The Bangladeshi government has released a long-awaited white paper exposing irregularities in the country’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector over the past 15 years. The 472-page report, uploaded to the ICT Division’s official website on Thursday, January 8, documents financial mismanagement, governance gaps, and political influence across major ICT institutions and initiatives.
The white paper covers the ICT Directorate, Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and the a2i programme, among others. Compiled in 13 chapters, it draws on national media reports, project documents, and interviews with individuals linked to controversial initiatives.
Committee behind the report
The report was prepared by a seven-member committee led by development economist Professor Dr Niaz Asadullah. Members include PGCB Chairman Professor Rezwan Khan; Brac University academic Professor Chowdhury Mofizur Rahman; Padua University Professor Muhammad Mustafa Hossain; BUET Professor Rifat Shahriar; legal expert Barrister Afzal Jami Syed Ali; technology specialist Asif Shahriar Susmit; and journalist Md Shariat Ullah. The committee stressed that the report’s aim is to provide a credible evidence base for ICT reforms, not to pursue political vendettas.
Digital transformation or political agenda?
The white paper highlights that “digital transformation” was often used to justify politically driven programmes with limited relevance to ICT development. It reports Tk4,211.22 crore spent on initiatives such as the Sheikh Russell Digital Lab and film productions including Mujib Bhai via the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), with another Tk16 crore allocated to the film Khoka. The committee questioned the alignment of these expenditures with goals of capacity building, innovation, and sustainable ICT growth.
Hi-tech parks and training centres: Infrastructure without outcomes
Many hi-tech parks and IT training centres were established without adequate needs assessments, skilled manpower, or viable business ecosystems. While infrastructure was built, it often failed to attract investors, generate employment, or provide meaningful services. The report also notes that ICT-related trade bodies were sometimes used for political mobilisation rather than sectoral development.
Projects under scrutiny
Several major initiatives—including 12 IT parks, DEEID, EDC, iDEA, and the four-tier data centre project—were flagged for nepotism, syndication, and questionable cost justification. The committee identified discrepancies between project proposals and actual implementation, resulting in delays, cost overruns, and limited public benefit. Some projects were reportedly fast-tracked due to political influence rather than technical or economic merit.
Training, freelancing, and laptop distribution
ICT training, freelancing, and e-commerce programmes were often duplicative and poorly planned. The report alleges that laptops distributed under freelancing schemes were awarded based on political affiliation rather than merit, and it uncovered fake trainers under the LEDP project, raising concerns over quality control and oversight.
Emergence of a beneficiary network
The report points to the rise of a powerful beneficiary network around the ICT sector, which influenced policy and project allocation. This network reportedly distorted competition, undermined market discipline, and limited growth opportunities for segments of the domestic IT industry.
Recommendations
The white paper calls for comprehensive institutional reforms, stronger independent audits, and enhanced accountability across the ICT sector. It urges insulating policy decisions from political interference and ensuring transparency in project planning, procurement, and execution.
Experts say the report is likely to spark national debate on governance and accountability in Bangladesh’s digital development. However, they caution that without political will and effective oversight, it risks becoming another archival record rather than a catalyst for reform.