ICT Division, Bangladesh
ICT Division, Bangladesh
Blog Article
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division is one of the most crucial components of the Government of Bangladesh, operating under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. Tasked with leading the country's digital transformation, the ICT Division plays a central role in realizing the national vision of a “Digital Bangladesh.” Since its formation, the division has been instrumental in formulating and executing policies, building digital infrastructure, enhancing ICT skills, and driving innovation and entrepreneurship across the country.
Vision and Mission
The core vision of the ICT Division is to build an inclusive, knowledge-based society through the use of digital technologies. It envisions a Smart Bangladesh—where citizens have easy access to digital services, a robust ICT workforce thrives, and the economy is driven by innovation.
Its mission includes:
Ensuring widespread access to ICT services.
Enhancing transparency and efficiency in government services.
Enabling youth through ICT skills development and education.
Promoting a knowledge-based economy led by innovation and technology.
Key Responsibilities
The ICT Division undertakes a broad range of functions, which include:
Policy Formulation and Implementation: The division is responsible for drafting national ICT policies, strategic plans, and guidelines to promote sustainable digital development.
Infrastructure Development: It leads the development of ICT infrastructure such as data centers, internet connectivity, and digital service delivery platforms.
Human Resource Development: The division initiates capacity-building programs, training seminars, and scholarships to enhance a competent ICT labor force.
Fostering Innovation and Startups: Through a wide range of initiatives and financing mechanisms, the ICT Division enables entrepreneurship as well as innovation.
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Cybersecurity Management: The division is also responsible for ensuring national cybersecurity through relevant agencies like BGD e-GOV CIRT.
Implementation of E-Governance: It facilitates the digitization of government services to improve public service delivery and increase transparency.
Major Agencies Under the ICT Division
Several key organizations operate under the ICT Division to implement various programs and projects effectively:
Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC): Responsible for implementing ICT projects and developing IT infrastructure across the country.
ICT Directorate: For the management of capacity building, ICT training and ICT promotion
BDG e-GOV CIRT (Bangladesh Government e-Government Computer Incident Response Team): Ensures national cybersecurity readiness and incident management.
Hi-Tech Park Authority: Oversees the development of technology parks and innovation hubs.
Innovation Design and Entrepreneurship Academy (iDEA): A flagship initiative supporting startups and young innovators.
Flagship Programs and Initiatives
Digital Bangladesh Vision 2021
Launched in 2009, "Digital Bangladesh" was the visionary roadmap that aimed to transform the country by 2021 through ICT-based development. Its key pillars included:
Human resource development.
Connecting citizens through digital infrastructure.
Digital governance.
Promoting the ICT industry.
The success of this vision laid the foundation for the next phase: Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041.
Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041
Following the completion of Digital Bangladesh, the government introduced Smart Bangladesh, a vision to build a more advanced, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy by 2041. It focuses on:
Smart Citizens
Smart Economy
Smart Government
Smart Society
Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centers
These centers are being set up across the country to train youth in modern ICT skills and help them become entrepreneurs or join the global digital workforce.
Learning and Earning Development Project (LEDP)
The ICT Division trains thousands of young people in freelancing, digital marketing, graphics design, and software development to promote self-employment through online platforms.
One Student One Laptop Program
To ensure digital inclusion in education, the ICT Division has worked to provide laptops and digital resources to students across Bangladesh.
Achievements and Impact
Over the past decade, the ICT Division has achieved numerous milestones:
Growth of the ICT Sector: The sector has become one of the fastest-growing industries in Bangladesh, contributing significantly to GDP and export earnings.
Global Recognition: Bangladesh has gained recognition as an emerging destination for IT outsourcing and freelancing.
Employment Generation: Hundreds of thousands of jobs have been created in the ICT sector, particularly in software development, BPO, and freelancing.
Women Empowerment: Special initiatives have encouraged the participation of women in the ICT sector, supporting gender equality in the digital economy.
E-Government Services: More than 2,800 digital centers (Union Digital Centers or UDCs) have been established to deliver government services at the grassroots level.
Future Goals and Strategic Focus
Looking ahead, the ICT Division aims to:
Include high-speed internet connectivity to every nook and corner of the country, including remote and rural areas.
Make Bangladesh a regional ICT innovation hub.
Increase ICT export revenues significantly by 2030.
Improve the working relationship between the government, academia, and private sector.
Promote AI, machine learning, and blockchain technologies through national strategies and educational reforms.
Conclusion
The ICT Division of Bangladesh has been a driving force behind the country's rapid digital advancement. From building infrastructure and developing human capital to encouraging innovation and enhancing governance, it has contributed significantly to transforming Bangladesh into a digital nation. With continued commitment and strategic planning, the ICT Division is poised to play an even greater role in achieving the ambitious goals of Smart Bangladesh by 2041, ultimately ensuring a vibrant, inclusive, and technology-enabled future for every citizen.