Dhaka – Sajeeb Wazed Joy, an adviser to Bangladeshi Prime Minister, been honoured with “ICT for Development Award” for his contribution to set Bangladesh on the road to digital world.

Joy was given the award in recognition of his contribution to the people of Bangladesh through the implementation of “Digital Bangladesh” initiative as well as his outstanding leadership and commitment towards ICT and competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development.

The World Organization of Governance and Competitiveness, the Plan Trifinio, the Global Fashion for Development and the School of Business of the University of New Haven, Connecticut, the USA jointly organised the function titled “High-Level reception in support of the first anniversary of the adoption of the UN sustainable development goals, the importance of ICT competitiveness as a tool for sustainable development” at the Hotel Millennium in New York.

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.

Actor Robert Davi handed over the award. Dr Sergio Bran, Executive National Director of Plan Trifinio El-Salvador, received another award from the actor.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior Bangladeshi leaders, UN senior officials, heads of international organizations, ambassadors, private sector and civil society leaders and celebrities attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Hasina thanked the organizers for nominating someone from Bangladesh for the award.

She said Sajeeb Wazed, who happens to be her Advisor on ICT, has been instrumental in shaping her government’s vision for a “Digital Bangladesh”. “He (Joy) continues to inspire our youths to think big and act boldly,” Hasina was quoted to have said by state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha news agency.

“As a mother, I am indeed proud to see my son being recognized for his work. He is making his mark in realizing ‘Sonar Bangla’, the dream of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman,”

The government has made substantive 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,” Hasina added adding that it drives the aim to build a knowledge-based society for achieving Vision-2021 and Vision-2041 for Bangladesh.

After receiving the award, Joy said, “I feel deeply honoured to receive this award.”

He dedicated the award to the young people of the country, who are potential agents of transformation and builders of “Digital Bangladesh”.

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