Driving Domestic Device Development: Call at Digital Device & Innovation Expo 2026

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Principal Adviser and Special Assistant in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, has urged reducing dependency on imported devices and promoting domestic production. He made the call during his keynote speech at the closing ceremony of the three-day “Digital Device & Innovation Expo 2026”, jointly organized by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority and the Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) under the initiative of the ICT Division.

Speaking at the event held on Friday, 30 January, at Hotel InterContinental, Dhaka, Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb emphasized that true success will come only when the country transitions from import reliance to local production. Policy support is crucial for achieving this goal.

He cited the government’s successful policy initiatives, including reduced tariffs in battery production and mobile manufacturing, and stressed that similar collaborative efforts are needed from both the government and businesses to facilitate computer production.

Addressing entrepreneurs, he urged them to present clear business cases showing how policy support can increase government revenue, which could encourage the government to make more favorable decisions.

Highlighting the potential of the local device market, Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb noted that smartphone penetration stands at only 45%, laptops at 10%, and tablets at 2–5%, indicating significant growth opportunities in a youth-dominated country like Bangladesh.

Reiterating the goal of broadband internet and digital learning in all schools by 2030, he stressed the importance of ensuring affordable and accessible digital devices, promoting installment-based device purchases, restoring trust in e-commerce, and implementing delivery authentication systems.

He also highlighted that key digital infrastructure frameworks, including cybersecurity ordinances, personal data protection laws, AI and cloud policies, have already been established, but implementation must be accelerated.

Foyez Ahmad Taiyeb expressed optimism that with government-business-academia collaboration, Bangladesh will not only remain an importer of devices but can emerge as a device producer and exporter in the future.

Special guest Sheesh Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division, said the expo, co-organized by the ICT Division, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and BCS, received significant response through exhibitions, seminars, discussions, and investment activities. He added that the event plays an important role in building a fully digital-transformed Bangladesh through government-industry-academia collaboration.

Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), emphasized encouraging domestic expertise and innovation, stating that digitalization and effective policy adoption can solve challenges quickly. He highlighted that human resources are Bangladesh’s greatest asset, which, if properly utilized, can transform the country into a technology-driven, prosperous nation.

In his presidential address, Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiya, Managing Director (Additional Secretary) of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, said the event has injected new enthusiasm into the ICT sector after a long time. He revealed plans to expand future editions beyond Dhaka to divisions and districts. During the inaugural session, the Principal Adviser also shared the “Governance without Government” vision, stressing that ICT can ensure effective service delivery without a visible government.

Additional addresses were delivered by BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam and the welcome speech was given by Member (Joint Secretary) of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, Mohammad Saiful Hasan.

Platinum and Gold sponsors were acknowledged during the ceremony.

The closing ceremony was attended by senior industry leaders and officials, including:

• Md. Mamunur Rashid, Managing Director, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL)

• Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman, Managing Director, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited

• Md. Aslam Hossain, Managing Director, Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC

• Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, Managing Director, TeleTalk Bangladesh Limited

• Md. Ashraf Hossain, Director General, Department of Telecommunications

• Leaders from the Mobile Phone Industry Owners Association, various investors, and heads of ICT division departments.

Notably, the expo has been extended until 31 January, showcasing domestic technological innovations, digital devices, smart solutions, and emerging technologies, highlighting Bangladesh’s capabilities and potential in the tech industry.

Awards for the Best Pavilion went to Xiaomi, Lenovo, and TP-Link, while DreamTech, Geniu, and Skart Ltd. were recognized as Best Stalls.

DBTech/MJU/MUM/OR