Bangladesh has been reborn from the ashes against the backdrop of a massive transformation since its independence. The initial years of the country’s existence were nothing but difficult. But today, the country can hardly be ignored.
Since 2000, Bangladesh has remained among the fastest-growing economies, and in 2015, it crossed the threshold to become a lower-middle-income country. Now, the country is on track to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status in 2026, five and a half decades into its independence. By 2031, Bangladesh envisions becoming an upper-middle-income country and a high-income one by 2041.
However, what is it that makes Bangladesh’s journey so special? Digital transformation.
The success narrative of Bangladesh stands on top of successful undertakings in wide-ranging fields, from economic transformation and employment creation to innovation and entrepreneurship, e-governance and many more. Among all the fields, the country’s focus on digitization has undoubtedly played a key role in shaping its success landscape.
Once a technologically and digitally backward country, Bangladesh has made a remarkable journey towards mass digitization. The digital voyage began in 2009 with the launch of the Digital Bangladesh program, which envisioned the utilization of technological advances to improve the country’s economy and its citizens’ lifestyles.
This road towards becoming “digital” witnessed extraordinary improvements in the economic, educational, and social inequality factors that determine the digital divide, such as income and access to digital services.
In 2022, the government of Bangladesh announced a new vision of becoming a “Smart Bangladesh” and becoming a developed country by the year 2041. The four pillars of the Smart Bangladesh initiative -- smart citizens, smart economy, smart government, and smart society -- act as the primary principles towards the implementation of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, blockchain, nanotechnology, Internet of Things (IoT), and others in the country.
The primary idea is “technology for all.” Every sector, whether it is healthcare, communication, education, trade, agriculture, security, environment, and transport, is expected to take advantage of cutting-edge technological advancements.
The world does not remain static, and Bangladesh is no exception. It evolves and grows per the consequences of the decisions taken by the people residing there. As communities become more and more connected, technology and communication become the two powerful bearers of the ultimate tech transformation.
To really become “smart,” Bangladesh must first focus on bridging the current and future knowledge gap and ensuring high-quality and accessible digital services. For the first time in nine months, in October, the internet subscriber base declined in Bangladesh due to a drop in mobile internet subscribers.
According to data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the total number of internet users fell by nearly 3 lakh to 13.18 crore. The decline shows that the country needs to put more and more effort into the quality of its services and initiatives along with guaranteeing accessibility.
Many people spend a great deal of time and money figuring out the most effective route to the ultimate digital transformation. But sometimes, they overlook the most powerful tool available, one that’s right in the palm of their hands -- smartphones. In a Forbes blog post, author Daniel Newman writes, “To be mobile-first, businesses must begin their digital transformation focused on creating a user experience that is just as effective on mobile devices.”
Rightfully so, smartphones have given people the opportunity to remain connected with each other, but now it goes beyond just communication. It is about combining smartphones with technologies that add meaning and efficiency and offer end-to-end “smart” solutions. Brands like realme have introduced AIoT (Artificial Internet of Things) products for efficient operations, enhanced data management and analytics and improved human-machine interactions. With an ecosystem of advanced digital services, the youth-centric smartphone brand brings such offerings in Bangladesh to maximize digitization, remaining aligned with the Smart Bangladesh vision. Smartphone companies like realme hold a powerful role in transforming the digital landscape of the country as well as taking it to a new tech-fueled dimension.
As Bangladesh prepares for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), equipping every citizen with proper knowledge of technology, high-quality services, skill-based initiatives, and technological awareness is imperative.
This may particularly alter how people live and work with increased automation and connectivity. With a forward-thinking and adaptable approach, Bangladesh can reap the benefits of digitization and begin a new voyage towards being reborn.
The journey has only begun.
Alen Chen is CEO of realme Bangladesh.