BASIS transforms 2,650 businesses into ICT powerhouses, says its administrator

The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has led a remarkable transformation in the country's ICT sector evolving from just 18 members in 1998 to over 2,650 thriving national business organisations today, said its Administrator Dr Muhammad Mehedi Hasan today (18 January).

"Through this journey, millions of jobs have been created, and local innovative products and services have achieved global recognition. In the fiscal year 2023-24, ICT exports reached $840 million, spanning over 137 countries" he said at a seminar titled "Bangladesh: The Emerging ICT Powerhouse", held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, reads a press release.

"To sustain this progress, I urge all stakeholders to work together towards fostering new innovations, collaboration, and sustainable development," he added.

The seminar underscored Bangladesh's potential as a global digital hub.

Rafael Kabir, chairman of BASIS's Advisory Committee, emphasised the need to nurture skilled professionals to realise the ICT sector's vast potential. "With a talented youth base and proper training, Bangladesh can lead globally in ICT. BASIS is instrumental in achieving this, and this seminar will pave the way for new opportunities."

Fida Haq, a member of BASIS's Advisory Committee, hosted the event, while members Raisul Kabir and Syed Mosharraf Ali shared inspiring success stories of their companies.

Policy Advisor Faiz Ahmed Tayeb highlighted BASIS's ambitious targets for 2030, which include creating 6 to 8 million skilled ICT professionals, contributing 5% of the GDP through ICT, and establishing a robust data governance framework.

He also outlined plans to reform high-tech parks and implement the Bangladesh National Data Architecture (BNDA) design.

Baby Rani Karmakar, Director General of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), lauded young innovators' contributions to building a tech-driven Bangladesh.

She noted how initiatives like reducing entry times at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) 2025 exemplify the effective use of technology.

Special guests included Faiz Ahmed Tayeb, Chief of JICA Bangladesh Ichiguchi Tomohide, JETRO Bangladesh Chief Representative Yuji Ando, and KOTRA Director General Samsu Kim, alongside senior officials.

The seminar showcased BASIS's achievements, such as implementing transformative projects like the E-Tax Filing System, Land Registration Process, and Telehealth Contact Centres. These initiatives, managed by BASIS members, exemplify the sector's dynamism and success.