Bangladesh is in the midst of a profound transition, making it even more crucial to look at the chronology of the country’s ICT boom and the manner in which it is paving the path towards a more advanced and smarter future.
Bangladesh’s digital voyage began with the 2008 election manifesto of the Awami League government, which envisioned the utilization of technological advances to improve the country’s economy and the lives of its citizens. The country’s narrative of success has been mounted in a variety of fields by the actions taken thus far, ranging from economic transformation and job creation, to innovation and entrepreneurship, to e-governance and international recognition.
Since 2009, the government has effectively carried out its plans of establishing an entirely “Digital Bangladesh.” This road towards becoming a digital nation has seen an extraordinary spread of ICT in these past years.
In 2022, the government of Bangladesh explicitly stated its vision of becoming a "Smart Bangladesh" and becoming a developed country by the year 2041. Smart citizens, smart economy, smart government, and a smart society are envisioned as the foundational pillars of the Smart Bangladesh initiative. The primary principles behind the “Smart Bangladesh: CT Masterplan 2041” are the future applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, blockchain, nanotechnology, and 3D printing and their implementation in Bangladesh.
Sectors will be more effectively managed by taking advantage of cutting-edge technological advancements in areas like energy, health, communication, agriculture, education, healthcare, trade, transport, environment, infrastructure, economy, trade, governance, financial transactions, supply chain, security, entrepreneurship, etc.
This ICT master plan envisions a total of 40 megaprojects with the aim of increasing the ICT industry's share of the national economy to at least 20% by 2041.
After taking power in 2009, the AL government’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has emerged as a key government agency, working to bring about tangible results from Bangladesh's attempts to create a digital Bangladesh.
As part of the campaign towards building a digital Bangladesh, 4,547 Union Information Service Centres have been installed around the country. Information cell, district, and information cell, national, are atop the hierarchy. The establishment of these information centres and cells has benefited the country's marginalized population.
Technology for all
Previously inaccessible information and services have been brought right to people's doorsteps thanks to technological advancements. This unprecedented technological upheaval is being heralded by experts as the “digital renaissance.” In a very short time, the government has provided technological services at the grassroots level, to the betterment of the people living in rural areas. The government has stepped up and begun constructing hi-tech parks in an attempt to train the next generation of IT professionals, who will ultimately be instrumental in making smart Bangladesh a reality.
They took many different initiatives ranging from using national data, registering for a job abroad, registering for Hajj, collecting different official or government documents, submitting tax or income tax returns, digitizing property records, using e-governance and e-services, participating in e-tenders etc. Approximately, 8500 post offices have been transformed into e-centers throughout the country. Another watershed episode was the introduction of postal cash cards and mobile money orders.
Again, the government took the plunge towards paperless communication by issuing electronic papers. Since the initiative was first implemented, more than 2.4 million paper documents have been converted into digital files. The e-Namzari system has received over 52 lakh applications, of which over 45.68 lakh have been paid online.
Furthermore, the government is trying to offer a range of agricultural services, including free access to agricultural call centers and the integration of information related to agriculture into data transmission. With today's online resources, farmers may access specialist agricultural advice without leaving their residences. Mobile financial services maintain a role in assisting farmers through the use of mobile banking in agricultural markets.
The government's implementation of a variety of services based on information technology has resulted in a marked decrease in the level of physical aggression shown by intermediaries. Money and time are being saved for users.
A global footing
It’s astonishing that Bangladesh is not lagging behind the rest of the globe in terms of technology; on the contrary, the country has quickly established itself as a trustworthy contender in the ICT industry.
In 2010, Bangladesh marked the beginning of its road towards fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem. There are now about 2500 startup companies operating in Bangladesh. The ICT industry is contributing significantly in terms of both employment and net-worth notching up $1.4 billion in 2022. It's a source of national pride that a number of recent startup ventures have attracted substantial financial backing for their operations here. The startup industry has created and sustained over 1.5 million jobs. According to a recent study by Oxford Internet Institute, Bangladesh ranked as the second-largest supplier of online labourers behind India in 2022.
Encouraging the next generation
As the ICT ministry has targeted an ICT export of $5bn by 2025, the Bangladesh government is encouraging youths to be entrepreneurs and ICT experts. Because Bangladesh has a sizable young workforce and low cost of labour, foreign investors are keen to invest in this country. Since 2012, teaching ICT has been mandated across all grade levels in accordance with the National Education Policy of 2010.
The youth of Bangladesh, living in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, need to equip themselves with skills like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data to compete globally. If individuals from Bangladesh are able to learn the skills required for a career in information technology, the country will make significant advancements. When this happens, the country's standing in the industry will improve.
However, several obstacles exist in this area. freelancers have been asking for PayPal to be used for international money transfers for a while now. Unfortunately, there has been zero development in this area. Additionally, there is a need for accessible, low-cost, high-speed internet in rural regions.
To become a developed and prosperous Bangladesh by 2041, focus on moral education as well as modern education (computer, information, and communication technology-based education) for our children is required if our nation is to take advantage of the opportunities presented by this digital revolution. Research is crucial for a firm basis of education; without it, it would be impossible to maximize education's potential and produce the educated and talented workforce that can grow the nation's economy.
The dedication and commitment shown by Bangladesh on its journey from the digital age to Smart Bangladesh is admirable. The success of places like Pathao, Nagad, and Chaldal exemplifies the transformational potential of the current ICT boom. The modification, however, is not lacking bumps in the road. As the country moves towards its goal of becoming a smart nation, it must deal with issues including data protection, improving skills, sustainable infrastructure, and cooperative leadership.
In conclusion, the government, the corporate sector, and civil society, together can make sure that the advantages of technology reach every person in Bangladesh as part of the effort to create a smart Bangladesh. Bangladesh has the potential to become a model for how technology can help develop a country and make its people optimistic for the future, if it can rise above present challenges and grasp emerging opportunities.
The transition from digital to Smart Bangladesh is about more than simply technology -- it's also about a shared dedication to improvement.
Sauid Ahmed Khan is a freelance contributor.
