Govt Targets 10% ICT GDP Share, Proposes Tk 500 Crore Startup Fund

The government has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to increase the contribution of Bangladesh’s information and communication technology (ICT) and telecommunications sector to GDP from the current 1–2 percent to 10 percent within the next five years.

As part of the initiative, a Tk 500 crore Startup Fund has been proposed in the FY2026-27 national budget to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven businesses.

The announcement was made on Thursday during the national budget speech by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, who outlined a comprehensive reform and modernization agenda for the ICT, telecommunications, and science and technology sectors.

Expanding Digital Connectivity

The minister described ICT and telecommunications as one of the country's most promising economic sectors and a future engine of growth.

He said the government has already launched major reforms aimed at ensuring affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet access across the country.

Highlighting achievements during the government's first 100 days, he noted that:

• High-speed free internet services have been introduced at all airports, seven major railway stations, and all intercity trains.
• More than 4.1 million new 4G mobile connections have been added over the past four months.
• Around 400,000 new broadband connections have been established during the same period.

The government has also initiated work with mobile operators to expand 5G coverage to 90 percent of the population within the next two years.

In addition, plans have been taken to ensure broadband internet speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps in both urban and rural areas.

Digital Public Infrastructure Initiative

To simplify public and private sector services and promote a cashless digital economy, the government plans to introduce a comprehensive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework.

A key component of the initiative will be the implementation of “One Citizen, One ID, One Wallet,” designed to integrate digital identity and financial services into a unified platform.

Building an Electronics Manufacturing Hub

The minister said Bangladesh is preparing to strengthen its capabilities in semiconductor technology through collaboration between local and international technology experts and entrepreneurs.

According to the government, work has already begun on developing policies, regulatory frameworks, and financial incentives aimed at transforming Bangladesh into a Global Electronics Manufacturing Hub.

The initiative will be implemented in partnership with private-sector stakeholders to attract investment and boost high-tech manufacturing.

AI-Driven Development Strategy

The government has identified Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a major opportunity for national development and modernization.

Planned applications include:

• AI-powered smart city development.
• Improved citizen services through intelligent automation.
• Integration of AI into the education system.
• Enhanced public-sector decision-making through AI-driven data centers.

The minister said these initiatives will help prepare the country's youth for future job markets while supporting innovation and productivity.

Tk 500 Crore Startup Fund

To foster entrepreneurship and innovation, the proposed budget includes a dedicated Tk 500 crore Startup Fund.

The fund will support:

• Technology startups.
• Freelancers and digital professionals.
• Content creators.
• AI-based ventures.
• Young entrepreneurs.
• Women-led businesses and female entrepreneurship initiatives.

According to the minister, the fund is expected to encourage the development of a vibrant startup ecosystem and accelerate the growth of Bangladesh's innovation economy.

He expressed confidence that these initiatives would play a transformative role in building a technology-driven, innovation-focused, and self-reliant Bangladesh.

//DBTech/DHE/MIM/OR//