Pledge to raise GDP contribution to 10% in 5 years
Proposal for an allocation of 2,049 crore Taka to the ICT Division
The Finance Minister proposed a budget allocation of BDT 2,049 crore for the ICT division in the new 2026-27 fiscal year. This includes goals to increase ICT's contribution to GDP to 10% within five years and to ensure 5G and 100 Mbps internet access.
To establish the country's information technology sector as a primary economic driver, a total allocation of BDT 2,049 crore has been proposed for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division in the upcoming national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced this allocation on Thursday, June 11, during the presentation of the new fiscal year's proposed budget in the national parliament. A review of the budget statement reveals that this proposed allocation is slightly less than that of the outgoing fiscal year. In the original budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the ICT Division was allocated BDT 2,144 crore, which was later increased to BDT 2,866 crore in the revised budget.
In his budget speech, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury highlighted the immense potential of the information and communication technology sector, stating that in the current global context, ICT and telecom represent a highly promising sector. He believes this sector has the capability to become one of Bangladesh's main economic driving forces in the future. Currently, however, the sector's contribution to the country's overall GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is limited to only 1 to 2 percent. Nevertheless, he expressed strong optimism that through the current government's specific and appropriate planning and effective implementation, this sector's contribution to GDP could be elevated to 10 percent within the next five years.
Reiterating the government's commitment to developing the ICT sector as a powerful 'thrust sector' or highest priority sector for the country, the Finance Minister outlined some specific roadmaps. He stated that to achieve this goal, necessary modern ICT infrastructure will be built, wireless and wireline connectivity will be widely expanded, skilled and international-standard human resources will be developed, and investment-friendly policies will be formulated. Concurrently, a 'One Citizen-One ID-One Digital Wallet' system will be introduced to simplify citizens' access to government and private services, and all necessary state support will be provided for the overall development of the digital economy.
| The proposed budget for the FY 2026-27 allocates BDT 2,049 crore to the ICT Division, a decrease from both the previous original and revised budgets. Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government plans to develop ICT as a 'thrust sector' to elevate its contribution to GDP from 1-2% to 10% within the next five years. To achieve this, mega plans include providing 5G access to 90% of the population, ensuring 100 Mbps internet speed, launching 'One Citizen-One ID-One Digital Wallet,' and establishing a 'National Fiber Bank' for internet access in remote areas. |
The Finance Minister further stated in his speech that affordable, quality, and reliable internet is essential for the true development of the ICT sector. Ensuring adequate spectrum and fiber-based connectivity is crucial to establish this sector as a thrust sector. To bring the country's internet service quality to global standards, the government has undertaken comprehensive telecom reform plans, including necessary policy formulation. As part of this master plan, the target has been set to provide 5G network to 90% of the population and ensure a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps in the shortest possible time, in collaboration with mobile operators, fixed broadband service providers, and all other relevant stakeholders.
To provide high-speed internet at affordable prices, especially to ordinary people in remote areas of the country, the government has taken strong initiatives, including establishing a 'National Fiber Bank' and expanding networks nationwide. Following the interim and current government's continuity, high-speed free internet facilities have already been launched in all intercity trains and airports across the country, benefits of which the general public is already enjoying.
Highlighting recent progress in the ICT sector, the budget speech informed that the government has been able to provide 4.1 million new 4G mobile connections and 400,000 high-speed new broadband connections in the country in just the past four months.
//DBTECH/MI/MUIM//
