The ICT sector of the country started its journey in the late eighties of the last century. Later in the nineties we started working with software. The beginning of Basis was also then, 27 years ago. We have progressed a lot during this time. There were so many things that could have happened again, that didn't happen. We are now exporting about one and a half billion dollars. The local market is also about one and a half billion dollars, although a lot of foreign software is coming. The export or domestic market was supposed to be bigger. It didn't for a few reasons. The main reason for this is the shortage of skilled human resources. We may not have tech savvy people at the helm. People who really know technology may not be coming to leadership. As a result, we cannot move at the speed we want to.
Another reason is that we don't have skilled manpower. We did not take steps to make it. This is not only the case with ICT. Same situation in almost every case. We have not taken adequate steps to develop skilled manpower even at the national level. It should have been done 20 years ago. If we did it 20 years ago, we can reap the benefits now. India has done that. They did IIT in the sixties. They took its benefits in 2000. We could not do these things. If we can't take that step to build a smart Bangladesh without wasting any time, then we won't be able to do anything.
There are photo shoots and digital marketing, there are various promotional videos. Since technology is now so affordable, it has become easier to do this. When we elected 10/15 years ago, we did a photo shoot. But I could not do so much digital marketing. Technology was not so hand-in-hand. Now they are because the technology is affordable.
But the important thing here is the panel. Personally I am against panel system. I don't like it. The main reason is that whenever a panel is formed, there are two or three panels—the differences or rivalries that occur remain after the elections. No matter how much we say in our mouths, everyone is the same after the election, in reality it is not. The issue of factionalism remains in the mind. This is why I am against the panel system.
If that were the case, there would be separate elections for the posts of president, vice-president and director, then there might not have been a panel. Again, there is an argument for the panel. If I can't form a board with similar people, the board won't run. Because my way of thinking is one, another person's way of thinking is different. Yet I think this is exacerbated by the partisan, panel system.
The one or those who will be in the leadership, but they must be people of this sector. There should be a direct connection in this industry. Otherwise, he will not be able to understand and feel the problems. Those who have problems cannot feel the pain they are suffering. So the leadership is needed, the leadership that knows this sector from inside. Just as we need people who know technology, we also need people who can understand good management and lead. It is hoped that those who will come forward in BASIS, those who will come in the future will think like this. Voters also think about the qualities of leadership they will vote for.