Digital Bangladesh is the process of transforming Bangladesh into a digital and knowledge-based economy. The initiative was launched by the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2008 with the aim of making the country a middle-income nation by 2021. We will find out why digital Bangladesh is important.
Digital Bangladesh is a government initiative to make Bangladesh a fully digital country by 2021. The initiative was launched on December 12, 2008, with the aim of providing better access to information and communication technology (ICT) for all citizens, including those in rural and remote areas. The initiative includes various projects such as the development of a national broadband network, the introduction of e-government services, and the promotion of ICT use in education and healthcare.
Table of Contents
About Digital Bangladesh
Digital Bangladesh is the Government’s vision and commitment to make Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021 and a prosperous one by 2041. It envisages using ICT as a major enabler in all development sectors to achieve the goals of Vision 2021 and beyond. The Government has been implementing different programs to achieve this goal. The National ICT Policy-2009, short-term, mid-term and long-term plans consisting of 306 action plans have been identified for the realization of Vision 2021. Digital Bangladesh is an issue regarding which there is no conflict or difference of opinion between the government and the people – all are working hand-in-hand for its realization and benefit harvesting.
The Digital Bangladesh Strategy outlines four pillars for achieving digital transformation. They are:
Digital Government is a crucial pillar of Digital Bangladesh, which aims to transform the way the government operates and delivers services to its citizens. It involves the use of digital technologies to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government processes. The goal is to provide citizens with access to government services online, reducing the need for physical interactions and making it easier for people to access the services they need. This includes the use of e-governance platforms, online portals for accessing government services, and digital tools for tracking and managing government programs and initiatives. By embracing digital technologies, the government of Bangladesh is working to create a more inclusive and efficient system that better serves the needs of its citizens.
Connecting Citizens is an important pillar of Digital Bangladesh, which aims to improve social connectivity and increase access to information and services for all. This involves the use of digital technologies to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, have access to the tools and resources they need to participate in the digital economy. This includes initiatives to increase access to broadband and mobile connectivity, as well as programs to promote the use of digital tools for communication, information sharing, and online learning. By connecting citizens, Bangladesh is working to create a more inclusive and empowered society that leverages the power of technology to drive growth and development.
Human Resource Development is an essential pillar of Digital Bangladesh, as it focuses on equipping citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the digital economy. This includes initiatives to develop digital literacy and technical skills, as well as programs to promote the use of technology in education and the workplace. By investing in human resource development, Bangladesh is working to ensure that its citizens are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the digital economy and to contribute to its growth and development.
IT Industry Promotion is a key pillar of Digital Bangladesh, which aims to foster the growth and development of the country’s IT industry. This involves initiatives to encourage investment in the sector, support the growth of local IT businesses, and create an environment that is conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes programs to develop a skilled workforce, promote research and development, and provide access to funding and other resources for IT startups and businesses. By promoting the IT industry, Bangladesh is working to establish itself as a hub for technology and innovation, and to drive economic growth and job creation in the digital economy.
Each pillar contains various initiatives under its umbrella that are being implemented by relevant agencies.
The Government has made significant investments in developing physical infrastructure such as constructing data centers, setting up optical fiber connections nationwide, expanding mobile coverage, etc. Establishing an enabling environment includes initiatives like the e-Governance Reforms Program, National Portal Development Program, etc. The goal is to ensure that all government services are available online and citizens can access them easily.
Connecting people means providing internet connection and devices to everyone so that they can benefit from ICT applications in their daily lives. The Accessible Services for All program is working towards this goal by providing free internet connection in public places such as educational institutions, health facilities, etc. Content generation is important for making sure that people have access to relevant and useful information online.
The
The Innovation Fund for Digital Bangladesh supports startups with innovative ideas that have the potential to create social impact. Startups receive funding, mentorship, and other resources needed to turn their idea into reality. Capacity building is essential for ensuring that people have the skills needed to use ICT applications effectively.
The Technical Assistance program provides training on different aspects of ICT application development and use. It also offers support in areas such as policy formulation, standards development etc. Finally, monitoring progress ensures that the programs being implemented are effective and meet their goals.
Challenges of Digital Bangladesh
However, Digital Bangladesh faces several challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve its goals. One challenge is the lack of infrastructure. Although the government has been investing in developing infrastructure such as the broadband network, there are still many areas that do not have access to this type of technology.
Another challenge is the lack of skilled personnel. There is a need for more trained individuals who can operate and maintain complex digital systems. Additionally, there is a need for awareness-raising initiatives that can help people understand how to use ICTs for their benefit.
Achievement of Digital Bangladesh
The Digital Bangladesh initiative was launched in 2008 and got due priority after 2009 with the aim of making the country a middle-income nation by 2021. The initiative has made significant progress in achieving its goals, with over 44 million people gaining access to the internet and over 120 million people using mobile phones. One of the most important aspects of the initiative is ensuring that everyone has access to education and information.
To this end, the government has set up around 5,000 digital centers across the country where people can learn about new technology and get training in computer skills. In addition, all school students are now taught basic computer skills as part of their curriculum. Another key goal of Digital Bangladesh is to make government services more accessible to citizens.
For example, birth certificates and other important documents can now be applied for online, and many government services can be accessed through a mobile app. This has made it easier for people to get the help they need from the government, and has also helped to reduce corruption. The Digital Bangladesh initiative is making good progress towards its goals, and is having a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.
Digital Bangladesh Project
Digital Bangladesh is a project of the Government of Bangladesh that aims to use information and communication technology (ICT) to improve various aspects of the country’s economy and society. The project was launched in 2008 and got traction in 2013 with an aim to achieve many socio-economic goals, including reducing poverty and unemployment, improving healthcare and education, and increasing women’s empowerment. The project has seen some success, with Bangladesh becoming one of the world’s leading countries in mobile banking usage. However, challenges remain, such as a lack of infrastructure and skilled personnel.
Digital Bangladesh Vision
In recent years, the Government of Bangladesh has been working hard to promote digitalization in all sectors of society in order to achieve its vision of ‘Digital Bangladesh’. The aim is to use information and communication technology (ICT) to help reduce poverty and improve the standard of living for all citizens.
One way in which this is being done is by increasing access to ICTs, especially in rural areas.
The
The government is working to ensure that all schools have computers and internet access, so that students can gain the skills they need to compete in a global economy. In addition, a number of e-learning initiatives are being developed, such as an online library for schoolchildren. The health sector is also benefiting from increased digitization.
Electronic medical records are being introduced in hospitals, meaning that patients’ history can be easily accessed by doctors. This should help to improve care and make it more efficient. In addition, telemedicine services are being piloted, which could bring healthcare to remote areas where there are no doctors available.
What is the Benefit of Digital Bangladesh?
Digital Bangladesh is the term used to describe the government’s initiatives to modernize the country and make it more technologically advanced. The goal is to improve living standards and economic conditions by providing better access to information and communication technology. There are numerous benefits of Digital Bangladesh.
Perhaps most importantly, it can help reduce poverty and create opportunities for economic growth. It can also improve governance and transparency, as well as healthcare and education. Additionally, digitalization can help with disaster management and provide new avenues for cultural expression.
In order to realize these advantages, however, challenges must be overcome. For example, a lack of infrastructure or skilled personnel can hamper progress. Additionally, ensuring that everyone has access to digital technologies – especially in rural areas – can be difficult.
Nonetheless, Digital Bangladesh represents an exciting opportunity for the country’s development.
What is Understood by Digital Bangladesh?
The term ‘Digital Bangladesh’ was first coined by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 12 December 2008. Since then, the government has been working on a plan to make Bangladesh a digitally empowered society and economy. In simple terms, Digital Bangladesh refers to the use of digital technologies to improve the lives of people in Bangladesh.
This includes access to information and communication technologies (ICT), online services, e-commerce, and digital media. The goal is to use technology to create opportunities for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic background. For example, by providing better access to education and healthcare, or by helping businesses become more efficient and productive.
Fast forward to 2019 and this figure has now reached 46%. Similarly, mobile phone subscriptions have also increased from 55% in 2015 to 86% in 2019. There are many other examples too where ICT is being used effectively across different sectors in Bangladesh – from agriculture to banking & finance; from health & education to e-governance.
All these initiatives are contributing towards making Bangladesh a more inclusive and prosperous society.
Why Bangladesh is Called Digital Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is called Digital Bangladesh because the country has made great strides in developing its digital infrastructure and capabilities. Bangladesh has been working hard to improve its telecommunications infrastructure and has made significant investments in this area. As a result, the country now has one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the world.
This has allowed Bangladesh to develop a strong digital economy and provide access to many online services for its citizens.
The government of Bangladesh has also been investing heavily in initiatives to promote digital literacy and skills development. These efforts have helped make Bangladesh one of the leading countries in terms of internet penetration and usage.
The country now boasts a large number of highly skilled IT professionals who are playing a key role in driving the growth of the digital economy.
All these factors have combined to make Bangladesh an attractive destination for businesses looking to tap into the growing market for digital products and services. The country is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global digital economy and is poised to reap considerable benefits from this trend.
Why Digital Bangladesh is Important?
Digital Bangladesh is getting more and more focus nationally and internationally. Digital Bangladesh is an ambitious initiative that has the potential to transform Bangladesh into a prosperous and developed nation. It is important not only for the sake of economic development but also for social and political progress. Some of the aspects why Digital Bangladesh is Important are presented below:
- Increased Access to Information: Digital Bangladesh provides access to a vast array of information through the internet and other digital technologies, including educational resources, government services, and news. This makes it easier for citizens to stay informed and up-to-date.
- Improved Healthcare Services: Digital technologies are being used to improve healthcare services in Bangladesh. For example, telemedicine and electronic medical records allow doctors to diagnose and treat patients from remote locations.
- Enhanced Educational Opportunities: Digital Bangladesh has led to the development of online learning platforms and educational resources, making it possible for people to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their own homes.
- Boosted Economic Growth: The digitalization of Bangladesh’s economy has led to increased productivity, job creation, and economic growth. For example, the growth of the IT industry has created many new jobs and contributed to the country’s overall economic development.
- Improved Government Services: The government is using digital technologies to improve the delivery of public services, making it easier for citizens to access services such as passport applications, tax filings and other government processes.
- Increased Financial Inclusion: Digital financial services, such as mobile banking, have made it easier for people in Bangladesh to access financial services, regardless of their location. This has increased financial inclusion and helped to reduce poverty.
- Better Agricultural Productivity: Digital technologies are being used to improve agriculture in Bangladesh, including precision agriculture and weather forecasting services. This has helped to increase crop yields and improve food security.
- Enhanced Environmental Monitoring: The government is using digital technologies to monitor and manage the environment, including air and water quality, as well as wildlife populations. This has helped to improve the country’s overall environmental health.
- Improved Public Safety: Digital technologies are being used to improve public safety, such as emergency response systems and surveillance cameras. This has helped to reduce crime and improve overall security.
- Strengthened Political Processes: Digital technologies are being used to improve political processes in Bangladesh, including online voting and campaign management. This has helped to increase transparency and accountability, and has made the political process more accessible to citizens.
- Better Transportation Services: Digital technologies are being used to improve transportation services in Bangladesh, such as real-time traffic management and GPS-enabled taxi and ride services. This has made it easier for people to travel and has reduced traffic congestion.
- Streamlined Business Processes: The adoption of digital technologies has streamlined business processes in Bangladesh, including supply chain management, customer relationship management, and accounting. This has made it easier for businesses to operate and has increased overall competitiveness.
- Improved Access to Energy: Digital technologies are being used to improve access to energy in Bangladesh, including the development of smart grids and renewable energy sources. This has helped to reduce energy poverty and improve overall energy efficiency.
- Enhanced Social Connectivity: Digital technologies have enhanced social connectivity in Bangladesh, allowing people to stay in touch with friends and family, regardless of their location. This has helped to reduce social isolation and has improved overall well-being.
- Improved Public Services: Digital technologies are being used to improve public services in Bangladesh, such as water and waste management. This has helped to reduce environmental pollution and improve overall public health.
- Increased Tourism: Digital technologies have increased tourism in Bangladesh by providing information about attractions, travel services, and accommodations. This has helped to boost the country’s economy and has improved overall cultural exchange.
- Better Disaster Management: Digital technologies are being used to improve disaster management in Bangladesh, including early warning systems and evacuation plans. This has helped to reduce the impact of natural disasters and has improved overall public safety.
- Streamlined Legal Processes: Digital technologies have streamlined legal processes in Bangladesh, including electronic filing and online court appearances. This has made it easier for people to access justice and has improved overall efficiency in the legal system.
- Improved Environmental Conservation: Digital technologies are being used to improve environmental conservation in Bangladesh, including wildlife tracking and forest management. This has helped to protect the country’s biodiversity and has improved overall environmental health.
- Boosted Rural Development: Digital technologies have boosted rural development in Bangladesh, providing access to information, financial services, and other resources. This has helped to reduce poverty and has improved overall economic development in rural areas.
What is the Motto of Digital Bangladesh?
“Digital Bangladesh” is the term used to describe the government’s vision for the future of the country. The motto of Digital Bangladesh is “Prosperity through Knowledge and Information”. The goal of Digital Bangladesh is to make the country a middle-income nation by 2021 and a developed nation by 2041.
In order to achieve this, the government has set a number of goals, including:
- 1. Increasing access to information and communication technology (ICT) for all citizens.
- 2. Improving ICT infrastructure and connectivity.
- 3. Promoting e-Governance and digital transformation in all sectors.
- 4. Developing human resources for the digital economy.
Conclusion
Digital Bangladesh is a term used to describe the country’s journey to becoming a developed nation by harnessing information and communication technology (ICT). The initiative was launched in December 12, 2008 with the aim of making Bangladesh a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. The use of ICT can help reduce poverty, create jobs, and improve governance, healthcare, and education. Digital Bangladesh is celebrated on the 12th of December to make the vision more widespread.
It can also help women’s empowerment and environmental protection. All these factors are important for the development of any country. In order to achieve its goal, Digital Bangladesh has taken many initiatives such as providing free internet access in all educational institutions, setting up e-governance services, establishing digital villages, etc.
So far, the initiative has been successful in achieving some of its targets like reducing the gender gap in internet usage and increasing access to mobile phones.
Leave a Reply