TIPAP Urges Two-Year Ban on Foreign Software Imports to Combat Online Gambling and Strengthen Local Tech Industry
The Technology Industry Policy Advocacy Platform (TIPAP) has urged authorities to take strict measures to curb the rise of online gambling in rural areas and proposed a two-year ban on foreign software imports. The organization emphasized the need for widespread internet access, employment creation, improved public services, and the use of advanced technology to combat corruption.
These recommendations were made during a presentation at a roundtable discussion titled "Starting Anew," held on Saturday, October 12, at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro auditorium in Dhaka.
TIPApp coordinators Fahim Mashroor and Fida Haque presented the key points of the discussion. Fahim Mashroor stressed the importance of ensuring affordable smartphones for all, free access to citizen services through shortcodes, and app-based service facilitation. He also raised concerns about cybersecurity, questioning the capability of relevant government institutions in this regard, and pointed out that freelancers are not receiving the 4% incentive they are entitled to.
Mashroor highlighted the growing threat of online gambling, which he described as more dangerous than drug abuse in rural areas, noting that such activities often lead to financial corruption through mobile financial services (MFS). He called for the activation of the Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) instead of relying solely on policing efforts.
Fida Haque proposed a two-year ban on foreign software imports, urging the government to prevent development and donor agencies from favoring specific foreign software companies in large-scale projects. He also suggested that breaking large government tenders into smaller projects would reduce corruption and promote competition among local companies.
Haque further emphasized the need for a national AI and blockchain strategy, as well as ensuring that project directors have PMP certification. He also underscored the importance of developing hardware manufacturing, particularly PCB design, and facilitating app monetization. Haque mentioned that online purchases via apps are still difficult in Bangladesh, primarily due to the absence of Google Pay.
In addition, Haque called for zero-duty benefits on the import of IoT devices and related equipment, and recommended that 40% of the hardware for government projects should be sourced locally. He also emphasized that individuals should retain ownership of their data.
Dr. Shahadat Khan, CEO of Talikhata, presented a separate report addressing the challenges faced by small businesses like that of Kamal Mia. He suggested that a QR code-based loan system integrated with banking apps could help expand such businesses under the proposed Bangladesh 2.0 model. This would require the development of a digital public infrastructure based on unique IDs, along with data sharing and end-to-end problem-solving systems.
Special guests at the event included BIDA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury, activist Didarul Bhuiyan, and BTRC Commissioner Mahmud Hossain.
