An estimated 14,000 new jobs are expected to be created with the construction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park in Rajshahi, one of the 28 software technology parks the government is building countrywide as part of its Digital Bangladesh programme. The project, which was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in December 2016, will be implemented at a cost of Tk281 crore by Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division, reports BSS. State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said the park will play a key role in accelerating the economic development by expanding hi- tech industries, establishing hardware and IT/ITeS industries, and creating a healthy investment environment for foreign firms.“Rajshahi will become a digital economy hub by generating IT-based employment in that park,” the minister said. Palak said the park is being built following a pledge made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a rally in Rajshahi in 2011, when she had promised a bright future for the city’s students. “The city is hosting more than 100,000 students of different educational institutes like Rajshahi University, Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET) and Rajshahi College,” he said. “Now we are implementing her promise and we are hoping we will be able to create job opportunities for around 14,000 youths there.” Project director AKAM Fazlul Haque said construction work on the 31.63-acre site is already in full swing. “The boundary wall around is taking shape along with the five storied incubation centre in the first phase,” he said. “We will invite tenders in September for different works including construction of 10 storied Multi Tenant Building (MTB) and land filling in the whole project area.”. The project director said youths will get the opportunity to work in the area once the construction is finished in June, 2019. “We are implementing the project with highest priority as it was promised by honourable prime minister. We hope we would be able to initiate the activities of the park by completing its construction within the stipulated time,” Haque added. Deputy Project Director Md Mahfuzul Kabir said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park will provide incubation facility to new entrepreneur companies in IT and ITeS sectors along with drawing local and foreign investors.