The government’s long-term goal of bringing the whole country under broadband coverage shows that it has the right vision for making Digital Bangladesh a reality.
It is projected that, by 2025, 60% of the population will have access to broadband connectivity. If we stay on track, it is only a matter of time until all of Bangladesh is connected to the internet.
The new proposed telecom policy -- with the motto “telephones for all” -- is already on track to put all individuals, households, and businesses in Bangladesh within an integrated telecommunications network. The next natural step is internet connectivity for all, as well as the promotion of internet literacy throughout the country.
The flat lands of Bangladesh make it easy for the laying down of necessary communications infrastructure -- we are free from some of the topographical challenges faced by other poor nations such as Nepal. There is no excuse, then, to delay on this.
Going digital is what will level the playing field, and equalise the growth potential for businesses in all regions
Making Bangladesh more digitalised throughout by increasing internet penetration in not just cities other than Dhaka, but also rural and hard-to-reach areas, will help the process of decentralisation and take a lot of pressure off our capital city -- conducting business from any location without physically having to travel to Dhaka will become so much easier.
Going digital is what will level the playing field, and equalise the growth potential for businesses in all regions. Already we have seen the success of initiatives such as mobile banking in their ability to empower people who do not have easy access to urban centres. This success needs to spread to other sectors as well.
If we are to truly tap into the full potential of our economy, it is essential to bridge the digital divide.