Integrated planning, policy reform, and investment in up-skilling were underscored as essential for Bangladesh’s ICT industry to harness its full potential at a seminar organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) on November 9, 2024. The event, titled "Reform for ICT Industry Growth," brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss strategies for advancing the sector.
DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed highlighted that Bangladesh’s ICT sector, currently generating around USD 2.5 billion in revenue, occupies a small portion of the global market, which is valued at nearly USD 3 trillion. "Despite having one of the largest IT workforces, we must up-skill to deliver higher-value services and expand in manufacturing, particularly in semiconductors," Ahmed stated. He called for a coordinated approach across public and private sectors, emphasizing R&D, export incentives, and an academic curriculum aligned with industry needs.
Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, spoke on the importance of updated policies to support business activities and citizen services. He noted ongoing government efforts to address statistical discrepancies and enhance transparency, stating that reform commissions have been established to allow public and private sector input for robust policy improvement.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA, emphasized the ICT sector's potential to rival Bangladesh's garment industry. He announced BIDA’s initiatives to streamline permits for foreign employees and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for investors. Digitization, he added, could be a significant tool to combat corruption across government sectors.
Mir Shahrukh Islam, Managing Director of Bondtein Technologies Ltd., presented a keynote, highlighting that Bangladesh’s ICT market, valued at USD 2.34 billion, is predominantly export-driven, with the United States being the largest market. Islam advocated for policies facilitating international offices for ICT companies and easy access to finance, alongside enhanced protection of intellectual property rights.
Bangladesh Bank’s Executive Director (ICT) Muhammad Zakir Hasan underscored the need for improved infrastructure and called for private sector involvement. He proposed forming a steering committee to foster collaboration between industry and academia, which could address the skills gap among graduates.
Syed Almas Kabir, former BASIS president, suggested tax incentives to stimulate ICT entrepreneurship and recommended revising telecommunication policies to lower internet costs, especially in rural areas. He also emphasized the need for a data privacy act and incentives for R&D in sustainable technology.
Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Banglalink, urged reforms to attract foreign investment, suggesting that foreign telecom operators could advocate for FDI in Bangladesh.
Md. Liakot Ali, Additional Managing Director of Walton Digi Tech, discussed the semiconductor industry’s potential, advocating for reforms in duty and tax structures and joint public-private investments to foster hardware manufacturing capabilities.
The seminar concluded with an open discussion moderated by DCCI Senior Vice President Malik Talha Ismail Bari, where participants identified infrastructure deficiencies, policy gaps, and limited financial access as key barriers to ICT sector growth in Bangladesh.
