A new Bangladesh must undertake digital reform
At a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, the interim government must enact sweeping reforms to transform the nation into a thriving digital economy
Bangladesh stands at a critical crossroads. A student-led uprising has toppled the old regime, igniting the promise of systemic reform. At the precipice of this new dawn, we cannot merely intertwine reform with technological innovation—we must demand it.
The interim government has no option but to enact genuine reforms alongside strategic technological advancements to unlock unparalleled opportunities for economic transformation in what we envision as Bangladesh 2.0.
But realising this potential demands more than cautious optimism; it requires the swift adoption of policies and reform efforts that will establish Bangladesh as a robust digital economy.
For Bangladesh, this digital revolution is a chance to harness the creativity and energy of our youth, turning them into digital entrepreneurs, professionals and citizens who can lead the nation's economic future.
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Investments in technology will enhance productivity, spur innovation, and create jobs across our economy.
We have seen how technology can transform industries around the world. A digital economy also means secure, digitised record-keeping that can cut through the inefficiencies plaguing our government services, increasing accountability and transparency while reinforcing good governance.
Bangladesh, with its immense potential and demographic dividend, encapsulated in this student and youth-led movement, must seize this moment to transform our economic landscape through digital technology.
But this transformation cannot occur if we ignore our infrastructural deficits, regulatory challenges, and the digital divide that threatens to leave millions behind. We must address these challenges head-on.
The roadmap for transformation
The interim government must take strategic, phased actions: first, rationalise existing projects and ensure the right leaders and policies drive reform. Next, prioritise local technology development and strengthen domestic internet infrastructure.
Finally, focus on attracting foreign investment to expand internet access and make affordable hardware available to ensure every citizen can fully engage in the digital economy.
Immediate actions
The interim government should prioritise immediate cost rationalisation and halt inefficient projects, re-evaluating all key initiatives from the ground up to ensure they align with current needs and potential impact, rather than relying on outdated allocations.
It's essential to place qualified individuals in key positions within the Post, Telecommunications, and ICT Ministry, along with affiliated organisations like the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission, a2i, and Startup Bangladesh Limited.
A committee of industry experts and academics should review existing initiatives and eliminate politically motivated appointments, ensuring public funds and strategic roles serve the public good.
Simultaneously, the government must establish task forces to review laws related to freedom of speech, privacy, data pricing, internet infrastructure, and cybersecurity, crucial for fostering digital innovation while protecting citizens' rights.
Mid-term goals (3-6 months)
In the medium term, the utmost priority should be implementing the recommendations from the committees and task forces to ensure that legal frameworks and project prioritisation are updated effectively. This is not just a matter of policy– it is essential to maximise return on investments while minimising waste.
Building on this foundation, the government must prioritise advancing local internet, software, and technology solutions while developing critical infrastructure domestically. This includes incentivising domestic software development and establishing public-private partnerships to build and maintain internet infrastructure.
The government should serve as an unbiased facilitator, ensuring the a2i initiative remains focused on fostering innovation via private enterprise. Revising the a2i Act to prevent commercial conflicts will bolster the technology sector and national security.
These reforms will empower youth to become digital entrepreneurs, driving innovation and creating skilled jobs essential for long-term economic growth.
Long-term vision (6-12 months)
We envision a robust ICT ecosystem that attracts foreign investment while driving sustainable economic growth. Central to this vision is the development of a national data platform to enable secure data exchange across sectors, improving decision-making and service delivery.
For example, this platform could facilitate seamless data sharing between government agencies and financial institutions, enhancing the efficiency of services like tax collection and reducing the risk of capital flight.
Implementing clear data-sharing guidelines will secure exchanges, protect sensitive information, and foster collaboration across sectors. Robust data protection regulations are essential to building public trust in digital services. A dedicated data protection authority will ensure compliance and strengthen confidence in Bangladesh 2.0's digital economy.
To bring the vision of Bangladesh 2.0 full circle, we must expand internet access nationwide, ensure the availability of 4G nationwide, and extend 5G networks.
The interim government can broaden coverage and improve internet penetration rate via restructuring state-owned telecom operator, Teletalk, to provide affordable data access in underserved areas.
Access to affordable hardware is equally critical to enable widespread connectivity. We must boost local production, making devices more affordable for consumers.
This approach not only lowers the cost of entry to digital spaces but also reduces dependency on imported devices, fosters local entrepreneurship and creates jobs within the tech sector.
Together, these efforts will help build a more inclusive and resilient digital economy that provides the youth entrepreneurs with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
These policies are not just an option—they are the only path for Bangladesh 2.0.
Success depends on swift action and unwavering commitment from the interim government, private sector and civil society to realise this vision. The stakes are high, but the rewards—a truly equitable Bangladesh—are within reach.
Fahim Ahmed is the CEO of Pathao
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
