Apart from being well known as a typical bureaucrat, Rashedul Islam is a man of many talents. Many find it difficult to express their thoughts into words. Rashedul’s writing style is simple and easy flowing, which makes it easier for the readers to follow.
One would find connotation of my words when one goes through his book `Sakura Moushume’ (In the cherry flower season). The writer has compiled 15 articles in his 104-page book. Rashedul Islam, who is an Economics-alumni of Dhaka University, has highlighted the contemporary and social issues in his book which have a direct impact on our economy and society.
The name of the book is taken from the first article titled, “Sakura Moushume” where the writer shares his experience while visiting Japan in March 2019. In the article Rashedul describes how after Hiroshima atom bomb, Japan rose from the ashes using technology as the major tool for country’s development. Japan has emerged as an early adapter of frontier technologies, the key technologies of fourth industrial revolution.
During his visit, Rashedul witnessed cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the roads. He also saw the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robots for increasing production of industries in Japan. In his article, he briefly touched on all these and touched on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s initiatives including getting membership of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and establishing Satellite Earth Station at Betbunia to expand technologies in the country and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government’s journey towards “Digital Bangladesh”.
In the book Rashed stressed the need for ensuring digital security as Bangladesh has been progressing fast towards the Digital Bangladesh vision and taking initiatives to adapt frontier technologies. The other articles of the book put emphasis on positive use of social media, awareness about rumors being spread on social media and other social issues.
Meanwhile, the cover of the book was unveiled last Saturday at the Mukta Mancha of Bangla Academy Book Fair. Planning Secretary Md Nurul Amin unveiled the cover while former Principal Secretary Abdul Karim and senior officials of ICT Division were present among others.
Ajit Kumar Sarkar is a senior journalist and communication consultant for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology.
