Highlights
- Draft of National Digital Transformation Strategy prepared
- Targets expediting country’s digital transformation
- Aspires to place Bangladesh among top 15 nations in e-government index
- Plans to position Bangladesh as an AI and 4IR hub in South Asia
- Aims for 7-8 million ICT professionals by 2030
The interim government of Bangladesh has unveiled an ambitious digital transformation strategy, setting the country on a rapid path to achieve a full digital economy and intelligent governance by 2030, a decade ahead of the previous government’s goal of 2041.
This new strategy, outlined in the National Digital Transformation Strategy draft, plans to implement comprehensive public infrastructure with AI-powered predictive governance over the next six years.
By 2026, the government aims to position Bangladesh as a top 15 nation in the UN E-Government Development Index. Additionally, the strategy envisages a thriving digital economy, marked by a $5 billion ICT export industry, a 50% increase in startup funding, and strengthened global partnerships. Bangladesh seeks to establish itself as a Hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Asia by the same timeframe.
The strategy outlines a vision where Bangladesh will have an estimated 7-8 million ICT professionals by 2030.
“Achieving a full digital economy and smart governance is crucial. Our strategy, currently under stakeholder consultation, provides a well-coordinated and inclusive approach,” explained Taiyeb, who leads the strategy’s preparation process.
Taiyeb criticized the previous government’s “Smart Bangladesh” initiative, which he perceived as vague with insufficient roadmap details and implementation effectiveness.
The draft strategy sets clear, time-bound targets for the near term:
For instance, within the next year, the government plans to establish data governance and interoperability, majorly lacking due to fragmented digitalization.
The strategy intends to launch the Bangladesh National Digital Architecture (BNDA), enabling seamless data exchange among all government agencies. A National Data Exchange (NDX) will be established to integrate various databases, including citizen identities, vital statistics, financial and tax records. The government will also ensure robust data privacy and security regulations, alongside developing a national cybersecurity framework.
To accelerate e-governance and the digital economy, the government plans to digitize over 800 public services through a unified platform, which currently supports nearly 350 services. The strategy also includes implementing AI-driven automation in public services, launching a universal payment gateway for interoperable transactions, attracting foreign investment in the tech sector, and training approximately 50,000 professionals in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to foster a national AI and 4IR hub.
From 2026 to 2027, the government aims to optimize and scale digital efforts:
The strategy outlines plans for full rollout of 5G and fiber-optic broadband, establishment of a national cloud platform, and implementation of secure AI-driven identity verification, including electronic Know-Your-Customer (e-KYC) and digital signatures. The government will also train one million young people in ICT and emerging technologies, revamp university curricula to prepare graduates for future jobs, and focus on cyber security and AI regulations.
A National Digital Transformation Taskforce will oversee these efforts, including representation from the ICT, telecom, cabinet divisions, the chief adviser’s or prime minister’s office, and development partners.
The strategy includes biannual progress reports to monitor key performance indicators through global benchmarking and public feedback.
The government acknowledges significant challenges in Bangladesh’s ICT ecosystem, including:
Fragmented digital assets across ministries and agencies, insecure and non-interoperable major data repositories, redundant infrastructure, higher operational costs, poor coordination between government entities, and citizen data vulnerabilities.
Expert Opinions
Industry professionals and technology experts, generally supportive of the comprehensive strategy, emphasize the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government:
Technology entrepreneur Fahim Mashroor emphasized the need for widespread industry consultation before finalizing the digital transformation strategy.
Mir Shahrukh Islam, Managing Director of Bondstein Technologies, suggested the inclusion of private sector representation in the National Digital Transformation Taskforce for technical expertise, rather than a proposed “all-secretarial” structure.
Praising the bold and promising vision, Aminul Bari Shuvro, Chief Solutions Officer of Synesis IT Ltd, emphasized the importance of aligned academia, public procurement policy, and agency’s authority and accountability.
Shuvro added, “Embedding AI into workforce transformation is a rare grasp of future labor dynamics.”
However, Shahrukh Islam raised concerns about unclear paths beyond 2030, lack of a binding economic growth projection, specific technology investment attraction strategies, global digital trade positioning, and social inclusion.
Zulkarin Jahangir, Assistant Professor at North South University and UNDP consultant, highlighted the “pragmatism and clear timeline with measurable steps, inclusion of AI and data security, and formation of new implementation authorities long overdue in Bangladesh.”
According to Jahangir, the strategy should address smartphone penetration issues, develop a strategy for attracting investments, and bridge the skill gap required for the target of 7-8 million ICT professionals by 2030.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb explained that the strategy will include recommendations from the interim government taskforce to boost the digital economy and improve public procurement for the future.
Fahim Ahmed, Managing Director and CEO of Pathao, criticized the strategy, asserting it relies on a multilateral funding framework and European-inspired initiatives. He opined that the strategy fails to focus on creating income opportunities and socioeconomic development.
Ahmed contended that the strategy fails to recognize what other developing countries have achieved in the past five years and如何去 replicate those successes.
Despite these criticisms, the new digital transformation strategy represents a strategic step towards building a robust digital infrastructure in Bangladesh.
Taiyeb believes the strategy will attract investments in emerging technologies, reshape procurement policies, and empower implementing agencies.
Efforts to strengthen data governance, ensure interoperability, and improve cybersecurity will enhance the country’s digital readiness and citizen welfare.
To achieve its ambitious objectives, putting stakeholders at the heart of the strategy’s implementation will be crucial.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s National Digital Transformation Strategy offers a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to digitalization, aligning with global trends while addressing the nation’s specific needs.
As the strategy unfolds, ongoing stakeholder engagement, continuous evaluation, and adaptive adjustments will be essential for meeting ambitious objectives and realizing the vision of a full digital economy and smart governance by 2030.
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Stay tuned as we explore this exciting journey towards a digital future for Bangladesh!
