BASIS requests to allocate 10 percent of ministry budgets for software and ITES

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) requested all the ministries and their affiliated agencies to allocate 10 percent of their annual budget for buying software and ITES. The newly elected Executive council of BASIS led by Russell T. Ahmed shared their demands at a meeting with Honorable Planning Minister Muhammad Abdul Mannan, MP on Tuesday at Agargaon. 

At the meeting, Russell T. Ahmed said, “All the ministries and its affiliated agencies has adequate budget for their internal development. At least 10 percent of their budget should be allocated for buying software and ITES.” 

He also said, “BASIS is contributing greatly in the economy.  We are implementing fintech, edutech, healthtech, e-commerce and almost all e-governance projects of the government. Moreover, our activities in the international sphere is contributing to achieve government’s target to earn 5 billion US$ in ICT exports.” 

Russell T. Ahmed thanked the minister for an engaging meeting and proposed forming a working committee for the finalization of RFP document, ensuring software budget, lessening tough conditions for ensuring more participation of local software and ITES companies and training government officials on buying software and ITES. 

Honorable Planning Minister Muhammad Abdul Mannan, MP listened to all the demands of the BASIS leaders and assured them to give all the necessary support to develop the Information and Communication Technology industry and implement their recommendations. 

The meeting at the Planning Ministry at Agargaon was attended by BASIS Senior Vice President Samira Zuberi Himika, BASIS Vice President (Administration) Abu Daud Khan, BASIS Vice President (Finance) Fahim Ahmed and BASIS Secretary Hashim Ahmed.