Mobile device, technology positively impacts in career development: Survey reports
Celebrating 25th anniversary of Telenor Asia conducted a study titled “Digital Lives Decoded” across eight markets in South and Southeast Asia last year. 5 key trends functioning as pivots for digital adaptation were underlined through the initial revelation. Subsequently, Telenor Asia unveiled the second part of their study which outlines transforming work modalities backed by mobile connectivity. Improved productivity, enhanced career skills and tapping into new business opportunities are just some of the ways people in Asia are turning to their mobile phones to enhance their working lives, according to a study by Telenor Asia.
The second part of the ‘Digital Lives Decoded’ series unveils how people are using their mobiles to adapt to changing realities, as new work cultures emerge post-pandemic. The predominant message of has been that mobile connectivity can supercharge careers, but employers need to emphasize on improving workplace policies and practices.
“Our research points to mobile connectivity as an enabler of productivity, progress, flexibility and economic opportunity. Yet, we continue to see gaps in how this technology is used between urban and rural populations, large companies, and SMEs, between industries and even between C-suite executives and their junior counterparts”, said Jørgen Rostrup, Head of Telenor Asia, discussing the merit and objective of the study. “People remain highly concerned about their skills and ability to keep pace with advancing technology. The aspect of trust is also preventing people from realizing their full potential through mobile use in the world of work. As time spent working online increases, our survey findings can help identify the right tools and knowledge to close these gaps and improve digital work lives”, he added.
The study was conducted among 8000 mobile internet users across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In Bangladesh, 57 percent were found to report a 20 percent or more increase in productivity due to mobile device and technology, while for 26 percent it was definitely over 50 percent. While delineating positive impact of mobile device and technology on career and skills development, 69 percent of Bangladeshi respondents reported to have found significant improvement. In terms of gender-based inputs, 73 percent female and 67 percent male respondents agreed to have gained significant improvement in their career and skills development. 57 percent in here believes that new income streams can be afforded by mobile devices, with 54 percent admitting its ability to help them access new job and career opportunities. 54 percent Bangladeshi respondents believe they will use their mobile device significantly more in the next 06 to 12 months for work purposes. Furthermore, for 61 percent Bangladeshi respondents, privacy and security was the most significant barriers to fully utilizing mobile technology and/or its features to its fullest potential at work, while lack of trust in technology and lack of skills and knowledge were also mentioned by 49 percent and 60 percent, respectively.
TOKYO: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio have welcomed the commencement of negotiations on agreement concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology, recognising the future potential.
The two premiers decided to elevate the bilateral relationship to a "Strategic Partnership" as a guiding principle to lead the two countries journey into the next 50 years and beyond, according to a joint statement issued here on Thursday (27 April).
Both leaders shared the determination to enhance cooperation, specifically cooperation for peace and stability in the region and beyond, deepening economic cooperation for mutual benefits and regional prosperity, and expansion of cultural cooperation and people to people exchanges.
At the invitation of the Japanese prime minister, Sheikh Hasina is currently on an official visit and had a summit meeting with her Japanese counterpart on April 26.
The two premiers welcomed recent frequent port calls at Chattogram by vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the high-level mutual visits of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and Bangladesh Armed Forces.
In light of the Memorandum of Cooperation and Exchanges formulated between the defense authorities from the two sides, they concurred to continue to promote security cooperation such as mutual visits by vessels and aircraft, unit-to-unit exchange, training programmes and goodwill exercises.
In addition, both the Prime Ministers have decided to consider opening Defense Wing in Tokyo and National Security Wing in Dhaka in their respective embassies in the near future.
Furthermore, they concurred to enhance dialogue among the respective diplomatic and defense authorities in order to identify possible ways to strengthen the security cooperation.
Prime Minister Kishida explained Japan efforts for fundamentally reinforcing its defense capabilities and strengthening diplomatic efforts, as illustrated in the new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shared Bangladesh plan and initiative for further modernizing its armed forces under the Forces Goal 2030.
Both Prime Ministers acknowledged the efforts by both countries to contribute to their respective regional security.
Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the establishment of the Official Security Assistance by Japan, a new cooperation framework for the benefit of armed forces and other related organizations of like-minded countries for the purpose of deepening security cooperation, and looked forward to future cooperation under this framework.
The two prime ministers confirmed that, guided by the traditional and time-tested friendship since the independence of Bangladesh, the two countries have achieved significant progress in bilateral relations based on the "Comprehensive Partnership" established in 2014.
They noted that the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2022, as a manifestation of commitment and determination to contribute to enhancing the bilateral relationship based on common values and mutual interests.
Guided by the fundamental values and principles shared by the two countries, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to realising a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, where the rights, freedoms and sovereignty of all countries, regardless of size or power, are protected by international law, rules and norms.
In particular, they affirmed that maritime order based on common values such as freedom of navigation is a cornerstone for stability and prosperity of the international community and that the use of the sea as global commons will contribute to the development of blue economy.
Prime Minister Kishida explained that Japan, as the G7 Presidency, would like to demonstrate the G7 determination to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law and to enhance relations with partners in the international community beyond the G7.
Sheikh Hasina felicitated Japan on its G7 presidency.
Prime Minister Kishida also outlined a newly released plan for a "Free and Open Indo[1]Pacific (FOIP)", which will strengthen Japan efforts to further promote the FOIP vision, with the four pillars of cooperation: "Principles for Peace and Rules for Prosperity," "Addressing Challenges in an Indo-Pacific Way," "Multi-layered Connectivity," and "Extending Efforts for Security and Safe Use of the "Sea" to the "Air".
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appreciated Japan sustained efforts to contribute to securing regional and international peace, stability, and prosperity.
The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IASG) on Monday adopted a resolution recognizing the genocide committed by the Pakistani military during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
The resolution was entitled as “Resolution to Declare the Crimes Committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War as Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes,” said an official handout here on Tuesday.
The IASG, founded in 1994, is a global, interdisciplinary, non-partisan organization that seeks to undertake further research and teaching about the nature, causes, and consequences of genocide; and to advance policy studies on genocide prevention.
Several formal resolutions have so far been adopted by the IASG with the view to recognize the genocides occurred in various parts of the world. The Association holds biennial conferences and co-publishes the scholarly journal named “Genocide Studies and Prevention”.
In the international arena, the IASG resolution is an important recognition of the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971. The Bangladesh government has been making continuous efforts to achieve international recognition of the genocide that occurred against the mass people during the Great War of Liberation in 1971.
Thus, the adoption of the resolution is an important stepping stone towards receiving the due recognition from the wider international community.
The government of Bangladesh is determined to continue its relentless endeavor for getting more and more international recognition of Bangladesh Genocide of 1971 in the days ahead.
Condolences and tributes continue to pour for veteran left-leaning politician and 1971 freedom fighter Pankaj Bhattacharya, who passed away overnight at a private hospital in the capital at 83.
Immediately after his demise, people from all walks of life as well as different political parties and leaders expressed their shock and conveyed condolences.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Pankaj and prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Besides, different ministers, state ministers and noted politicians as well as renowned personalities and organizations also expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Pankaj.
Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, AL Advisory Council Member and 14-Party alliance coordinator and spokesperson Amir Hossain Amu, AL Joint General Secretary and Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader,
Bangladesher Samyabadi Dal General Secretary and former industries minister Dilip Barua, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad President Fouzia Moslem and General Secretary Maleka Banu, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigosthi President Professor Badiur Rahman and General Secretary Amit Ranjan Dey and Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) President M Hafizuddin Khan and General Secretary Badiul Alam Mozumder were among who condoled the death of Pankaj.
In their condolence messages, they recalled the contributions of Pankaj Bhattacharya to the great Liberation War as one of the organisers of Guerrilla Force and his active involvement in all mass movements of the country, including the student movements in the 60s.
They prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Pankaj was a vice-president of Student Union and later he became the executive president of the organization before the independence. Later, he formed a platform named Sammilito Samajik Andolan and also founded the Oikya National Awami Party, known as Oikya NAP in 2010.
Born in Noapara in the Raozan Upazila of Chattogram in 1939, Pankaj studied at different institutions in Dhaka and Chattogram when he was appreciated also as a good footballer and cultural activist alongside his role as a student political worker.
He was expelled from Chattogram Collegiate School in 1959 due to his involvement with the student movement.