DHAKA: US Representative for California’s 17th congressional district, known as Silicon Valley, Mike Honda praised highly Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ceaseless efforts in building Digital Bangladesh.

He also praised state minister for information and communication technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak and BASIS leaders for their untiring efforts with a view to building a Digital Bangladesh.

In a video message, expressing sadness for his inability to attend in the four-day long fair titled ‘Digital Bangladesh 2015’, Honda said, “Communication technology is expanding and spreading at incredible rates.”

He added: “People everywhere are gaining access to international markets through IT. This opens up markets and resources to companies around the world in bridge economic opportunities to everyone.”

The US congressman further said, “Through the internet a local manufacturer in Chittagong can connect with buyers in San Francisco,” which in turn creates “economic opportunities for buyers, sellers and service providers”.

He also expressed his satisfaction saying, “I am pleased to see how enthusiastically Bangladesh is taking opportunities.”

Honda also said he was always amazed by Bangladesh. “It is the most densely populated country in the world and there are challenges of cyclones, flood and other natural disasters. Nonetheless, Bangladeshis are among the most optimistic, warm-hearted, generous people I have ever met,” he added.

He also said, “You can’t keep Asian Tiger down.”

Congressman Honda also expected that the tie between Bangladesh and the US would be stronger.

He also praised the UTC Associates, Inc (UTC) CEO Aziz Ahmad, a Bangladeshi American as an “inspirational leader in the communications and information technology industry and a great example of growing ties between Bangladesh and the United States in the IT sector”.

BDST: 2155 HRS, FEB 09, 2015