Digital Bangladesh & ICT

A Study Report on Digital Bangladesh and ICT
Digital Bangladesh and ICT
Submitted to:
Fahmida Hasan
Senior Lecturer,
Department of Business Administration,
East West University, Dhaka.
Submitted by:
Name ID
Faria Shahid 2010-1-10-050
Md. Asibur Rahaman Khan 2010-1-10-043
Jobair Ahmed Riyadh 2010-1-10-212
Farzana Haque 2010-1-10-284
Abdulla-Al-Mamun Kaysick 2010-1-10-282
Niaz Morshed 2011-2-10-205
Victor Das 2010-1-10-084
Bus 361
Section: 02
Spring: 2014
Date of Submission: 23rd March, 2014.
Page | 2
Letter of Transmittal
Date: 23/03/2014
Fahamida Hasan
Senior Lecturer
Department of Business Administration
East West University
Subject: Submission of the Report.
Dear Madam,
We are submitting our report on Digital Bangladesh and ICT. We have collected the
information by making a short visit to the government service offices and have interviewed some
employee for our required information and also do a short survey about relevant information.
We believe, this report has enriched both our knowledge and experience. If you have further
quires concerning the report, please let us know.
We hope you will accept our report and oblige thereby.
Sincerely yours,
Jobair Ahmed Riyadh Md. Asibur Rahaman Khan
Faria Shahid Farzana Haque
Niaz Morshed Victor Das
Abdullah-Al-Mamun Kaysick
Bus361, SEC-02
Page | 3
Table of Contents
Letter of transmittal…………………………………………………………………….03
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………………....05
Executive Summery……………………………………………………………………...06
A. Methodology of study ………………………………………………….…….…...07

I. Research method
II. Sources
III. Sources and methods of data collection
i. Primary data collection methods
ii. Review of Secondary data
B. Limitation ………………………………………………………………………...08
1. Introduction…………………………………….…..……….………….....09
2. Concept of Digital Bangladesh…………………………….…………..….10
3. Role of ICT development …………………………………..………......11-20
4. Prevailing Industries advancement……………………….………….….21-30
5. Ways to enhance the development process...………….………………...31-33
6. Pros & Cons of digitalization ..................................................................34-38
7. Lacking of ICT development ……………………………………….......39-41
8. Observation ………………..………….………………………………………42
9. Recommendations………………..……………………………………………43
10. References……………………………………………………………………44-46
Page | 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Our work is on preparing a term paper about Digital Bangladesh and ICT. It is a great experience
for me in light of the course “Legal Environment of Business”. We would like to show our
special gratitude to our honorable course instructor Fahmida Hasan for offering us this term
paper. This study will make a significant role in our whole studying life as well as our career.
All the praise belongs to Allah the all knower & best of the helpers to make my report a practical
one by providing us the mental & physical toughness in course of preparation of the report. My
next honest & heartiest gratitude goes to my honorable instructor Fahmida Hasan, for her
sincere and utmost guidance to prepare this report & to gather huge practical and realistic
knowledge, to make me understand the topics, terms & familiar with this course.
Page | 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMERY
This report consist the study of the Digital Bangladesh term and ICT development in
Bangladesh. We have highlighted the overall condition of the difference service digitalization
and information technology in our country. We have focused all the important elements related
to ICT development process and digitalization in this report.
Page | 6
Methodology of the Study

I. Research method
For carrying out our study the research type that we used was exploratory research. This type
of research is whereby the research is conducted into an issue or problem where there are few or
no earlier studies to refer to. We have practiced descriptive research where data was quantified
and statistics have been applied.
II. Sources:
Different government websites, Telecommunication information, BBS, Ministry of
Information Technology, Different online service provider companies etc.
III. Sources and methods of data Collection

Our report is on the study of the upgrading technology that is used by overall Bangladesh people
and digitalization process in Bangladesh. We also focus on the good and bad effect of ICT
development in our country. We have chosen following data collection methods:
i. Primary data collection methods:

 Interview: We have interviewed several general people whom are aware of ICT
development.
ii. Review of Secondary data:

 Internet search: We have searched different web site of different online service providers.
Page | 7
Limitations
The major limitations encountered are:
 Insufficient data: The data required for sufficient analysis for preparing the report
could not be collected due to the insufficiency of data.
 Inconsistent data: Data from different sources were quite inconsistent which
created some problems in making the report & compelled us to verify the data
diligently.
 Some information was with held to preserve the privacy of the Government. So,
we can’t give the exact information always.
Page | 8
1. Introduction:
The core of the concept of building a digital Bangladesh is lies in taking forward
development initiatives by ensuring appropriate application of science and ICT. It would be
easier to achieve the national goal as articulated in the charter for change; the election
manifesto of the government is technology for all or Internet for all. The present government
brings the change in all sectors. They provide more effective information communication
system in every sector.
The motto “Digital Bangladesh” refers to an advanced governing system at both central and
local level where ICT will play the pivotal role. ICTs have great potential to improve the
quality of life. The beginning touch of Information Communication Technology prevails in
every walk of life. “Digital Bangladesh” refers to a modern way of appropriate application of
technology in materializing all commitments including development of education, health,
employment and poverty improvement. In the last decades, the world has witnessed radical
changes, in no small part because of the rapid advancement in information and
communication technologies (ICTs), which have opened new avenues for development
around the world.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; what is digital? ‘Digital Bangladesh’; Accessed March 16, 2014.
(http://digitalbangladesh.blog.com/digital-bangladesh/)
Page | 9
2. Concept of Digital Bangladesh:

The term digital Bangladesh has created renewed interest in government and
commercial organizations in utilizing information and communication technology (ICT). Digital
Bangladesh comprises e-governance and service delivery though utilizing ICT, but the vision
encompasses much more in order to be successful there has to be knowledge creation and
management. A country goes digital means; it will be an e-state means all its activities of
governance, commerce, education, agriculture, consumer service, online health service,
information etc will be presented by computer and internet that means in virtual world.
Digital Bangladesh is dependent on the development of indigenous capability to plan, monitor

and manage national projects. This can be represented though a three-tier model. The 1st tier
bears the knowledge century, which provide research and create technology and solutions. The
2nd tiers are the consultancy service providers, who will provide specification, supervise,
implementation and documents all activities for the knowledge center. And the 3rd tiers are the
manufacturing and service industries that provide services and commodities. In real term
“Digital Bangladesh” refers to a modern way of appropriate application of technology in
materializing all commitments including development of education, health, employment and
poverty improvement.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Author: Access to Information Program Prime Minister's Office’; Digital Bangladesh
Concept, update time 5/11/2009, Accessed March 7, 2014. (https://www.apc.org/en/blog/digital-bangladesh-
concept-note-access-information)
Page | 10
3. Role of ICT in Development (urban and rural):

The motto “Digital Bangladesh” refers to an advanced governing system at both
central and local level, where ICT plays a vital role. The use of Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT) in development programming is relatively a new
concept. Information and Communication Technology Division has been working to create
peace and prosperity of the country through proper utilization of Information and
Communication Technology. In last five years, Bangladesh has witnessed radical changes
because of the rapid advancement in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT),
which have opened new sector for development around the country. ICT have great potential
to improve the quality of life and the beginning touch of Information Communication
Technology prevails in every walk of life. The role of ICT in development of Bangladesh both
in urban and rural area is given below:
Agriculture
Bangladesh is an agrarian economy with almost 60% of the population still
employed in the agriculture sector and that the country has set a course for self-sufficiency in
food production by 2013. This sector naturally gets the highest emphasis in the Digital
Bangladesh e-services strategy.
 e-Krishok is the information channels and developing unit to provide farmers with
real time information related to integrated crop management, input availability
and dosage, irrigation, soil quality, etc.
 E-agriculture is an emerging field focusing on enhancement of agricultural and
rural development through improved communication and information process
between urban and rural areas or between national and international levels. ITC
creates a new era of agriculture management including crop cultivation, water
management, fertilizer application, pest management, harvesting, post-harvest
handling, transportation of food products, packaging, food preservation, food
processing, value addition, quality management, food safety, food storage and
marketing.
 M-banking for rural farmers who are underserved by the commercial banking
system and the country’s microfinance NGOs organizing farmers nationally to
Page | 11
enable exchange of knowledge, information and to ensure their collective voice

and participation in policy formulation.
 Increase efficiency and equity in the agricultural sector, improve competitiveness
of farmers through on‐demand information and knowledge, reduce exploitation
caused by lack of market information, and enhance participation of farmers in
decision‐making.
 Agriculture Information and Communication Centre (AICC); Fisheries
Information and Communication Centre (FICC); web-based price information
dissemination by Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM); web-based
Information Repository by Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE); GIS-
based soil testing database by Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI);
mobile accessible agriculture helpline run by private mobile operators are some
initiatives.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Scopes of using field server as an integrated agricultural monitoring system,
Author: Md. Nurul Alam Siddique, Posted on Thursday, 24 October 2013. Accessed March 12, 2014.
(http://www.extension.org.bd/)
Page | 12
Education
ICT have been identified as a key enabler to address the quality component of the
education equation. In Digital Bangladesh, best and most cost‐effective technologies and digital
contents have been used to produce 21st century skills and confidence in students to compete in
the globalized world.
 The Ministries of Education, and Primary and Mass Education have realized the
potential of ICT in elevating the educational quality and have deployed initiatives
to develop digital materials for school education.
 ICT for education or e‐education has been introduced to tackle the most
difficult‐to‐teach and difficult‐to‐learn subjects such as mathematics, science, and
language. E‐education provides vocational and ‘lifelong education’ opportunities
to the youth and adults in order to retool them and build newer skills to improve
their productivity.
 An attractive e-learning environment in schools and distance learning through
TV, radio, mobile phones and internet has increases retention. Laptops and
projectors on movable trolleys for e-learning have been created. Use of TV and
Video in classrooms are being tested in several instances. Radio based adult
education program has already shown great prospects. Use of videotaped TV
program as learning tools is becoming popular among the farmers.
 All primary and secondary textbooks are available on the internet. Training given
to the primary and secondary school teachers using digital content and literacy for
teachers with private sector operators is also created.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Author: ‘Mohammad Anisur Rahaman’, The ICT role in rural development,
Published on: Friday, 30 August 2013 at “The Financial Express”. Accessed March 7, 2014.
(http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/)
Page | 13
Healthcare
ICT-enables healthcare service delivery and capacity building of semi-skilled health
workers around the country can significantly reduce infant and maternal mortality.
 e-clinic is basically an interactive healthcare facility by utilizing ICT tools. The

propose of e-clinic project is to cover awareness building among the rural
communities and online health consultation using video as well as web
application to offer basic primary health care services in rural settings
 Internet connectivity and mobile-based helpline with doctors and also video
conferencing facility in community clinics.
 Database for health policy planning. OMR-based patient-level data collection and
rudimentary telemedicine piloted by NGOs.
 On‐demand access to health information by citizens and also by field‐staff for
better service delivery. Healthcare service delivery through telemedicine and
remote consultation networks.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Author: ‘Mohammad Anisur Rahaman’, The ICT role in rural development,
Page | 14
Connectivity Infrastructure
ICT-enables the connectivity through better service delivery and capacity building.
 International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT 2000), better known as

3G or 3rd generation, is a generation of standards for mobile phones and
mobile telecommunications services fulfilling specifications by the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Application services include
wide area wireless voice telephone, mobile Internet access, video calls and
mobile TV, all in a mobile environment. One gorgeous feature of 3G
Technology is video conference application.
 With the help of ICT it has become quicker and more efficient to contact
either a business or family member. We can now correspond with anyone
around the globe by simply text messaging them, or sending them an email.
 The wide availability of the internet has also opened up face-to-face direct
communication from nearly anywhere in the world, thanks to the help of
video-conferencing, social networking websites.
 Video conferencing saves money on flights and accommodation. ICT has not
only brought the countries and people closer together, but it has allowed the
world's economy to become a single interdependent system.
 It feels free to send an email and it’s cheaper than phone calls. ICT has also
helped to automate business practices.
Source:
Author: ‘Abdullah Al Mahmud Shohag’, ‘3G technology in Bangladesh’; published in the
daily Sun on 24 Jun, 2011, Accessed March 1, 2014.
(http://www.scientificbangladesh.com/en/news/3g-technology-in-bangladesh-
1#.Uy3dBBxTLj8)
Page | 15
Government Service
Local Government:
The current government places an unprecedented emphasis on revitalizing local
government institutions at the rural level and at the sub-district level.
 The LGIs are being re-designed to play an extremely critical role to serve
as local delivery centre for information and e-services, thereby upholding
the government’s commitment to get services to citizens’ doorsteps.
 Collection of demographic information, birth, death and marriage
registration, school enrolment, vaccination, employment and many other
pieces of information using ICT.
 ICT provides a greater degree of efficiency in targeting, policy making
and accuracy in information dissemination.
Digital Government:
The key objective of ‘Digital Government’ focuses to ensure delivery services to
those who are the least served. The two key sub-components of this component are e-Citizen
Service and e-Administration to delivery e-Citizen Services.
 Service delivery to citizens anytime and anywhere is made possible through
creative use of ICTs such as one‐stop service counters, helpdesks, etc.
 E‐services are not only ensuring a higher degree of efficiency in the delivery
mechanism but also improves transparency and accountability within the
government and non‐government service provider organizations.
 Payments of utility bills through mobile phones, SMS-based railway ticketing
information, etc. are some of the pioneering initiatives developed by the
government.
Sources:
DIGITAL BANGLADESH AND ICT DEVELOPMENT; Digital Bangladesh and ICT development. Accessed March
5, 2014. (http://www.shuchinta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:digital-bangladesh-
and-ict-development&catid=57:rokmicronews-fp-6&Itemid=253)
Page | 16
Social Safety Nets

The development in this sector ensures more accurate target of beneficiaries,
improve delivery of benefits, and reduce pilferage in the administration and management of
social safety net programs.
 ICT‐based decision support systems have been developed to evaluate the
impact of administration and management of social safety net programs.
 Some central government agencies and thousands of local government
institutions are being used as channels for selecting beneficiaries and delivering
benefits.
 Best practices in the developing world guides Bangladesh to develop
mobile-based banking and money delivery systems.
 A small pilot to target and track allowances for widows have been
introduced.
Sources:
DIGITAL BANGLADESH AND ICT DEVELOPMENT; Digital Bangladesh and ICT
development. Accessed March 5, 2014.
(http://www.shuchinta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:digital-
bangladesh-and-ict-development&catid=57:rokmicronews-fp-6&Itemid=253)
Page | 17
Disaster Management, Environment and Climate Change

Bangladesh has identified that ICTs can play a critical role in four phases of disaster
risk management cycle which are: Preparedness; Mitigation; Response; Recovery. The
developments in this sector are,
 Management of disaster and post‐disaster situations through access to
real‐time information by government officials and sharing instant
knowledge and information on location specific climate change has been
developed.
 ICT-based information delivery center’s including Union Parishads
around the country.
 ICT-based advisory services for efficient coordination, evaluation of
disaster and risk reduction activities
 Digital content for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and
recovery have been developed.
 Location-specific pre-disaster warnings using mobile phones have been
developed.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID). Accessed March 16,
2014. (http://www.biid.org.bd/)
Page | 18
Commerce and Investment

The development in this sector helps to improve investment climate of Bangladesh
and reduce the cost of doing business, particularly in areas such as export and investment.
 Automated procedures related to setting up new business and bringing
investments into Bangladesh.
 Online tender processes to promote transparency and competitiveness.
 Regular update information about economic data in an easily accessible
format.
 ICT has made it possible for businesses to be automated giving clients
access to a website or voicemail 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This
means that a business can be open anytime, anywhere, giving a customer
the capability to make a purchase from different countries thus making it
easier and more convenient.
Law Enforcement, Legal Services and Judiciary

Improve law and order situation in the country, particularly in court management
covering automated updating of cause‐lists and hearing days, and easily accessible information
services for citizens regarding procedures and regulations regarding law enforcement and
judiciary.
 Toll-free phone-based legal advisory and legal services at citizens’
doorsteps especially for women, hard-core poor, disabled, and other
marginalized groups.
 Publishing cause list and case updates on the internet and making them
phone and SMS-enabled.
 Immigration database covering 90% of the total movement linked to
Bureau of Manpower and Training (BMET),
 Crime data management system in all divisional and district headquarters,
 Automated fingerprint identification system.
Source: Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Author: ‘Mohammad Anisur Rahaman’, The ICT role in rural development,
Page | 19
Civil Service and Parliament

To drive continuous improvement of service delivery (Delighting the Customers),
create an environment of professional development and performance‐based career
movement (Investing in People) and a culture of change management (Organizing for
Adaptation and Resilience).
 Creating a knowledge management platform for developing individual
capacity and institutional memory,
 Networking all government offices to implement the Right to Information
Act, establishing e‐portfolios of officers for performance management are
all examples of areas where ICTs is used as indispensable tools.
 ICT can be utilized as the most cost‐effective and widespread channel for
establishing a constant interactive platform for dialogue with citizens, civil
society and private sector, receiving citizens grievances on service
delivery and feedback on policy decisions, and publishing results for mass
dissemination.
 To leverage ICT platforms to improve the existing communication
channels between the members of parliament and their constituencies and
enhance the quality and speed of decisions in the parliament by
establishing decision support systems.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID). Accessed March 16,
Page | 20
4. Prevailing Industries advancement:

The Government of Bangladesh has declared ‘Vision 2021’
The Government of Bangladesh has declared ‘Vision 2021’ with a target to make
Bangladesh as a middle income country using Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) and development of favorable business environment for innovative companies. ICT has
been considered as a thrust sector. Government has taken various initiatives to achieve the target.
Among them conducive business environment for Hi-Tech Industries is mentionable. So,
Information and Technology (IT) Village / Software Technology Park (STP) in divisional level
will be one of the important and priority projects which would be the milestone for the
development of IT sector as well as industrialization in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Hi-tech Park
Authority is the official body of Bangladesh government to boost up hi-tech industries in
Bangladesh. To fasten up the economic development of the country, Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park
Authority (BHTPA) was established in 2010. The purpose of the act is to the establishment of
the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority to make provision for the establishment and expansion
of Hi-Tech industry for creation, management, operation and development of Hi-Tech Park
within the country. It is an autonomous body comprising 76 personnel; Managing Director (MD)
is the Chief Executive of the authority. There is an Executive Committee (EC), headed by the
minister of ICT to look after the day to day policy matter of the authority. Representative from
different ministries, local body and professional stack holders are the members of the EC. In
spite of that, a Governing Council, headed by the honorable Prime Minister is also overviews,
the overall policy matters of the authority. The office of the BHTPA is situated in the 3rd floor of
Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) Bhaban, Agargaon, and Dhaka.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: The Government of Bangladesh has declared ‘Vision 2012,
Accessed March 17, 2014. (http://www.htpbd.org.bd/)
Page | 21
Background of Bangladesh
In the wake of developing a knowledge based economy, Bangladesh has realized that in
the field of Science and Technology significant commitments have to be made to achieve high
level prosperity in near future. Countries making transition from agro/industrial economy to
information economy normally recognize the knowledge-based industries, particularly those
related to information technology and biotechnology, as the top priority sector. It is a fact that
Information Technology has been identified as the “thrust sector” for the economy of
Bangladesh. The Government of Bangladesh has therefore conceived of establishing high-tech
and modern industry that envisages supplementing tertiary industries and social well-being
undertakings and would figure out high-level industrial parks that can keep pace with the world's
economic development. Hi-Tech parks are being developed in different countries with a purpose
to provide adequate infrastructure support services to create an environment well organized for
development of need-based industries. Kailakoir Hi-Tech Park is the first state-level Hi-Tech
Park initiated by the government. The then Ministry of Science and Ministry of Information and
Communication Technology (MOICT) entrusted with the responsibility to Bureau of Research
and Consultation (BRTC) of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) for
conducting a study for establishing a Hi-Tech park in Bangladesh. BRTC started the project
formulation study with a multi-disciplinary team in the year 2001. The team visited some
countries such as India, Singapore, Malaysia, gathered experience on such endeavors and
prepared design, operation and management for a Hi-Tech park at Kaliakoir in Gazipur district.
In the Master Plan of the Hi-Tech Park the land has been divided into five blocks and will be
developed in different phases. Bloc-1 will have administrative offices and utilities. It will be
implemented in the first phase.
At first a Project Concept Paper (PCP) with an estimated cost of Tk.25100.00 lack was sent to
the Planning Commission. On 03 Feb 2003 the Pre-ECNEC meeting decided that MOSICT will
make efforts to derive funds from different sources through Economic Relation Division (
ERD) for its implementation and the project would be included in the 2002-2003 Annual
Development Program (ADP )as Private Sector Funded Project. The response for achieving
funds has not been satisfactory.
Page | 22
MST Technology Centre, a subsidiary organization of Malaysia’s Hi-Tech park authority,

Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC) has expressed their interest to establish a Hi-Tech
park in the proposed land in Bangladesh resembling to Malaysia’s Multimedia Super Corridor.
With this end in view they have conducted a study and submitted their final report in the
MOSICT on 27 Aug 2005.
On 3rd April 2003, National Taskforce Committee of MOSICT decided to implement the Hi-
Tech park project. Accordingly step was taken to establish Hi-Tech Park on 231.385 areas of
land. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Ministry of land and MOSICT and
the land was handed over to MOSICT on 24 April 2004 by the Ministry of Land.
In the year 2004-2005 the Hi-Tech park project was included in the ADP as a project without
budget. A project was then proposed to create basic infrastructure facilities from own fund of the
Government of Bangladesh to motivate the potential foreign investors for investment. The
project has been known as the Basic Infrastructure Development Project for Hi-Tech Park at
Kaliakoir (1st phase) at a cost of Tk.26 core.
Later on, Price Water House Cooper India engaged by World Bank ( WB) under Bangladesh
Private Sector Development Support Project (PSDSP) to conduct a feasibility study. The
consultant firm has submitted pre-final report. The Basic Infrastructure for Hi-Tech Park in
Kaliakoir, Gazipur Project is progressing smoothly.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Background of Bangladesh Accessed March 16, 2014.
(http://www.htpbd.org.bd/)
Page | 23
Vehicle Digital Number Plate

Vehicle Retro-Reflective number plate mostly known as Vehicle digital number plate, the
most modern and technically advance number plate ever in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister,
Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated the system being operated and maintained by the Bangladesh
Machine Tools Factory Limited on 31 October 2012. Government has a goal to turn the country
digital within 2021 and as a part of digitalization BRTA (Bangladesh Road Transport Authority)
has introduced the Retro-Reflective number plate popularly known as digital number plate.
It is actually a great achievement for BRTA and Government because by this we entered
into a new era of advance technology. Paper name of this whole project is Retro-Reflective
Number Plate RFID and hope BRTA will successfully implant it on the vehicles. Bangladesh
Road Transport Authority setting digital number plates with radio frequency identification chip
on vehicles to improve services in the transport sector. Actually the digital number plate system
has been introduced to ensure facilities for vehicle owners, drivers, controller and the law
enforcement agencies.
New Taxi cab in Dhaka soon
The inhabitants of Dhaka are likely to see new taxi cabs in the city from next month.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has improved of sixty cabs, among the five
hundred, which are probably to be seen on the street by mid-april. The process of importing 60
taxi cabs has been completed, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader told the media on
Sunday. “They will arrive this month. Hopefully, they will be plying the city streets before
Pahela Boishak (Bengali New Year), the minister said. It will reduce the transport crisis in the
capital.
Sources:
1. Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Vehicle digital number plate, Accessed March 16,
2014. (http://www.bikebd.com/vehicle-digital-number-plate-in-bangladesh/)
2. Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: New taxi cab in Dhaka soon, Accessed March 16,
2014. (http://news.priyo.com/2014/03/02/new-taxi-cabs-city-soon-102113.html)
Page | 24
Bangladesh Railway and Grameenphone launch electronic ticketing service
Bangladesh Railway has initiated an innovative service to allow its commuters to reserve
train tickets 10 days in advance over their mobile phone through the Grameenphone’s
“Mobitaka” service. On 4th March 2010, ‘Mobitaka’ ticketing service was formally announced
by the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the ‘Digital Innovation Fair 2010’ when, she
purchased an electronic ticket for herself from the Railway stall. The PM expressed her
satisfaction at such innovative service to reduce hassles from the life of the common people and
asked everyone to bring convenience and better service by harnessing appropriate technology.
To buy a digital train ticket through the ‘Mobitaka’ ticketing service a person will access
a menu from his mobile phone and input the required traveling information. After providing
input, the customer can either ‘book’ the tickets for a stipulated time period or purchase the
ticket instantly, subject to seat availability. A digital train ticket number will be sent to his
mobile which can be used to obtain a paper-based ticket from the train station at the time of
travel. A customer will pay a service fee of BDT 20 per seat for availing an electronic ticket
though this service.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Bangladesh Railway and Gramophone launch electronic
ticketing system, Accessed March 17, 2014. (http://www.easytechtips24.com/first-demu-commuter-train-service-in-
bangladesh-railway/)
Page | 25
First DEMU Commuter Train Service in Bangladesh
It is great news for Bangladeshi people that, first DEMU commuter train services have
been started In Bangladesh railway. In first phase two DEMU sets are the first of 20 is being
imported from china. A Chinese private firm is providing them under a $58.31 million deal.
These train left Pahartali railway station in the Chittagong city around 9:30 am and arrived at
Comilla railway station at 2:18pm without any predicaments, said Md. Saiful Islam, works
manager of diesel electric multiple units (DEMUs), Railway Bhaban in Dhaka. The train again
left Comilla for going to Chittagong around 3:30pm, reports our Chittagong reporter quoting
Saiful Islam. Now it is being weathered at Bangladesh Railway’s Pahartoli Diesel Workshop at
the port city Chittagong.In the first phase, two commuter trains, named as DEMUs, will play
between Dhaka to Narayangan.
‘Super plan’ for railways
Finance Minister AMA Muhith has spoken of a ‘super plan’ for the development of the
railways sector, what he says will ‘dazzle’ all when he presents the 2013-14 fiscal budgets.“The
government will take a revolutionary step for development of the railways, something no
previous government had done. We hope our initiative will be continued,” Muhith told
bdnews24.com in an interview in his office. “As part of that plan, the new budget has a super
plan for the railways,” he said. The forthcoming budget session will be the last for the incumbent
Awami League-led ruling coalition.
Sources:
1. Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: First DEMU train system in Bangladesh, Accessed
March 14, 2014. (http://www.easytechtips24.com/first-demu-commuter-train-service-in-bangladesh-
railway/)
2. Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: ‘Super plan’ for railways, Accessed March 10, 2014.
(http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/28/super-plan-for-railways)
Page | 26
Telecom Industries in Bangladesh
The Telegraph branch under the Posts and Telegraph Department was created in 1853 in
British India and was regulated afterward under the Telegraph act of 1885. Pakistan Telegraph
and Telephone Department was constructed in 1962. After the independence of the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh in 1971, Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone department was set up
under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. This was converted into a corporate body
named ‘Telegraph and Telephone Board’ by promulgation of Telegraph and Telephone Board
Ordinance, 1975. On 24th February, 1979; Telegraph and Telephone Board was converted to
“Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB)” as a Government Board.
At the time of Independence
Ø Full Government Monopoly
Ø Some CB (Central Battery) exchanges
Ø National transmission with physical lines, VHF radios, and 2 number Microwave (M/W)
routes
Ø Overseas communication through low capacity High Frequency (HF) system
Ø Services provided mainly – telegraph & telephony
Developments in BTTB from 1973-85
Ø Standard ‘A’ Earth Station at Betbunia, Rangamati
Ø First digital International Trunk Automatic Exchange (ITX) at Moghbazar, Dhaka
Ø First digital Trunk Automatic Exchange (TAX) at 4 towns namely Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna
and Bogura.
Ø Standard ‘B’ Earth Station at Talibabad, Gazipur
Ø Analog microwave routes at 9 districts
Ø Multi-access radio telephone to connect remote important subscribers and rural Public Call
Offices (PCOs).
Page | 27
Developments in BTTB from 1986-95
Ø First digital telephone subscribers: 26000 lines in Dhaka in 1989
Ø First digital PDH (140 Mbps) Microwave at 17 district towns
Ø UHF radio links to inter-connecting upazillas to district.
Ø Standard ‘A’ Earth Station at Mahakhali, Dhaka.
Ø New ITX (digital) at Mahakhali, Dhaka
Ø Digital Exchanges at 5 cities: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet
Ø Digital radio multi access subscribers system (DRMASS): Dhaka, Chittagong and
Moulavibazar.
Developments of other operators.
Ø License awarded to two private operators in 1989 to operate PSTN system in the upazilla level
throughout the country.
Ø License awarded to one operator to provide paging and radio trucking services in the country.
Ø License awarded in 1990 to one operator to launch mobile phone services.
Other Developments in Telecom sector
Ø Government adopted the Telecommunication Act 2001
Ø Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) formed in 2001
Ø Addition of around 30 lacks mobile subscribers
Ø License awarded to several private operators to operate land phone throughout the country.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Telecom Industries in Bangladesh Accessed March 10, 2014.
(http://www.lawyersnjurists.com/)
Page | 28
3G Technology in Bangladesh
It is the improvement of science and technology that has made our life easier, given us
immense opportunity to access to anyone we desire. Mobile phone, a wonderful invention of
modern science, was first introduced in Bangladesh in the middle of 1990s. Now-a-days mobile
phone has become a part & parcel of our everyday life and it is quite affordable to the poor
people as well. Technology behind mobile phone has been changed several times and it’s an
ongoing process. So far mobile phones have experienced 1G, 2G, 2.5, 3G and in some developed
countries 4G technology. As 4G is yet to get a vast coverage, 3G is one of the most talked
technologies in the present scientific world. Mobile phone, the 1st generation of which was
introduced in the mid-1980s, has been constantly evolving since its inception. Though Mobile
phone has traditionally been used for voice communications, today it can serve as the platform
for a variety of communication outputs including data and video.
International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT 2000), better known as 3G or 3rd

generation, is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunications
services fulfilling specifications by the International Telecommunication Union
(ITU). Application services include wide area wireless voice telephone, mobile Internet access,
video calls and mobile TV, all in a mobile environment. One gorgeous feature of 3G Technology
is video conference application. 3G not only ensures high speed internet but also allows the
mobile phone carrier to set up call in less time & ensures less call drop. For example, using 2.5G
a three minute song takes between six and nine minutes to download. Using 3G, it can be
downloaded in 11 to 90 seconds. The 3G system increases the speed of data transfer between
various devices. Speed of up to 2 mbps can be achieved by using 3G wireless technology devices
and it provides better security of data. That’s why people working for big companies prefer 3G
technology over 2G and 2.5G technologies. It supports multi player games.
Source:
Author: ‘Abdullah Al Mahmud Shohag’, ‘3G technology in Bangladesh’; published in the daily Sun on 24 Jun,
2011, Accessed March 1, 2014. (http://www.scientificbangladesh.com/en/news/3g-technology-in-bangladesh-
1#.Uy3dBBxTLj8)
Page | 29
Mobile Telecommunication Industry in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has currently six mobile phone operators in Mobile Telecommunication

Industry, of which five are in operation and the sixth,
Grameenphone (GP) is the leading telecommunication operator in Bangladesh having the

largest mobile phone customer base and the widest network coverage by subscribers with 41.18
percent market share.
Banglalink is the second market leader. Orascom telecom Bangladesh limited ("Banglalink") is
fully owned by orascom telecom holding s.a.e, Egypt; the ultimate parent company of the group
is vimpelcom, the 6th largest mobile phone operator in the world. Banglalink was acquired by
oth in 2004, and after a complete overhaul and the deployment of a new gsm network, its
telecommunication services were re-launched under the brand name Banglalink.
Robi Axiata Limited is a joint venture between Axiata Group Berhad, Malaysia and NTT
DOCOMO INC, Japan. Robi Axiata, formerly known as Telekom Malaysia International
(Bangladesh), commenced operations in Bangladesh in 1997 with the brand name AKTEL. On
28th March 2010, the service name was rebranded as ‘Robi’ and the company came to be known
as Robi Axiata Limited.
Airtel Bangladesh Ltd. is a GSM-based cellular operator in Bangladesh. Airtel is the sixth
mobile phone carrier to enter the Bangladesh market, and originally launched commercial
operations under the brand name "Warid Telecom" on May 10, 2007.
Teletalk Bangladesh Limited is a public limited company, registered under the Registrar of the
Joint stock companies of Bangladesh. Total shares owned by the Government of the Peoples
Republic of Bangladesh. Teletalk has launched 3G services for the first time in Bangladesh on 14
Oct'2012 for commercial testing purpose.
Citycell (Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited) is operating in Bangladesh from 1989.
Sources:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Mobile Telecom industries in Bangladesh, Accessed March 10,
2014. (http://www.scribd.com/doc/55786617/Mobile-Telecommunication-Industry-in-Bangladesh)
Page | 30
5. Ways to enhance the development process:

ICT (information Communication Technology) is the backbone of any digital
initiative. ICT covers the vast area of information technology, communication technology and
of course the telecommunication technology; categorically processing of information and
ensuring connectivity. Again it is mentionable that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina dreamed for
a Digital Bangladesh.
Without This sector development the dream of a Digital Bangladesh would be only a dream for
the total nation. Here must be mentioned that ICT is only a technology, a technology or a
machine could not be functional without a person behind. Philosophically convinced persons
are the driving force in establishing an idea in to society and country.
Although Bangladesh has its own limitations in resources, capacity and knowledge, the
country's potential in human resources can be tapped through appropriate use of ICT tools. The
government is committed towards reaching the goal of a knowledge based and middle income
country by 2021. With an actionable ICT Policy 2009, Right to Information Act and ICT Act
that provide the enabling environment for citizens' information access and e-commerce, a
network of proactive and ready change agents in the Ministries, districts and upazilas, a
number of initiatives that demonstrate the true concept and benefits of Digital Bangladesh, a
technology-savvy young workforce ready to be guided and led, the country is staring at a
tremendous opportunity to leapfrog. Guidance and assistance from development partners can
greatly accelerate this journey.
Digital Bangladesh and ICT Development contains with,
1. Human Resource Development

The key objective is to make the best use of new technologies to build world-class
21st century skills in all areas of study especially mathematics, science, and English
language through use of newer and cost-effective delivery tools and digital learning
contents. This component will also deal with providing vocational and 'lifelong
education' opportunities to the youth and adults in order to retool them and build newer
skills to improve their productivity commensurate with the needs of the 21st century
globalized world.
Page | 31
2. Connecting Citizens
The objective of this component is to find a sustainable connectivity channels to
ensure the benefits of Digital Bangladesh reach the marginalized and the disadvantaged.
Innovative shared access outlets, awareness and capacity development of local
communities to access public e-services, massive development of local language content
and locally relevant content, and establishing two-way channels to promote participation
of grassroots in policy discourse are key focus areas.
3. Digital Government for Pro-Poor Service Delivery

The key objective of the Digital Government component is to leverage ICTs in all
spheres of government to ensure delivery of services to those who are the least served.
Development of an e-administration platform and creation of affordable, transparent e-
services using ICTs that are already in the hands of millions such as mobile phones,
radio, TV in addition to internet are key. Important areas to address are education,
healthcare, agriculture, administration of land and water resources, social safety nets, law
enforcement and judiciary and disaster management.
4. ICT in Business
This component will deal with three broad issues of Digital Bangladesh i) using
ICTs to promote access to markets by the disadvantaged producers and SMEs, ii)
promotion of ICT business through providing services and technology needed to sustain
the three other components of Digital Bangladesh, and iii) boosting ICT as an export
oriented sector to earn foreign currency and generate employment. M-banking and
electronic payments as well as electronic business transactions are few key initiatives.
Building of a country wide IT backbone is essential for a digital Bangladesh. There is a

happy feeling that by government owned Telephone Company, Private Mobile Operators,
Railway Communication System, Active Internet Service Providers total Bangladesh is
already under a digital network. By a small initiative an adequate Nationwide IT
backbone could be developed. Primarily rural IT hub could be developed in each Union
Porishad office, which will ensure everyday information of the locality to the Upazill,
Page | 32
Zilla, and Division and to the central government. This nationwide connectivity system
development should be considered primarily as social sector investment and finally as
business venture of the government or public-private joint venture.
Building of an IT educated work force is the most important segment of digital

Bangladesh initiative. It is already been told that technology is important but not works
without a person behind. For a future Bangladesh a tech shabby generation is
significantly important. This generation would be the driving force for a digitized,
prosperous and humane nation. To develop this kind of generation it needs to an
education policy and national human resource policy.
Educated workforce is important for another cause. IT is not only a hardware that could
be run by a particular skill only. It is a knowledge driven technology, so, it need to run
with them who have skill, knowledge, information and a level of education. To achieve
the objective of digital nation, local software is very important. If it is told that hardware
is the body then software is soul. In the discipline of IT education, hardware and software
are being considered as separate subject of knowledge. It should also be mentioned that
the IT backbone and infrastructure is national, software knowhow is global.
Building of a backbone and developing a tech shabby generation is not enough for a
digital Bangladesh. Connecting the generation to the philosophy of digital Bangladesh is
the most important task for the elders especially for the policy makers. Policy makers
should make the generation understand why a digital Bangladesh.
And another objective is to establish rule of law. To achieve those goals information is
the major tools, the technology dealt with the information must be driven by the
manpower that have philosophical commitment and patriotism.
Source:
DIGITAL BANGLADESH AND ICT DEVELOPMENT; Digital Bangladesh and ICT development. Accessed March
5, 2014. (http://www.shuchinta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:digital-bangladesh-
and-ict-development&catid=57:rokmicronews-fp-6&Itemid=253)
Page | 33
6. Pros and Cons of Digitalization:

Technology has rapidly changed the way people communicate in so many ways. If we just
consider the concept of Communication's Technology and its effects on our society we can see it
has changed the way that we conduct business and has dramatically changed the way we conduct
our social and personal lives. .
 Advantages of ICT:
The “Global Village “became a Reality the Internet has made real what in the 1970's that
visionary of communications, Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980) called the "Global Village".
Quick Communication:
With the help of ICT it has become quicker and more efficient to contact either a business or
family member. We can now correspond with anyone around the globe by simply text messaging
them, or sending them an email. The wide availability of the internet has also opened up face-to-
face direct communication from nearly anywhere in the world, thanks to the help of video-
conferencing, social networking websites.
Globalization:
Video conferencing saves money on flights and accommodation. ICT has not only brought the
countries and people closer together, but it has allowed the world's economy to become a single
interdependent system. The world has developed into a global village due to the help of
information technology.
Cost effectiveness:
It feels free to send an email and it’s cheaper than phone calls. ICT has also helped to automate
business practices, thus restructuring businesses to make them exceptionally cost effective.
Greater Availability:
ICT has made it possible for businesses to be automated giving clients access to a website or
voicemail 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means that a business can be open anytime,
anywhere, giving a customer the capability to make a purchase from different countries thus
making it easier and more convenient.
Page | 34
Bridging the cultural gap:

Greater access to technology has helped to bridge the cultural gap by helping people from
different cultures to communicate with one another, and allow for the exchange of views and
ideas, thus increasing awareness and reducing prejudice.
Creation of new jobs:

Probably, the best advantage of ICT has been the creation of new and interesting jobs. Computer
programmers, Systems analysts, Hardware and Software developers, and Web designers are just
some of the many new employment opportunities created with the help of ICT.
Education:
Computers along with their programs and the Internet have created educational opportunities not
available to previous generations. Information is freely available to any and all with an internet
connection.
Sources:
1. "Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance." Author: J.T. Barett, (Demand
Media) (http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/advantages-disadvantages-information-
communication-technology-25019.html)
2. Advantages & Disadvantages of Information & Communication Technology, By Andy Walton,
(Demand Media) (http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-information-
Page | 35
 Disadvantages of ICT:
The disadvantages of ICT are given below,
Unemployment:
Replace "advances in technology" for "increased productivity" and the primary change from a
labor-intensive to a technology-enabled economy can be explained. While information
technology may have streamlined the business process, it has also created job redundancies,
downsizing, and outsourcing. For example: In a factory, skilled technicians and machinists can
be replaced by computer-controlled robots which can work faster, for longer and more
consistently or large companies who used once employed many typists they can now be replaced
by one person using a word processor.
Privacy:
Though information technology may have made communication quicker, easier, and more
convenient, it has also brought along privacy issues. From cell phone signal interceptions to e-
mail hacking, people are now worried about their once private information becoming public
knowledge.
Lack of job security:

Experts in a wide variety of fields believe that ICT has made job security a big issue, since
technology keeps on changing nearly every day. This means that individuals need to be
constantly studying or at least keeping up with changes in their profession, if they want to feel
secure in their jobs to be secure.
Overriding Cultures:
While ICT may have made the world a global village, it has also contributed to one culture
consuming another weaker one. For example, it is now argued that teenagers in the US influence
how most young teenagers all over the world now act, dress, and behave. Languages have
become overshadowed, with English becoming the primary mode of communication for business
and everything else.
Page | 36
Reliance on Technology:
Professor Ian Robertson, a neuropsychology expert based at Trinity College Dublin who carried
out the study, said: “People have more to remember these days, and they are relying on
technology for their memory but the less you use of your memory, the poorer it becomes. For
example; people don’t bother learning to spell because they use spell-checker, or need a
calculator do perform minor addition or subtraction.
Reliability of Information:
Anyone with access to a computer and an internet connection internet can start a blog or post
something up on a website, so just because something’s on the web doesn't mean it’s reliable. A
prime example of this is the open source encyclopedia, Wikipedia, although considered a good
source of information it is not recognized by academic institutions as a trustworthy reference.
There is also re risks attached to the unknown / hidden elements on the internet.
Computer viruses, malware, spam, phishing- any or all can cause chaos and disrupt our
daily lives:
The E-learning and Digital Cultural MOCC (EDCMOCC) has raised some chilling and thought
provoking ideals and paradigms. The subjects covered over the course of past few weeks have
given us the chance to see some of the possible outcomes and uses of continuously advancing
technologies in a wide variety of fields.
Source:
Advantages & Disadvantages of Information & Communication Technology, by Andy Walton, Demand Media
(http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-information-communication-technology-66948.html)
Page | 37
The Prospect of the ICT sector in Bangladesh
On the eve of the 21st century we are heading towards a world which is entirely dependent on
ICT. Scientifically, everyone knows that the world is sphere, however the world can still be
considered as flat because of the blessings of Information Technology. In the last fifty years or
so, the world has been moving so fast technologically that an enormous demand for IT has
developed globally. In light of the outsourcing phenomenon, Bangladesh should leapfrog into the
ICT Sector. Bangladesh has some competitive advantages over other outsourcing options (China
and India) in terms of its potential population in the ICT sector. Unfortunately in Bangladesh,
there are technology challenges caused by the country’s infrastructure problems. Some of these
problems include poor telecommunication facilities, few software development firms in country
(to help develop local talent and expertise), and lack of e-Governance policies. One positive is
that the country is now linked with the submarine cable, which will help facilitate better internet
and telecommunications connections and help enable further technical development.
There are many opportunities for ICT professionals in Bangladesh to prosper through
outsourcing, similar to the India. Every year, Bangladesh is producing approximately 4,200 ICT
graduates from both private and public universities. In a previous post, we had discussed the
imbalance between the current international job market and the academia. It is now a great
challenge for Bangladesh to move forward to have a strong ICT workforce. This is not an
impossible task, but the country needs to boost up its infrastructure so that it can transfer its
liabilities into possibilities. Bangladesh can gain the competitive advantage in this region if we
can capitalize on these opportunities as a nation.
Source:
The Prospect of the ICT sector in Bangladesh (http://jiplerz.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/the-prospect-of-the-ict-
sector-in-bangladesh)
Page | 38
7. Lacking of ICT development:

The lacking of ICT development are given below,
Proper Education:
The very first reason for educated workforce is just copying knowledge from text book.
Literacy Barrier:
Bangladesh is facing acute of skilled computer user due to literacy problem. Information in
the net and real life is designed in the advance technologies, which require adequate knowledge
for the user.
Moreover, overall less educated workforce who are not very computer friendly. Even some of
them have no idea about computer technology and communication science also.
Language Barrier:
Language problem is another vital issue for our educated workforce as the local user of the
internet/web. There are very few websites available in Bengali. Most of the certified educated
workforces are not very much efficient in English, as a language.
Fear of Technology use:
Some very efficient and hardworking educated workforces in our country feel fear about
technologies. They are not interested to use computer and feel fear about hi-tech.
Access to the Technology:
The telecommunications infrastructure is deficient in our country. In Bangladesh, the

telephone density is only about 0.5%, which is the main reason for insignificant internet
connection in our country.
Economic Barrier:
The economic condition of the people is one of the vital issues for computer use and
internet connectivity. And that’s why some educated workforces are not use computer.
Generally, on average wealthy as well as young, urban and male have the internet access, which
Page | 39
appears that economic solvency is one of the major factor during internet diffusion. Most of
which are not favorable in Bangladesh.
Lack of Information on Net:
Contents on the web for proper education and knowledge are not sufficiently enriched
with information.
Lack of Local and Social Issues on the net:
Contents in the web is not sufficiently enriched with information and services required by
the local user. Still, local websites owner are concerned with their products and service
promotion. Information based web services have not yet available on net with local information
properly.
Cost of internet access still high:
Despite the growth of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector in the
country, which has seen internet penetration rising to 47 percent in the past five years, the cost of
accessing the internet still remains high. That’s why most educated workforces are not interested
to use internet frequently.
Lacking of knowledge about e technology concept:
Some very efficient and hardworking educated workforces in our country have not much
knowledge about e technology concept. They are not interested to use e technology concept in
their personal or professional life.
Social aspect for availing internet facilities:
Even some educated people in our country have some wrong social aspect about computer
and internet. That’s why they are not interested to use hi tech facilities in their world.
Working environment and professional need assessment:
Some workforces have no specific concept about Working Environment and Professional
Need Assessment and the gap is widening everyday between developed and developing country.
Page | 40
We have still a series of extensive works to do from Govt. and private level for minimizing the
gap.
High cost but low speed internet:
In our country, most of the internet provider serves high cost but low speed connection for
mass people. For this reasons educated workforces are failing to develop their efficiency.
Less contribution in E-commerce:
Still many companies have not their own website on internet, so it’s a lacking of
digitalization.
Standard level of study differs to city area and urban/ rural area:
Students are not getting the same standard level of study, because when city students are
getting facility to get the text book early from government beside this the urban areas student are
getting the book at the late hour .on the other hand city students are getting facilities of extra
couching tat provided by school but the rural students are not getting facilities of any couching or
privet from school.
Students in city area are getting computer lab and the library facility where as students of rural
areas are not getting those facility properly , sometimes the trainer teacher provided by
government are not enough skilled to give proper training to the students.
Those are the noticeable lacking, which makes the slow effect of making a digital Bangladesh.
Source:
1. Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID), Accessed March 16,
2. Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Economic Relations Division (ERD), “welcome to ERD”, Accessed March 5,
2014. (http://www.erd.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4&Itemid=1)
Page | 41
8. Observation:
The outlook of the ICT sector in Bangladesh:
On the eve of the 21st century we are heading towards a world which is entirely dependent
on ICT. Scientifically, everyone knows that the world is sphere, however the world can still be
considered as flat because of the blessings of Information Technology. In the last fifty years or
so, the world has been moving so fast technologically that an enormous demand for IT has
developed globally. In light of the outsourcing phenomenon, Bangladesh should leapfrog into the
ICT Sector. Bangladesh has some competitive advantages over other outsourcing options (China
and India) in terms of its potential population in the ICT sector. Unfortunately in Bangladesh,
there are technology challenges caused by the country’s infrastructure problems. Some of these
problems include poor telecommunication facilities, few software development firms in country
(to help develop local talent and expertise), and lack of e-governance policies. One positive is
that the country is now linked with the submarine cable, which will help facilitate better internet
and telecommunications connections and help enable further technical development.
There are many opportunities for ICT professionals in Bangladesh to prosper through
outsourcing, similar to the India. Every year, Bangladesh is producing approximately 4,200 ICT
graduates from both private and public universities. In a previous post, we had discussed the
imbalance between the current international job market and the academia. It is now a great
challenge for Bangladesh to move forward to have a strong ICT workforce. This is not an
impossible task, but the country needs to boost up its infrastructure so that it can transfer its
liabilities into possibilities. Bangladesh can gain the competitive advantage in this region if we
can capitalize on these opportunities as a nation.
Source:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Economy of Bangladesh, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, Accessed March 4,
2014. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Bangladesh)
Page | 42
9. Recommendations:
 Building Online based Education system more effective and

throughout the country.
 Use the Latest technology in Education system.
 Available more information in the government websites.
 Introduce online one stop medical service.
 Set proper information law for stopping illegal activities.
 Increasing close monitoring in web access.
 Ensuring information security in virtual world.
 Introduce the online application submit system.
 Increase the connection speed of internet (eg; 4G/5G).
 Introduce WiMax internet broadly in the country.
 Increase more facility in e-commerce.
 Initiate the e-Banking service across the country.
 Promote ‘Upozila Krishi Totho center’ to the rural farmer.
Page | 43
10. References:
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; what is digital? ‘Digital Bangladesh’; Accessed March 16,
2014.
(http://digitalbangladesh.blog.com/digital-bangladesh/)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Author: Access to Information Program Prime Minister's
Office’; Digital Bangladesh Concept, update time 5/11/2009, Accessed March 7, 2014.
(https://www.apc.org/en/blog/digital-bangladesh-concept-note-access-information)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Author: ‘Mohammad Anisur Rahaman’, The ICT role in
rural development, Published on: Friday, 30 August 2013 at “The Financial Express”.
Accessed March 7, 2014.
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Bangladesh Institute of ICT in Development (BIID),

(http://www.biid.org.bd/)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Scopes of using field server as an integrated agricultural
monitoring system, Author: Md. Nurul Alam Siddique, Posted on Thursday, 24 October
2013, Accessed March 12, 2014.
(http://www.extension.org.bd/)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: The Government of Bangladesh has
declared ‘Vision 2012, Accessed March 17, 2014.
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Background of Bangladesh Accessed

March 16, 2014.
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Vehicle digital number plate,
(http://www.bikebd.com/vehicle-digital-number-plate-in-bangladesh/)
Page | 44
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: New taxi cab in Dhaka soon,
(http://news.priyo.com/2014/03/02/new-taxi-cabs-city-soon-102113.html)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Bangladesh Railway and

Gramophone launch electronic ticketing system, Accessed March 17, 2014.
(http://www.easytechtips24.com/first-demu-commuter-train-service-in-bangladesh-
railway/)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: First DEMU train system in
Bangladesh, Accessed March 14, 2014.
(http://www.easytechtips24.com/first-demu-commuter-train-service-in-bangladesh-
railway/)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: ‘Super plan’ for railways, Accessed
March 10, 2014.
(http://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2013/05/28/super-plan-for-railways)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Telecom Industries in Bangladesh

(http://www.lawyersnjurists.com/)
Author: ‘Abdullah Al Mahmud Shohag’, ‘3G technology in Bangladesh’; published in the

daily Sun on 24 Jun, 2011, Accessed March 1, 2014.
(http://www.scientificbangladesh.com/en/news/3g-technology-in-bangladesh-
1#.Uy3dBBxTLj8)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Prevailing Industries: Mobile Telecom industries in

Bangladesh, Accessed March 10, 2014.
(http://www.scribd.com/doc/55786617/Mobile-Telecommunication-Industry-in-
Bangladesh)
Page | 45
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; DEVELOPMENT, Digital Bangladesh and ICT

development, Accessed March 5, 2014.
(http://www.shuchinta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=161:digit
al-bangladesh-and-ict-development&catid=57:rokmicronews-fp-6&Itemid=253)
"Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance." Author J.T. Barett,
(Demand Media)
(http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/advantages-disadvantages-information-
Advantages & Disadvantages of Information & Communication Technology, by Andy

Walton, Demand Media.
(http://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-disadvantages-information-communication-
technology-66948.html)
The Prospect of the ICT sector in Bangladesh

(http://jiplerz.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/the-prospect-of-the-ict-sector-in-bangladesh)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Economic Relations Division (ERD), “welcome to ERD”,
(http://www.erd.gov.bd/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4&Itemid=1)
Digital Bangladesh and ICT; Economy of Bangladesh, From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia, Accessed March 4, 2014.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Bangladesh)
Page | 46
Digital Bangladesh & ICT (Survey Questionnaires)

We are the students of Legal Environment of Business (BUS 361) from the Business
Administration Department of East West University. We need to conduct a survey on relevant
information about Digital Bangladesh and ICT as a requirement of our assigned topic. For
academic purpose we need your suggestion and participation to make this survey effective.
* Required
Gender *
 Male (75%)
 Female (25%)
Age *
 18 - 22
 23 – 27 (54%)
 28 - 32
 33 - 37+
Profession *
 Student (78%)
 Teacher (28%)
 Service holder
 Business person
 Other
Monthly income:
 500 – 10,000
 10,500 – 25,000
 26,000 – 35,000
 35,500 – 45,000+ (32%)
Page | 47
You have access to: *

 Smartphone (48%)
 Desktop (16%)
 Laptop (32%)
 Tablet PC (4%)
 You don't have access to any device(s) from the list
What type of Internet connection you have?

(Answer only if you have a home or personal internet connection)
 Broadband (32%)
 Wimax (47%)
 Portable Internet (3G) (5%)
 Other internet connection (16%)
How much money you spend on internet per month? *

 Less than 499 (3%)
 500 – 999 (29%)
 1000 – 1499 (48%)
 1500 – 1999 (15%)
 2000+ (5%)
How much money you spend on your mobile phone communication per
month? *
 Less than 499 (9%)
 500 – 999 (57%)
 1000 – 1499 (31%)
 1500 – 2000+ (3%)
Page | 48
ICT can improve efficiency in the government and private sector. *

 Agree (69%)
 Disagree (31%)
Technology can improve our quality of life. *

 Agree (87%)
 Disagree (13%)
Technology can save our time and money. *

 Agree (67%)
 Disagree (33%)
Have you ever applied any of these services?

 Online bill paying (13%)
 Online product purchase (8%)
 Online or mobile banking (19%)
 Checking result online (43%)
 Submission of application form online (for any purpose) (17%)
Page | 49

Digital Bangladesh & ICT

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Digital Bangladesh & ICT

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

A Study Report on Digital Bangladesh and ICT

Digital Bangladesh and ICT

Date of Submission: 23rd March, 2014.

Department of Business Administration

East West University

Subject: Submission of the Report.

We hope you will accept our report and oblige thereby.

Jobair Ahmed Riyadh Md. Asibur Rahaman Khan

Faria Shahid Farzana Haque

Niaz Morshed Victor Das

A. Methodology of study ………………………………………………….…….…...07

5. Ways to enhance the development process...………….………………...31-33

6. Pros & Cons of digitalization ..................................................................34-38

7. Lacking of ICT development ……………………………………….......39-41

Methodology of the Study

III. Sources and methods of data Collection

i. Primary data collection methods:

ii. Review of Secondary data:

2. Concept of Digital Bangladesh:

Digital Bangladesh is dependent on the development of indigenous capability to plan, monitor

3. Role of ICT in Development (urban and rural):

enable exchange of knowledge, information and to ensure their collective voice

 e-clinic is basically an interactive healthcare facility by utilizing ICT tools. The

 International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT 2000), better known as

Social Safety Nets

Disaster Management, Environment and Climate Change

Commerce and Investment

Law Enforcement, Legal Services and Judiciary

Civil Service and Parliament

4. Prevailing Industries advancement:

MST Technology Centre, a subsidiary organization of Malaysia’s Hi-Tech park authority,

Vehicle Digital Number Plate

New Taxi cab in Dhaka soon

Bangladesh Railway and Grameenphone launch electronic ticketing service

First DEMU Commuter Train Service in Bangladesh

‘Super plan’ for railways

Telecom Industries in Bangladesh

At the time of Independence

Ø Full Government Monopoly

Ø Some CB (Central Battery) exchanges

Ø Overseas communication through low capacity High Frequency (HF) system

Ø Services provided mainly – telegraph & telephony

Developments in BTTB from 1973-85

Ø Standard ‘A’ Earth Station at Betbunia, Rangamati

Ø First digital International Trunk Automatic Exchange (ITX) at Moghbazar, Dhaka

Ø Standard ‘B’ Earth Station at Talibabad, Gazipur

Ø Analog microwave routes at 9 districts

Developments in BTTB from 1986-95

Ø First digital telephone subscribers: 26000 lines in Dhaka in 1989

Ø First digital PDH (140 Mbps) Microwave at 17 district towns

Ø UHF radio links to inter-connecting upazillas to district.

Ø Standard ‘A’ Earth Station at Mahakhali, Dhaka.

Ø New ITX (digital) at Mahakhali, Dhaka

Ø Digital Exchanges at 5 cities: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Sylhet

Developments of other operators.

Ø License awarded in 1990 to one operator to launch mobile phone services.

Other Developments in Telecom sector

Ø Government adopted the Telecommunication Act 2001

Ø Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) formed in 2001

Ø Addition of around 30 lacks mobile subscribers

International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT 2000), better known as 3G or 3rd

Mobile Telecommunication Industry in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has currently six mobile phone operators in Mobile Telecommunication