One step closer to Digital Bangladesh

It is exciting to note that Bangladesh now has its own centre for high technology and innovation. As reported by this newspaper on March 28, the Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City (BHTC)—a 355-acre industrial park in Gazipur's Kaliakair upazila—has been prepared to offer a developed and ready space with all the necessary amenities for tech-based industries. So far, 70 tech companies have invested millions of dollars in BHTC to produce world-class tech-based products in Bangladesh. Out of these companies, 44 have been allotted plots in the park, and many have also started to construct their factory buildings.

The government has already set up the necessary roads, electricity and gas lines, 48 core fibre optic cable network, lighting, power station, sewerage line bridges, and culverts in the park. Construction of other sites such as a mosque, shopping centre, several other buildings and a picturesque artificial lake is currently underway. According to the managing director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), the high-tech city will be completed within the next two years. By 2025, all the companies are expected to start their operation with around 50,000 skilled workers, while investment in the city has also been made quite easy and hassle-free.

From these developments, as well as comments made by those involved, it seems that the BHTC has the potential to take Bangladesh to the next level in terms of producing cutting-edge technologies of the future. This is further supplemented by the fact that the authorities are also working with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to arrange tax exemption for IT devices and raw material needed for industries located at the high-tech city, which could provide them with some competitive advantages. Additionally, the authorities are also working with banks to arrange loans on easy terms for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs at BHTC, as well as arranging training programmes and other opportunities.

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution right around the corner, the timing of this project couldn't have been better. We have seen Bangladesh already make great strides in adopting the latest digital technologies over the past decade. And the park will provide an even greater opportunity for the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. We hope our entrepreneurs and innovators will make the best use of it, and ensure that Bangladesh becomes a significant player on the global stage of technologies and reaps all its benefits.