Key highlights:
- Wi-Fi zones have been successfully implemented in 17,293 government offices
- A total of 3,544 computer labs and 100 smart classrooms have been established in various educational institutions
- A total of 138 innovation labs have been established to encourage innovation among university and college students
- Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City houses the world’s seventh-largest data center
- A comprehensive network of 13,000 “Sheikh Russel Digital Labs” has been established, nationwide, including 15 in Saudi Arabia
Amidst the dynamic scenery of Bangladesh, a profound metamorphosis is in progress, driven by the harmonious convergence of digital connectivity and infrastructural development. As the nation embraces the inexorable march of technological progress, a new era unfolds, heralding the dawn of a Smart Bangladesh. The intricate web of digital networks, coupled with visionary infrastructural initiatives, is catalyzing unprecedented advancements across sectors, propelling the nation into the forefront of innovation and efficiency.
You can also read: AL’s Election: A Gateway to a Smart Bangladesh
The foundations of Digital Bangladesh rest upon four essential pillars, with connectivity and infrastructure development standing prominently among them. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department has spearheaded initiatives aimed at establishing a robust presence across various governmental offices and departments. These efforts extend to the administration of all district commissioners, eight ministries, and a network that interconnects 22,727 offices seamlessly. Additionally, this encompassing network includes 18,434 offices.
Moreover, Wi-Fi zones have been successfully implemented in 17,293 government offices, complemented by the installation of solar power panels in 487 district executive offices. This strategic move ensures an uninterrupted power supply, particularly benefiting 25,000 government officials through tablet provisioning.
In the pursuit of fostering immediate and efficient communication among districts and upazilas, a total of 883 video conferencing systems have been strategically deployed.
A Showcase of Connectivity and Infrastructural Achievements
A total of 3,544 computer labs and 100 smart classrooms have been established in various educational institutions. Additionally, 27 cyber centers have been set up in universities and colleges across the country.
The National Data Center has increased its storage capacity to 20 petabytes, providing email account services to over 155,000 accounts across 630 domains. The 7th largest Tier-IV National Data Center in the world, located in Kaliakair, Gazipur, has been established as the Bangladesh Data Center Company Limited.
Under the “Info-Sarker” (3rd Phase) project, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection has been ensured in 1,000 offices of Bangladesh Police across 63 districts, 488 upazilas, and 2,600 union councils, covering a distance of 27,500 kilometers through optical fiber cables. Moreover, 254 Agricultural Information Centers (AIC) and 25 Telemedicine Centers have been established.
To support research and testing for innovative products in the startup ecosystem, an Idea Fabrication Lab (iDEA) has been established. Under the iDEA project, 90 startup companies, represented by 222 individuals, are utilizing co-working office spaces free of charge.
A total of 138 innovation labs have been established to encourage innovation among university and college students. Currently, 93 ongoing projects are operational in these labs, with 96 projects already completed.
In the field of mobile games and app development, eight specialized gaming centers have been established in eight universities across the country. Additionally, 32 specialized testing labs have been set up in 30 government and non-government universities and polytechnic institutes across 30 districts.
Innovation Hub: High-Tech Park, Software Technology, and IT Training Center
The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority is dedicated to establishing High-Tech Parks, Software Technology Parks, and IT Training and Innovation Centers in diverse locations across the country.
Notably, the Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City in Kaliakair, Gazipur, spans an impressive 355 acres, accommodating 82 investment companies and providing employment for over 4,000 individuals. It has designated co-working spaces specifically for 12 startup companies.
Oryx Bio-Tech Ltd., the nation’s pioneering Bio-Tech company, has been allocated 25 acres, including a ready space of 1.65 lakh square feet, within the Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City. Remarkably, the park houses the world’s seventh-largest data center. It has achieved significant milestones in the production of various technologies, including optical fiber, mobile phones, vehicle connectivity, CCTV cameras, kidney dialysis machines, batteries, smart TVs, laptops, ATMs, and more.
Expert Opinion
Lecturer Department of Management Information Systems
Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur
The Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City’s strategic positioning on the global stage is underscored by its successful attraction of a noteworthy Bio-Tech company and the establishment of the world’s seventh-largest data center within its confines. This not only bolsters Bangladesh’s technological infrastructure but also signifies a substantial leap in fostering innovation and economic development on an international scale. The convergence of biotechnology and advanced data infrastructure positions the city as a hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancements, reinforcing its significance in the global knowledge economy.
In Kaliakair, Gazipur, the Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park, the first comprehensive software technology park in the country, accommodates 59 investment companies, generating employment for 1,600 individuals.
Other notable Hi-Tech Parks include the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park in Rajshahi, Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park in Sylhet, and Sheikh Jamal Software Technology Park in Chittagong. These parks play a vital role in contributing to the IT sector, academia, and government collaboration, creating knowledge hubs with specialized labs in various universities nationwide.
Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister, plans are in progress to establish Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Innovation Centers in all 64 districts, aiming to generate job opportunities for the youth. This initiative involves setting up IT parks in all districts, training 10,000 young individuals in IT/ITES, and providing employment for 60,000 youth.
With a total of 111 Hi-Tech Parks and Innovation Centers, encompassing both government and private initiatives, actively contributing to the nationwide investment infrastructure, Bangladesh is making substantial advancements in the information technology sector.
Breakthroughs in Other Infrastructure Endeavors
To streamline the process for investors within the Hi-Tech Park, the “One-Stop Service (OSS)” was inaugurated in 2018. Presently, the One-Stop Service extends a total of 148 services, out of which 65 services are accessible through online platforms.
A comprehensive network of 13,000 “Sheikh Russel Digital Labs” has been established, nationwide, including 15 in Saudi Arabia.
Facilitating language proficiency, a network of 65 labs has been set up to provide training in nine foreign languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese), aimed at cultivating a highly skilled workforce.
In the final phase of the initiative, efforts are underway to establish a total of 300 “Schools of Future” in each parliamentary constituency, with one school in each electoral seat.
In conclusion, as Bangladesh strides into the future, a narrative of profound transformation emerges, scripted by the seamless integration of digital connectivity and visionary infrastructural development. This nation’s journey is one of resilience, determination, and forward-thinking leadership, setting the stage for a future where Bangladesh stands tall as a beacon of technological prowess and inclusive growth.
