As the sun set on 2024, the year departed with a crescendo of events that redefined Bangladesh’s digital and political landscape. After 15 years of unchallenged rule under the guise of “smart visions,” the then-ruling party faced an ignoble exit, with its top leadership fleeing amidst rising authoritarianism. Even a near-total internet blackout in July’s final fortnight failed to contain the growing dissent.
The dawn of 2025, however, marks a new chapter. Empowered by the mandate of an awakened and patriotic youth, “Bangladesh 2.0” has embarked on a path of rebuilding. Nobel Peace laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus now leads efforts to restore democracy and transparency. As part of the reforms, the controversial Digital Security Act has been abolished, paving the way for the Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024, which grants citizens uninterrupted access to the internet. Yet, challenges loom large, including the potential for increased internet costs.
The rot within the ICT and telecommunications sector has also begun to surface, with investigations exposing widespread corruption in 21 ongoing projects. From overpriced procurements to infrastructure inefficiencies, these revelations highlight systemic flaws. For instance, questions arise about the misuse of agricultural land for establishing high-tech parks, which could have been more productively utilized for food production.
Allegations of unequal agreements with proprietary technology vendors, sidelining open-source solutions, further underscore these irregularities. Political favoritism has exacerbated the situation, with business entities transforming into party loyalists to secure lucrative contracts. Meanwhile, critical issues like citizen data security remain unresolved, with institutions like the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) shrouded in secrecy.
Despite attempts to streamline operations, projects like the Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) remain in limbo. Efforts to draft an “Infrastructure Sharing Guideline” have also drawn criticism, particularly from broadband providers wary of losing market space to mobile operators. On a brighter note, state-run Bangladesh Submarine Cable PLC has introduced more affordable packages, though concerns persist over service quality and wholesale bandwidth pricing.
Adding to these challenges is the rise of disinformation and propaganda in digital spaces. Social media platforms, especially Facebook and Twitter, have seen an alarming surge in fake news, posing significant challenges for media outlets and public discourse in 2025.
As the nation steps into the new year, the stakes are high. Climate change, technological sovereignty, and democratic stability remain critical focus areas. Ensuring a secure and transparent cyber ecosystem will be pivotal for peace and progress. The journey ahead demands vigilance, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to integrity for the betterment of all.
SM Imdadul Haque, Executive Editor, DigiBangla Tech
