fifteen organizations of Khulna region participated in the workshop. Participants were present from Humanity Watch, Computer Channel, Bihongo and Pizon Mohila Unnayan Sangastha of Khulna, Organization of Rural Development, Shanghat polli Unnayan Sangatha and Manob kallyan Sangstha of Meherpur, Ma O Shishu Shastha Foundation of Jessore, SDRC of Bagerhat, Prova Society, Bandhujan Samaj Kollyan Sangstha, Prism, Family Development Organization,OSIK Computer and Goriber Asroy of Jhenaidah district. Understanding the Model of Pallitathya all organizations expressed their keen interest to establish Pallitathya Kendra in their areas. Mr. Mohammad Ali, a participant from Humanity Watch worked for ensuring the right of deprived and ethnic people like ‘Moual’ ‘Munda’ ‘Baoali’ etc. of Sundarbans, said “Engaging with Pallitathya Programme we will be able to deliver services of ICT to the people living in grass-root level and it will accelerate our activities to attain maximum goal.” Another participant named Mr. Zakir Hossain from SDRC highlighting children programme said “We will be grateful if we can connect ourselves with the Pallitathya programme. We hope that our children will be better citizens with the touch of technology.” Based on the discussion it was decided that an Infomediary Training Programme would be arranged within May 2009 on the same venue.

Mr. Mosharrof Hossain, Coordinator, Pallitathya Bikash Programme of D.Net presented the key note before the participants and Mr. Arif-Uz-zaman, Programme Associate of D.Net assisted him to make the programme successful.