China to finance Bangladesh's mega ICT projects

DHAKA - China has signed a framework agreement with Bangladesh to fund the country for its development of ICT infrastructure.

Chinese Ambassador Ma Mingqiang and Bangladesh's Economic Relations Department (ERD) Secretary Kazi Shofiqul Azam inked the deal on behalf of their respective sides here on Sunday.

The "Development of ICT Intra-network for Bangladesh Government Phase-III," which is also known as Info Sarker-3 project, and "Modernization of Telecommunication Network for Digital Connectivity (MoTN) are the two projects to be benefitted.

The main objectives of the Info Sarker-3 are to bring all the ministries, divisions and other government departments within a public network, according to the ERD.

On the other hand, the main objectives of the MoTN project are to extend a reliable and affordable telecom facility and facilitate enhancement of teledensity, it added.

ERD said these projects will fulfill Bangladesh's objective of the "Vision-2021," envisioned by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and also assist to build a digital Bangladesh.