Key highlights:
- The IT sector’s growth has raised an innovative environment, yielding a significant revenue of $1.5 billion
- In the year 2025, an anticipated 50% of the population is poised to acquire digital proficiency
- Strategically leveraging technology is expected to boost the GDP ratio, surpassing 12% growth by 2025, 17% by 2031, and 22% by 2041
- By 2025, the objective is to establish a “Digitally Native” society within Smart Cities and Smart Villages
Bangladesh has earned its place as a success story in global development, a tribute to the resolute dedication of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in realizing the vision originally conceived by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The visionary leader, who laid the foundation for independence, envisioned a modern, technology-infused Bangladesh, and this dream has been transformed into the concrete reality of “Digital Bangladesh.”
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In 2008, Sheikh Hasina unveiled Vision 2021, a blueprint to elevate Bangladesh to a middle-income nation free from hunger and poverty, embracing knowledge-driven progress. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alongside her ICT advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy, recognized as the “Architect of Digital Bangladesh,” has earned global acclaim for their pivotal roles. Their collaborative efforts are now shaping the implementation framework of Smart Bangladesh 2041 and have also identified priorities and directed overarching policies, establishing Bangladesh as a Smart success story.
Expert Opinion
Assistant Professor (CSE)
BANGLADESH OPEN UNIVERSITY
In what ways has Bangladesh gained global acclaim for its development efforts, specifically in the field of technology, and how is this contributing to the nation’s progress towards becoming a Smart Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has earned international acclaim for its technological advancements, particularly in digital innovation and information technology. Pioneering initiatives like the Digital Bangladesh vision have positioned the country as a hub for e-governance, improved connectivity, and innovative digital education solutions. These achievements play a pivotal role in steering Bangladesh towards its aspiration of becoming a Smart Nation, fostering efficiency, accessibility, and holistic development across diverse sectors.
The Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision rests on four pillars:
Smart Citizen
In the year 2025, an anticipated 50% of the population is poised to acquire digital proficiency, with this figure expected to rise to 75% by 2031 and surpass 90% by 2041. The utilization of smart devices among citizens is forecasted to reach 60% in 2025, increase to 80% by 2031, and attain complete coverage by 2041.
An assurance is given that the widespread adoption of smart identity cards will be firmly established by 2041. Citizens are set to actively participate in shaping various government and non-government services through e-participation by 2025, with the full implementation of this system targeted for realization by 2041.
The “One Family, One Device” initiative aims to streamline the workplace arrangements of at least one member from families that have lagged behind, with a targeted completion by the year 2041.
Digital Proficiency
- In 2025, 50% of the population is expected to have digital proficiency.
- By 2031, digital proficiency is projected to rise to 75%.
- The anticipation is for digital proficiency to surpass 90% by 2041.
Smart Device Utilization
- The forecast for 2025 indicates a 60% utilization of smart devices among citizens.
- This figure is expected to increase to 80% by 2031.
Smart Economy
By 2025, it is anticipated that over 30% of transactions will be conducted without cash, with the ultimate aim of reaching a 100% cashless transaction status by 2031.
Projections indicate that the average per capita income is set to reach $12,500 by 2041, accompanied by a noteworthy reduction in the poverty rate, ultimately achieving zero poverty.
There is an expected surge in Frontier Technology capabilities by 2025, followed by the establishment of a Center of Excellence reliant on Frontier Technology by 2031. Furthermore, regional strategies to streamline business processes are slated for implementation by 2041.
Anticipating entrepreneurial growth, five startups are expected to emerge by 2025, a number projected to rise to 15 by 2031. Subsequently, a substantial increase to 50 unicorn startups is envisioned by 2041.
The objective is to surpass a 70% adoption rate of high-speed and reliable broadband by 2025, ultimately achieving full saturation at 100% by 2031.
Cashless Transactions:
- 2025: 30% transactions cashless
- 2031: Aim for 100% cashless transactions
Entrepreneurial Growth:
- 2025: 5 startups expected
- 2031: Projected to rise to 15 startups
- 2041: Envisioning 50 unicorn startups
Broadband Adoption:
- 2025: Objective of surpassing 70% adoption
- 2031: Full saturation at 100%
Smart Government
In 2025, the aim is to establish efficient, digital, and citizen-centric services. By the midpoint of 2041, the government aspire to achieve a complete transition to paperless and personalized services, driven by Frontier Technology, tailored to the specific needs of citizens.
The Smart Bangladesh Stack will play a pivotal role in achieving this vision, ensuring that over 30% of services are accessible by 2025, with a progressive increase to surpass 50% by 2031 and ultimately achieving 100% accessibility by 2041. This initiative aims to make services easily reachable and ingrained in even the remotest areas.
Across all ministries and divisions, smart dashboards are set to be implemented by 2025, with a subsequent goal of internalization by 2031. Moving forward, by 2041, the government will extensively leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in its decision-making processes.
The goal is to enhance Bangladesh’s standing in the United Nations E-Government Development Index, progressing from below 100 in 2025 to below 70 in 2031 and further down to below 50 in 2041.
The strategic utilization of technology is anticipated to contribute significantly to the GDP ratio, with an increase of more than 12% by 2025, exceeding 17% by 2031, and surpassing 22% by 2041.
E-Government Development Index:
- 2025: Below 100
- 2031: Below 70
- 2041: Below 50
Economic Impact:
- 2025: GDP increase >12%
- 2031: GDP increase >17%
- 2041: GDP increase >22%
Smart Society
In 2025, it is imperative to achieve economic inclusion exceeding 50% by 2041. The implementation of personalized services, based on Frontier Technology, is essential by 2041 to cater to individual demands.
Bangladesh aims to secure the 30th position in the Global Cyber Security Index by 2025, advancing to among the top 25 countries, and ultimately among the top 20 by 2041.
By 2025, the objective is to establish a “Digitally Native” society within Smart Cities and Smart Villages. Decision-making processes will be initiated, reliant on artificial intelligence and machine learning by 2031, with necessary measures adopted for climate resilience and disaster management by 2041.
A society inclusive of all, with digital access for everyone, is to be created by 2025, alongside the establishment of the “Global Equality Center.”
At every achievement, Bangladesh is not merely crafting its destiny but also serving as a source of inspiration globally. The pioneers who laid the foundation for this digital evolution have effectively guided the nation toward a hopeful horizon. As we eagerly await the forthcoming chapters of Smart Bangladesh, the assurance of a more radiant and technologically advanced future calls out to us.
