The interim government has announced a goal to achieve a 5% contribution to the GDP from the ICT sector through the establishment of robust data governance. This plan was outlined on Saturday at the seminar titled “Bangladesh: The Emerging ICT Powerhouse”, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal. The seminar was organized by the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).
In his address, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Policy Advisor (Coordination and Reform) at the ICT Division, said, “We are committed to ensuring global leadership for Bangladesh in the ICT sector. By the end of this year, we aim to implement the Bangladesh National Data Architecture (BNDA), develop a comprehensive ICT Master Plan, and reform unplanned high-tech parks to enhance our ICT infrastructure.” He further added, “We are also planning to introduce the Digital Transformation Data Vision or Leadership and enact the Data Protection Act within this year.”
Highlighting the growing demand for data in the country, Mr. Taiyeb stated, “We have engaged with the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company to announce new packages for data centers, CDNs, and edge servers. Starting next month, we will impose restrictions on International Terrestrial Cable (ITC) dependency to empower the submarine cable company while reducing internet costs.”
The BASIS press release also cited Mr. Taiyeb mentioning a plan to develop 6–8 million skilled ICT professionals by 2030. He emphasized that through strong data governance and a strategic review of previous projects, the ICT sector could significantly enhance its contribution to GDP.
Distinguished Guests’ Views
Special guest Baby Rani Karmakar, Director General of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), praised young innovators’ role in building a tech-driven, prosperous Bangladesh. “The use of technology at this year’s Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2025 significantly reduced visitors’ entry time, showcasing the power of innovation,” she noted. The seminar, jointly organized by BASIS and EPB, was part of the DITF 2025 initiative to address future challenges through technology adaptation.
Ichiguchi Tomohide, JICA’s Bangladesh Chief, Yuji Ando, JETRO’s Country Representative, and Samsu Kim, KOTRA’s Executive Director, were among the honored guests at the event.
BASIS Leadership’s Contributions
In the keynote address, Rafael Kabir, Chairman of BASIS’s Support Committee, stated, “Creating a skilled workforce is the key to realizing the immense potential of Bangladesh’s ICT sector. With the right training and guidance, our youth can establish global leadership in ICT.”
Other BASIS members, including Raisul Kabir and Syed Mosharraf Ali, shared their success stories in the ICT sector. Transformational projects like e-tax filing, land mutation processing, and telehealth contact centers were highlighted as examples of innovative progress.
Dr. Muhammad Mehedi Hasan, BASIS Administrator, emphasized the organization’s journey from 18 members in 1998 to over 2,650 members today. He stated, “In the fiscal year 2023-24, Bangladesh exported ICT services worth $840 million to over 137 countries.”
In her closing remarks, Fauzia Nigar Sultana, BASIS Support Committee Member (Finance), said, “By strengthening collaboration with international partners, we aim to position Bangladesh as a reliable provider of world-class, cost-effective digital solutions on the global stage.”
