There is much to be said for the government’s talks with Japan to work together on building 10 information and communications technology parks across the country.
It is encouraging to see our governments show more initiative in this direction. The ICT parks can add a lot of value to the economy.
The planned high tech zones are budgeted to cost around Tk300cr per ICT park. The proposals are designed to attract more knowledge intensive companies to set up businesses in Bangladesh, by developing facilities to support among other things ICT, engineering, telecommunications and biotechnology industries.
We need to invest in more such initiatives to create knowledge based jobs that add value to the economy and which can spur more Bangladeshi companies to develop technology-led businesses.
It is imperative for Bangladesh to invest in technology industries on a larger scale in order to be on the same page as the rest of the world. These sizeable investments are key to helping the country create new jobs, and to improve its efficiency and business relationship with the rest of the world.
The planned ICT parks may potentially provide a bold and concrete step towards the goal of “Digital Bangladesh.” However, we must make sure that internet and communication freedoms are coupled with technological growth, otherwise such investments may be hollow.
Ensuring more investment in higher education and integrating research facilities and skills training into these ICT parks will be key components to make them a success.