essay about digital bangladesh

Article & Paragraph

Digital bangladesh composition - vision 2021 essay.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to

(a) define digital bangladesh.

(b) describe vision 2021.

(c) identify the first priority sectors of Bangladesh to be digitalized.

(d) describe e-governance and e-commerce in Bangladesh.

(e) analyze how Bangladesh government design a model to implement digitalization in every sector.

Digital Bangladesh

Digitalization is the application of digital technologies in various sectors by implementing a large number of projects that make sure to bring peace, prosperity and dignity for the nation. Digitalization is the process of ensuring e-governance and e-commerce through technologies in every sphere of life. It also includes increasing literacy rate and decreasing death rate, making sure high life expectancy and pollution free clean environment.

Digital Bangladesh is a buzzword to the people of all classes. All economically rich and industrially developed countries are fully developed through digitalization process. They have made everything online. It is one of the nation’s dreams. Our present prime minister, Sheikh Hasina declared in 2008 to make Bangladesh as a digital bangladesh by 2021. The title of the concept is ‘Vision 2021’ means Bangladesh will be digitalized by the next decade. It named as Digital Bangladesh mainly for improvement of information and communication technology. We can express in one sentence is that it is a process of digitalizing everything in our national life. Digitalization make our daily works and activities, entertainment and lifestyle, communication and business transaction are easy and comfortable. All types of transaction like tax payment, salary payment and banking transaction should be online. Now, Bangladesh is dreaming with the aim of making nationwide digital. It is very easy to dream but to succeed is really very tough.

There are many benefits of digital Bangladesh. Our country is not so modern and most of the people of our country are also illiterate. In fact, after liberation period when we became independent, in that time Bangladesh was not so modern and a literate country. In the old era people wrote their letter on a piece of paper for sending to other. It took long time to reach the letter to its destination. During that time, people have no mobile, no computer, no laptop or any other technology-based devices. So, we can say people had only a pen and paper. They had no developed technology. Now people can easily send SMS or email to other within milli micro second by using internet. In this time, the percentage of literate people is increasing. Digitalization process helps them to improve their knowledge so firstly without doing any hard work. It is now so easy to gain knowledge for all classes of people. What we want to know, want to read, want to learn, want to see, want to hear all is available in internet, which is a gift of this era. So, the touch of digitalization process in education sector is amazing.

Medication is one of the five basic needs for human. This modern era gift us a new world in the field of medical treatment. If we tell about the development of medical science, it is to be believed that, in recent years, it will go faster. Once upon a time, we had no instruments by which we could define if any fungal or bacterial infection existed or not. We could not define any of diseases because of the lack of instruments. In very simple diseases such as viral flue, any water borne, air borne diseases, the patients died. But now, there is a huge changes in medical science. And all of the information of any of the patient is saved in the central computer of the hospital where they go for their treatment. The mortality rate is decreasing day by day due to implementing modern technologies in health sector in our digital Bangladesh. Not only that, but also a patient can be prescribed from a doctor paying their bills through the online banking system.

Ours is an agricultural-based country. About 80% population in our country are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Now, for the digital instrument they are using the mechanized method of cultivation. Now if we think about the communication system, “communication is civilization”. In past, the communication infrastructure was not so beautiful or so developed. People went to one place to other place on foot. But now, we can go to one place to other place by rickshaw, auto, car, cycle, motor-cycle, bus, mini bus, truck and by other vehicles or one country to another country by plain, ship etc. Now, it can be possible that we can start space research and try to go there such as moon. We expect that we will be able to go another space, for example, Mars in future.

Today people need not stand in queue to collect or buy tickets. We can now buy the ticket of some vehicles by using internet or online. We shop or buy different kinds of our needs of daily life. If internet is available, we shall be able to buy goods from home through online. We can buy native and foreign items by using credit card. We cannot think of publication of books today without the help of computer network. All the books, journals, magazines, we can now buy online paying the bills by credit card staying in our house. The initiatives of our prime minister are to think about metro-rail by which we can reach a place by short time. Internet has made it dynamic than before. Now all the task they complete by using internet. Even people do not need to have cash money with them when they journeyed here and there. They can take up the money from anywhere, anytime using their credit card in ATM booth. It a better option without risk than used in the past.

Computer network is now being used in publishing daily newspapers on a large scale. Now newspaper is being published in different regions of the country and very affordable to get the newspapers online. TV channels are available in internet now. If we miss any news, any serial, any drama or any fashion show, we can search them through internet and find them and then finally enjoy them with devices.

No nation can expect without a better security. And this security system is now monitoring in computer. And all the information of any customer in bank, buyer or seller in market, security guard in house and in any institution is monitoring by the computer. Also, one of the inventions of the technology is cc.tv camera which is being controlled by monitoring, which is possible by using internet. People didn’t know about any technological uses in past. For that reason, they face many problems. But now, most of the people know about any of technological usage and the world is very easier to them.

During the old era, parents are not ready to educate their children for their poverty. But nowadays they know that knowledge is power. Without knowledge no one can succeed in their life, no one can lead the nation directly or indirectly. Now female students are doing well in every field. They are now the helping hand to build up a nation. They attend various online job that is well-known as freelancing. In a family, now both of husband and wife are earning money and saving money for their children.

In the age of modern science, the electricity is another gift of technology. We have already passed 2G, 3G era. Now we are in a time of 4G network where the government, non-government or semi-government organization are performing their tasks by using digital technology. We are using these technologies to connect other in country or outside our country. We now use wi-fi and broad band network in a very cheap rate. So, in low cost, we get many things. It is one of the best initiatives of our prime minister, Sheikh Hasina and the literal class for technological development of Bangladesh.

For making digital Bangladesh, government has taken some initiatives about space research. Bangabandhu satellite is one of the wonders inventions of digital Bangladesh. By which any one of the TV channels will be available with the help of this satellite. One of the big chances is, this satellite can provide weather information and the all over situation of the sea. So, we do not need to depend on others to getting the information. This satellite informs us drastically. Bangladesh is now facing many problems like poverty, over population, unemployment, corruption, natural calamities, power crisis etc. We have to overcome this situation by digitizing our country.

As a consequence of digital Bangladesh, our government has recently decided to use Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) through the country to ensure free, fair and impartial election. It is also a process of digitalization.

Another severe problem in all government offices in our country is red tapism. It is bad practices in all government offices. It severely hampers the normal official process or country’s development. Our government has taken initiative to reduce this problem in a digitalized way. To monitor file activities all officers in government has opened E-nothi. All government offices have now E-nothi ID to send their necessary files electronically. They don’t need to bear the files in hands. This process reduces the time and effort and thereby save the money also.

Paying electricity and gas bill was a burden for the homeowners in our country a few days back. People have to wait in a line to pay their electricity and gas bills. This process wastes their valuable time. But now a day, they can pay their bills electronically in a very easier ways sitting in home without going to the bank or other offices. Some ways are bKash, mobile banking, U pay etc. are now available to pay these bills. This digital way reduces wastage of valuable time and make our life comfort.

Introducing E-tender is another sign of digital Bangladesh to solve severe problem involving tender in all offices in our country. It is a process of getting any work done by the third party of the office. But the problem is the manual process of it. Only one party will get the opportunity. Several parties want to get the work by hook or by crook and try to defeat opposition. Sometimes they do a clash or riot among themselves. This happens unrest in the society. Government has taken initiatives to solve this problem by applying lottery system electronically. To maintain a peaceful environment, government has opened this E-tender.

All government offices have their own website. People can visit anytime and get required information from their website without visiting their offices feasibly. In this way, they can save valuable time. Government is getting attention to the E-governance to show its activity electronically so that people can visit them anytime. People have the right to know government activities. Government is responsible to show its progress in front of people and the people can easily see the progress of the different sectors by visiting their respective websites using internet. This is the sign of digital Bangladesh.

The development of technology is a gift for us. Though technology has lot of benefits, it has few negative impacts. Cybercrime is increasing day by day. Many black hat hackers may try to attack secure website and can steal valuable information. It is the cause of severe image loss of the country. Fake people with fake account are getting cheat try to trap others intentionally. The government has to overcome this situation by applying internet security so that no one can damage the image of our country. So, to see our country a digital one, government’s commitment and people’s co-operation are urgently needed. Therefore, government as well as people need to change their mindset to make our country digital.

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From Digital To Smart : Bangladesh's Vision For Sustainable Economic Development

When the term Digital Bangladesh was first spoken around the counry most people jested and laughed about it and said it would never come true. But it indeed did. And now, the government aims to elevate the economy to the next level by introducing the ’Smart Bangladesh' concept. The objective is to move beyond digitalization and use technology to improve the standard of living and foster sustainable development.

To better understand the Smart Bangladesh initiative, it’s worth distinguishing between Digital and Smart Bangla- desh. The former involves digitizing processes to facilitate access to information and communication among people. By moving from manual to digital processes, we have created a foundation to transform data into valuable information, and from there into knowledge that can fuel effective solutions. This is the essence of the Digital to Smart Bangladesh vision.

Despite our nation’s considerable progress, some of us remain in denial of our achievements. We fail to see what our neighbors see: that we are pioneers of development. Instead, we often look to the West and make misguided comparisons, preventing us from truly internalizing our success. Smart Bangladesh is not about emulating cities like Singapore, London, or New York, but rather about finding solutions that unlock our full potential and enable us to lead South Asia towards a better future.

Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 is an all-encompassing ambition centred on inclusivity, prioritizing the people and citizens of Bangladesh. The four pillars are Smart Citizens, Smart Government, Smart Economy, and Smart Society, and they serve as the foundation of the vision. The ultimate goal is to close the digital gap by implementing sustain- able digital solutions accessible to all citizens and businesses, regardless of socio-economic status or size. Building upon the Digital Bangladesh initiative, Smart Bangladesh is the next critical step in realizing the dream of building a Golden Bangladesh

Decentralization: Making the divisional  centres become hubs

The concentration of major economic activities in Dhaka has made it one of the world’s most densely populated cities, leading to a prioritization of its development over other cities, ultimately harming the nation as a whole.

Decentralization is therefore essential to achieve Smart Bangladesh and ensure an equitable quality of life across the country. By 2041, it is projected that 80% of Bangladesh’s population will live in cities, and the government has already begun planning to expand urban facilities to rural areas under the "My Village My Town" policy. 1 This shift in focus away from Dhaka toward a more balanced development of other urban centers will require the construction of smart transportation systems and improved access to technology, reducing the population’s dependence on Dhaka.

https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=402153

Reconnecting the Diaspora in the Western World

Around 13 million Bangladeshis are living abroad in 162 countries. 2 Reconnecting the diaspora in the Western world will help the nation to transfer skills conveniently. Therefore, we need solutions to unleash the potential and reconnecting with the diaspora could help Bangladesh financially and enhance the capability of transferring skillsets.

Diaspora can also act as a catalyst for development by facilitating the transfer of funds, resources, technology, knowledge, skills, and ideas, thereby contributing to economic and social development. According to research by IOM UN Migration, 70,000 to 80,000 diaspora members are potential investors for productive sectors in Bangla- desh, whereas 21,000 to 30,000 diaspora members can contribute to the nation through technological knowledge, skills, and interests. 

Diaspora from the Western world already has a positive impact on our nation. In the fiscal year 2019-2020, approxi- mately 13 percent of Bangladeshis living in the USA and UK send 20.7 percent of the total remittances. Not only will reconnecting with the Western world allow the diaspora to contribute to economic development, but it will also allow them to upgrade the skills of the people in the country, which will ultimately help the nation to prosper and progress with Smart Bangladesh’s vision.

Innovation and tech : For sustainable agriculture

Bangladesh’s success relies heavily on the country's increased agricultural productivity. The agriculture sector is one of the centres of the Bangladeshi economy and accounts for around 14 percent of the country’s GDP. In addition, the industry helps to decrease poverty levels, ensures food availability, and has been the primary source of livelihood employment for 41 percent of the labour force. 

To achieve Vision 2041 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Bangladesh must harness cutting-edge technol- ogies, market intelligence, and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools. Blockchain technology, for instance, can create a digital and verified identity for farmers, containing their credit and transactional history in a distributed network accessible to banks and insurance companies. Meanwhile, Al-based predictive modeling can assist with pricing, market arrivals, local consumption, and exports. By leveraging these advanced technologies, Bangladesh can unlock new opportunities for growth and development.

There are a lot of gaps and untapped opportunities in the agriculture sector; thus, proper initiatives need to be taken to develop and create Smart Agriculture for Smart Economy.

Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Key to Smart Economy in Bangladesh

Entrepreneurs are the catalyst of the economy, both in terms of capital generation and perspective of sustainable development. In the era of the smart economy, modern technologies will lower the barrier to entrepreneurship. Bangladesh's young population has already shown excellent entrepreneurial skills during the pandemic year. For example, a collaboration between UNDP, Bangladesh Government, and a2i, has brought the project called ekshop, which helps a rural eCommerce model that unifies the nationwide physical network of nearly 7,000 Digital Centres.

Moreover, startups have created massive wealth for the economy and themselves globally and are also seen as a critical driver of growth and social equity.

Besides entrepreneurship playing a critical role, the availability of human resources is also necessary for jobs, especially those created during the era of the Smart Economy. There is no shortage of human resources nation- wide; however, skilled workers are lacking, especially in the technology sector. Most jobs in 4IR will be tech-based; hence, Bangladesh needs to upskill its human resources and create appropriate economic employment to succeed in this ever-changing time. The country cannot waste its opportunity anymore to the once-in-a-lifetime window of the demographic dividend and needs to tap into the favourable demographic profile to create an economic power- house.

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/economy/news/how-diaspora-can-support-bangIadeshs-development-2170991

https://a2i.gov.bd/smart-agriculture-for-smart-bangladesh

Potential  to become the next economic hub in South Asia

Bangladesh has the potential to become the next economic hub of South Asia, building on its existing role as a regional logistics and transit hub connecting South and Southeast Asia. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), a well-planned infrastructure can position Bangladesh as the gateway for other countries, linking the East and the West. The country’s ambition to become a transport hub is already taking shape, as evidenced by the Biman flight from Dhaka to Canada. Although the initial plan did not include passengers from neighboring countries like Kolkata, their travel to Dhaka for the Canada flight has opened up a new era and presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to leverage this model and become an economic hub for other countries.

Moreover, the western region of Bangladesh shares over 2,000 km with India and is home to major seas and land ports like Mongla, Payra, Benapole, and Bhomra. Our government is already working with the World Bank to refurbish the highways. It will link businesses and consumers, boost trade and consumption, and generate higher income and new jobs. Better connectivity will immensely benefit Bangladesh, enable trade in transport services, and help the nation become South Asia’s regional logistics and transit hub.

According to Global Location Service Index, Bangladesh’s IT sourcing ranks at 21, and the world’s second-largest producer of IT freelancers. 5 Our government is already doing quite a commendable work in this space and has future plans to train 650,000+ registered freelancers to unleash the full potential of the sector. According to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the IT industry can generate the highest export earnings. Bangladeshi software and IT-enabled services firms already serve clients in over 50 countries globally.^ Bangladesh’s primary export destinations and clients are the USA, Europe, and Japan.

Bangladesh also has the opportunity of becoming Asia’s manufacturing hub. The garment sector already has 4.4 million workers, and the numbers will likely increase with the rise in the future.’ Moreover, the nation’s global-manu- facturing industry is already growing with the increase in intra-regional trade.

Fulfilling the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 will help us achieve the nation’s ambitions to become the next hub of South Asia.

Emlsracing the Wind of CAange  Smart Bangladesh for A Better Tomorrow

Over the next two decades, experts predict that the world will experience unprecedented change. Some even forecast that humanity will transform more in the next two decades than in history. This transformative wave will undoubtedly impact Bangladesh, and the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 will guide the country toward a new era.

Imagine a world where poverty is non-existent, and robots coexist with humans in every service sector, quantum computing is a reality, self-driving cars are ubiquitous, some are even capable of flight, robots handle most manu- facturing, drones are employed in agriculture, and numerous other advancements. The question that begs to be asked is whether Bangladesh is prepared to face this rapidly approaching reality, set to take place globally by 2041.

As a nation of resilient and determined individuals, Bangladesh has overcome countless challenges and has always risen to the occasion when necessary. Nevertheless, we must all work together to achieve the Smart Bangladesh vision and prepare for this advanced world. There is still much to be done, but with proper initiatives and policies, we can help make the concept of Smart Bangladesh a reality.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2023/04/08/bangladesh-becoming-it-hub-of-south-asia

https://www.thedailystar.net/business/bangladesh-holds-potential-be-asias-manufacturing-hub-130489

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OP-ED: Digital Bangladesh: What it is and what it isn’t

Date: 12 December, 2020

Reading Time: 15 Minutes

Technology is a great enabler that helps us reach our goals quicker

What is it that you think of when you hear Digital Bangladesh? What is the first thing that goes through your mind?

The term “Digital Bangladesh” is now ubiquitous. Ask any housewife in Bhurungamari or a student of grade three in Bandarban or a honey collector in the Sundarbans — they have heard the term.

Not only that, chances are that they have encountered it when they tried to get a service from the government in the last few years. In fact, the first visible demonstration of Digital Bangladesh happened when the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched 4,500+ Digital Centres countrywide from Char Kukri Mukri in 2010.

Digital Bangladesh started as a cornerstone of the Bangladesh Awami League’s election manifesto in 2008, and, as a surprise to most naysayers, has become a driving concept in our country’s socio-economic development, and not just technologically, for the last 12 years.

Digital Bangladesh has also been at the core of the government’s Covid-19 response; be it through telemedicine and mobilizing doctors, providing education to millions of school-going children, or expanding the social safety net and disseminating cash and resources to the needy, such initiatives have been made possible because of Digital Bangladesh. There is no denying that.

As we look to end 2020 still very much battling this global pandemic, 2021, besides hopefully ending this pandemic, is a landmark year for Bangladesh as it marks 50 years of independence after the glorious Liberation War of 1971. Additionally, it is also a year of reckoning and assessment — to see if Digital Bangladesh, in tandem with Vision 2021, was a success or failure.

However, to narrow the 12 years of hard work, strategizing, planning, and implementing countless initiatives and undertakings down to definitives such as “success” or “failure” would not only be a disservice, but it would also not be an accurate representation of what Digital Bangladesh stands for.

Dispelling the myth of Digital Bangladesh

Have the following questions ever registered in your mind: What has Digital Bangladesh meant for me? What effect has it had on my life? Has there been any difference in my life between 2008 and now? Where is Digital Bangladesh?

You are not alone if you answer “nothing, none, no, nowhere” to the four questions above. However, since you are reading this article in the Dhaka Tribune, Digital Bangladesh, while certainly relevant to you, is not designed for you. You are not the target audience.

Kindly allow me to explain.

“Digital Bangladesh,” to some, immediately means a futuristic Bangladesh, at the very least, one that is internet-enabled. 5G internet. 100% smartphone penetration. 100% high-speed internet penetration. Smart homes with smart appliances. Artificial intelligence in our everyday lives. Robots doing all our tasks. The Internet of Things. Some would venture out to say “merging of the physical, the digital, and the biological,” repeating after Professor Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum.

That is the general expectation from certain sects of the economy — dare I say, the “privileged” class.

Make no mistake about it, we have made tremendous strides when it comes to internet penetration over the past decade, mostly riding from 2G to 4G, and going from about 1% penetration to over 60% penetration in the last 12 years, while the cost of internet access has become 1% of what it used to be just before the declaration of Digital Bangladesh. Yes, 1% — not a typo!

The ICT industry in Bangladesh has also experienced tremendous growth, with revenue from ICT related work has jumped from $25 million to a whopping $1 billion, with the number only increasing by the year. Our e-commerce sector has rapidly expanded, and coupled with mobile financial services and the huge adoption drive triggered by the pandemic, it is only going to get bigger. We have even managed to send our very own satellite into space.

However, what is often forgotten is that the majority of Bangladesh does not belong to the privileged class. The average reader of the Dhaka Tribune is NOT the average Bangladeshi. The average Bangladeshi, in the villages, in the Union Parishads, in the upazilas, isn’t thinking about AI, or 5G internet, or robots, and is frankly not close to being ready for them either, be it due to cost, accessibility, or even skill.

Those Bangladeshis are just trying to make their lives a bit better, are trying to get closer to the “digital” lives that their richer, more educated, urban counterparts are living.

In a sense, if Digital Bangladesh started with the urban elite, it would only result in expanding this socio-economic divide.

This is the truest essence of Digital Bangladesh, to try and help those people bridge the gap that undoubtedly exists between the richer echelons of society and the masses across the country.

The “elitist” view of Digital Bangladesh places the focus on “digital” when, in reality, it was always — ALWAYS — about Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi — Bangabandhu’s “sonar mati” and “sonar manush”.

Digital Bangladesh has always been about improving Bangladesh, about reaching “Sonar Bangla,” of us building an equitable society with equitable distribution of services. The digital aspect of it is just the means to an end, as technology is the great enabler that allows us to reach our goals quicker.

As such, the primary challenge of Digital Bangladesh was not to improve the internet, or to facilitate e-commerce platforms, or to usher in robots and AI. Rather, it was about designing digital solutions that would help the masses, those without internet, those without smartphones, and help bridge that “digital divide” — one which undoubtedly exists and threatens to widen.

We must remember that it is ineffective to design a solution without sincerely knowing the problem; one must always diagnose the problem first before devising a solution. Similarly, we must also remember that development means nothing if it’s not equitable. If the major cities keep moving ahead while the rural population — which remains the lion’s share of the population — remains stagnant, is that even progress?

Trickle-down economics doesn’t always work. Thankfully, we didn’t follow the economist Art Laffer when designing Digital Bangladesh. Inspired by Bangabandhu’s philosophy and the honourable prime minister’s vision, we designed it from the bottom up. The Digital Centre in Char Kukri Mukri is a prime example of that.

Out of the nearly 7,000 Digital Centres across the country in all union parishads, paurashavas, and city corporations, the Union Digital Centres, popularly known as UDCs to the villagers, serve the highest number of people and generate the most profit for the micro-entrepreneurs who run them.

Keeping that in mind, the national emergency hotline, 333, is among the most notable of examples of a digital service that catered to everyone in the country, not just a select few, for though smartphone and internet penetration remain relatively low, mobile phone penetration is quite significant. As for 333’s contribution, the story below highlights just how impactful it has been.

Lives saved. Societies transformed

It is Friday, July 12, 2019. Aisha, a 15-year-old girl from Chandpur wakes up early in the morning to help her mother with household chores, just as she always does. However, on this Friday morning, she quickly realizes that not all appears to be as per usual.

Today, she is not required to work at all. She is elated. But her mother is being unusually nice to her. Something feels off. She is given a bright red sari and jewelry. Though a bit confused at first, Aisha is a smart girl. She realizes what it is that is about to happen — she is about to be married off. She wants to run off but cannot muster the courage. Where could a 15-year-old girl go on her own?

Aisha remembers an ad on TV for the national helpline: 333. Desperate and hysterical, she somehow manages to get hold of her father’s mobile phone which he left behind when he went to Jumma, and promptly calls the number.

To her utter surprise, not only does the call go through, but is immediately forwarded to a human being, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Mamota Afrin, who shows up at her house within the hour. Aisha’s marriage is stopped. A mobile court fines Aisha’s father Tk30,000.

Aisha is one of thousands of young girls whose marriages were stopped and whose lives have all but been saved by these three dialed digits — 333 — since it was introduced by a2i and launched by the honourable ICT advisor to the honourable prime minister in 2018.

In many ways, the story of Aisha is the story of Digital Bangladesh. A story of unprecedented development and innovation of Bangladesh, for Bangladesh, by Bangladeshis.

More recently, with the outbreak of the pandemic and the country in the middle of a nationwide general holiday, the same 333 national helpline was repurposed to enable millions of people fearful and stuck at home, to dial in, at first to report Covid-19 symptoms to enable the government to track disease progression. Then, based on their outcry for help, it was used for urgent food relief and doctor’s consultation over the phone. That’s when 333 evolved into the country’s largest telemedicine service with nearly 4,500 doctors providing services pro bono round the clock.

333 has proven to be a remarkable example of the Digital Bangladesh ethos of inclusive innovation — being citizen-centric rather than technology-driven and creating critical national infrastructure that is focused on leaving no one behind, especially during moments of crises.

Yes, it’s also about hitting certain milestones, one more step taken in our journey to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and emerge on the global stage as a prosperous, poverty-free country where no one is left behind.

But above all, it is a story of hope.

Vision 2041: The future we aspire to

An impossibility that was made possible in eight years was set in motion when John F Kennedy made his historic speech in May 1961, urging the American nation to band together to set foot on the moon.

Another impossibility was achieved in the form of independent Bangladesh in nine months when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman instructed 70 million of his countrymen in March 1971 to “build a fortress in each and every home and face the enemy with whatever you have.”

The more recent impossibility that became a reality was triggered by Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s call to collective action to the nation in December 2008 to build a middle-income country and a knowledge economy by 2021 — the process which became “Digital Bangladesh.”

In all these three instances of turning an impossibility into a reality was the realization that the nation possessed the resources and talents necessary to make that leap. After that realization, it was a matter of aligning the right leadership in many levels within the government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and citizenry to paint a long-term vision, set short and medium-term targets, and manage resources and time to achieve them.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s words uttered in 1974 in front of world leaders at the 29th UN General Assembly still ring amazingly true today after close to five decades: “… we will look to a world where humanity is capable of great success in the era of astounding advances in science and technology … By the equitable distribution of all the resources and technical knowledge of the world, the door to such welfare will be opened where every person will have the minimum guarantee of a happy and respectable life.”

Bangabandhu hoped to see “astounding advances in science and technology” creating “equitable distribution.” This welfare philosophy is powerfully reflected in the Digital Bangladesh 2021 clarion call of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which has led to remarkable progress.

Digital Bangladesh focused on taking services to citizens’ doorsteps, being implemented with direct implementation guidance of its architect Sajeeb Wazed, the honourable ICT advisor to the honourable prime minister and relentless monitoring by the Honourable Minister of State for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

As disheartening as 2020 has been, and as much of a road-bump as it has been to Bangladesh’s development journey, we must remain undeterred if we are to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and Vision 2041.

Certainly, if we are indeed to become a prosperous, developed, poverty-free, and equitable nation by 2041, the next two decades will require unprecedented innovation, for the world itself is set to undergo unparalleled transformation, the likes of which human civilization has never experienced before.

Everything will change: Starting from how we will deliver quality healthcare and education to all, how we will be ahead of the tectonic shift in the global job market, how we will eradicate poverty, how we will tackle climate change and ride out the next disaster, and how we will help our neighbours and the entire human race. In fact, we will have to deeply think about how we remain human.

For now, however, we remain in the present, and on Digital Bangladesh Day, we gather strength from our many achievements of the past, reflect on our humbling experience of the present, and aspire to innovate for the future.

We hope to build our “Dream Bangladesh,” our “Sonar Bangla,” via Digital Bangladesh.

Anir Chowdhury is a US techpreneur turned Bangladeshi govpreneur serving as the Policy Advisor of a2i in ICT Division and Cabinet Division supported by UNDP.

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Digitalizing Lives Towards Smart Bangladesh

July 6, 2023.

Bangladesh's ICT-based public service innovation has emerged as a leading pioneer in the Global South. As global prosperity and opportunities arise, the country's role evolves from an importer to an exporter, actively sharing knowledge and providing technical assistance to southern countries worldwide. Leveraging its leapfrogging experience, Bangladesh has effectively supported digital progress, aiming to bridge the digital divide in various LDCs and developing nations through advisory and knowledge support.

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Digital Transformation and Economic Development in Bangladesh pp 29–56 Cite as

Digital Bangladesh Vision and the Current State of Digitalization

• Monzur Hossain 2  
• First Online: 17 September 2022

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This chapter provides a brief account of the current state of digitalization in Bangladesh. In the context of the Digital Bangladesh Vision, the government policies and achievements are critically reviewed in this chapter. Furthermore, Bangladesh’s position in global ranking in different ICT indicators is highlighted and compared to South Asian neighboring countries. This chapter concludes that though Bangladesh made substantial progress toward digitalization, it still lags behind many developing countries’ digitalization level. The analysis suggests that Bangladesh’s position to achieve its Digital Bangladesh Vision depends on the effective utilization of the facilities already created and strong policies to reduce the digital divide. In general, poverty, inequality and low-level digital literacy are some of the factors impeding a widespread digital transformation in Bangladesh.

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The digital Bangladesh Vision 2021 was first laid down in the Awami League’s (AL) election manifesto in 2008 and subsequently, after formation of the government in 2009, it has come into effect as the AL-led government’s priority policy agenda. The vision articulated “to expand and diversify the use of ICTs (Information and Communication Technology) to establish a transparent, responsive, and accountable government; develop skilled human resources; enhance social equity; ensure cost-effective delivery of citizen-services through public–private partnerships; and support the national goal of becoming a middle-income country within 2021 and join the ranks of the developed countries by 2041” (ICT Division, 2018 ).

“ICT is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as video conferencing and distance learning. According to the OECD, ICT in manufacturing and service industry means that the industry must either perform information processing and communications by electronic means or use electronic processing to measure or control a physical process” (OECD, 2003 ).

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Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a standard wireless broadband communication for mobile devices and data terminals based on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)/Enhanced Data for Global Evolution (EDGE) and Universal Mode Telecommunications System (UMTS)/High-speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies. It increases the capacity and speed using a different radio interface together with core network improvements.

Bangladesh has the highest level of consumer taxes as share of the total cost of mobile ownership (TCMO, 35%) in the Asia region (GSMA, 2021 ).

According to UN e-government survey in media (2019), “E-government can thus be defined as the use of ICTs to more effectively and efficiently deliver government services to citizens and businesses”.

The e-government procurement system, namely e-GP system, was launched in order to bring transparency and accountability in public procurements. It consists of the following components: Centralized Registration, Workflow Management System, e-Tendering (e-Publishing/e-Advertisement, e-Lodgement, e-Evaluation, e-Contract award), e-Contract Management System (e-CMS), e-Payments, Procurement Management Information System (PROMIS), System and Security Administration, Handling Errors and Exceptions, and Application Usability and Help.

The Bangladesh National Digital Architecture (BNDA) is a strategic planning system developed by the LICT (Leveraging ICT) project to develop strategies for efficient provision of digital services in terms of both cost and quality. The key components of BNDA are: (i) deploying a national enterprise architecture portal and data storage, (ii) building a shared network for national Digital Services and achieving data standardization, (iii) implementing a public service platform, and (iv) developing a governance system for the national enterprise architecture.

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Hossain, M. (2022). Digital Bangladesh Vision and the Current State of Digitalization. In: Digital Transformation and Economic Development in Bangladesh. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-2753-9_3

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OP-ED: Digital Bangladesh: What it is and what it isn’t

Technology is the great enabler that helps us reach our goals quicker

What is it that you think of when you hear Digital Bangladesh? What is the first thing that goes through your mind?

The term “Digital Bangladesh” is now ubiquitous. Ask any housewife in Bhurungamari or a student of grade three in Bandarban or a honey collector in the Sundarbans -- they have heard the term. 

Not only that, chances are that they have encountered it when they tried to get a service from the government in the last few years. In fact, the first visible demonstration of Digital Bangladesh happened when the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina launched 4,500+ Digital Centres countrywide from Char Kukri Mukri in 2010.

Digital Bangladesh started as a cornerstone of the Bangladesh Awami League’s election manifesto in 2008, and, as a surprise to most naysayers, has become a driving concept in our country’s socio-economic development, and not just technologically, for the last 12 years.

Digital Bangladesh has also been at the core of the government’s Covid-19 response; be it through telemedicine and mobilizing doctors, providing education to millions of school-going children, or expanding the social safety net and disseminating cash and resources to the needy, such initiatives have been made possible because of Digital Bangladesh. There is no denying that.

As we look to end 2020 still very much battling this global pandemic, 2021, besides hopefully ending this pandemic, is a landmark year for Bangladesh as it marks 50 years of independence after the glorious Liberation War of 1971. Additionally, it is also a year of reckoning and assessment -- to see if Digital Bangladesh, in tandem with Vision 2021, was a success or failure. 

However, to narrow the 12 years of hard work, strategizing, planning, and implementing countless initiatives and undertakings down to definitives such as “success” or “failure” would not only be a disservice, but it would also not be an accurate representation of what Digital Bangladesh stands for. 

Dispelling the myth of Digital Bangladesh

Have the following questions ever registered in your mind: What has Digital Bangladesh meant for me? What effect has it had on my life? Has there been any difference in my life between 2008 and now? Where is Digital Bangladesh?

You are not alone if you answer “nothing, none, no, nowhere” to the four questions above. However, since you are reading this article in the Dhaka Tribune, Digital Bangladesh, while certainly relevant to you, is not designed for you. You are not the target audience. 

Kindly allow me to explain.

“Digital Bangladesh,” to some, immediately means a futuristic Bangladesh, at the very least, one that is internet-enabled. 5G internet. 100% smartphone penetration. 100% high-speed internet penetration. Smart homes with smart appliances. Artificial intelligence in our everyday lives. Robots doing all our tasks. The Internet of Things. Some would venture out to say “merging of the physical, the digital, and the biological,” repeating after Professor Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum.

That is the general expectation from certain sects of the economy -- dare I say, the “privileged” class.

Make no mistake about it, we have made tremendous strides when it comes to internet penetration over the past decade, mostly riding from 2G to 4G, and going from about 1% penetration to over 60% penetration in the last 12 years, while the cost of internet access has become 1% of what it used to be just before the declaration of Digital Bangladesh. Yes, 1% -- not a typo!

The ICT industry in Bangladesh has also experienced tremendous growth, with revenue from ICT related work has jumped from $25 million to a whopping $1 billion, with the number only increasing by the year. Our e-commerce sector has rapidly expanded, and coupled with mobile financial services and the huge adoption drive triggered by the pandemic, it is only going to get bigger. We have even managed to send our very own satellite into space. 

However, what is often forgotten is that the majority of Bangladesh does not belong to the privileged class. The average reader of the Dhaka Tribune is NOT the average Bangladeshi. The average Bangladeshi, in the villages, in the Union Parishads, in the upazilas, isn’t thinking about AI, or 5G internet, or robots, and is frankly not close to being ready for them either, be it due to cost, accessibility, or even skill.

Those Bangladeshis are just trying to make their lives a bit better, are trying to get closer to the “digital” lives that their richer, more educated, urban counterparts are living. 

In a sense, if Digital Bangladesh started with the urban elite, it would only result in expanding this socio-economic divide.

This is the truest essence of Digital Bangladesh, to try and help those people bridge the gap that undoubtedly exists between the richer echelons of society and the masses across the country. 

The “elitist” view of Digital Bangladesh places the focus on “digital” when, in reality, it was always -- ALWAYS -- about Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi -- Bangabandhu’s “sonar mati” and “sonar manush”.

Digital Bangladesh has always been about improving Bangladesh, about reaching “Sonar Bangla,” of us building an equitable society with equitable distribution of services. The digital aspect of it is just the means to an end, as technology is the great enabler that allows us to reach our goals quicker.

As such, the primary challenge of Digital Bangladesh was not to improve the internet, or to facilitate e-commerce platforms, or to usher in robots and AI. Rather, it was about designing digital solutions that would help the masses, those without internet, those without smartphones, and help bridge that “digital divide” -- one which undoubtedly exists and threatens to widen. 

We must remember that it is ineffective to design a solution without sincerely knowing the problem; one must always diagnose the problem first before devising a solution. Similarly, we must also remember that development means nothing if it’s not equitable. If the major cities keep moving ahead while the rural population -- which remains the lion’s share of the population -- remains stagnant, is that even progress?

Trickle-down economics doesn’t always work. Thankfully, we didn’t follow the economist Art Laffer when designing Digital Bangladesh. Inspired by Bangabandhu’s philosophy and the honourable prime minister’s vision, we designed it from the bottom up. The Digital Centre in Char Kukri Mukri is a prime example of that. 

Out of the nearly 7,000 Digital Centres across the country in all union parishads, paurashavas, and city corporations, the Union Digital Centres, popularly known as UDCs to the villagers, serve the highest number of people and generate the most profit for the micro-entrepreneurs who run them.

Keeping that in mind, the national emergency hotline, 333, is among the most notable of examples of a digital service that catered to everyone in the country, not just a select few, for though smartphone and internet penetration remain relatively low, mobile phone penetration is quite significant. As for 333’s contribution, the story below highlights just how impactful it has been.

Lives saved. Societies transformed

It is Friday, July 12, 2019. Aisha, a 15-year-old girl from Chandpur wakes up early in the morning to help her mother with household chores, just as she always does. However, on this Friday morning, she quickly realizes that not all appears to be as per usual.

Today, she is not required to work at all. She is elated. But her mother is being unusually nice to her. Something feels off. She is given a bright red sari and jewelry. Though a bit confused at first, Aisha is a smart girl. She realizes what it is that is about to happen -- she is about to be married off. She wants to run off but cannot muster the courage. Where could a 15-year-old girl go on her own?

Aisha remembers an ad on TV for the national helpline: 333. Desperate and hysterical, she somehow manages to get hold of her father’s mobile phone which he left behind when he went to Jumma, and promptly calls the number.

To her utter surprise, not only does the call go through, but is immediately forwarded to a human being, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Mamota Afrin, who shows up at her house within the hour. Aisha’s marriage is stopped. A mobile court fines Aisha’s father Tk30,000.

Aisha is one of thousands of young girls whose marriages were stopped and whose lives have all but been saved by these three dialed digits -- 333 -- since it was introduced by a2i and launched by the honourable ICT advisor to the honourable prime minister in 2018. 

In many ways, the story of Aisha is the story of Digital Bangladesh. A story of unprecedented development and innovation of Bangladesh, for Bangladesh, by Bangladeshis. 

More recently, with the outbreak of the pandemic and the country in the middle of a nationwide general holiday, the same 333 national helpline was repurposed to enable millions of people fearful and stuck at home, to dial in, at first to report Covid-19 symptoms to enable the government to track disease progression. Then, based on their outcry for help, it was used for urgent food relief and doctor’s consultation over the phone. That’s when 333 evolved into the country’s largest telemedicine service with nearly 4,500 doctors providing services pro bono round the clock.

333 has proven to be a remarkable example of the Digital Bangladesh ethos of inclusive innovation -- being citizen-centric rather than technology-driven and creating critical national infrastructure that is focused on leaving no one behind, especially during moments of crises.

Yes, it’s also about hitting certain milestones, one more step taken in our journey to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and emerge on the global stage as a prosperous, poverty-free country where no one is left behind.

But above all, it is a story of hope. 

Vision 2041: The future we aspire to

An impossibility that was made possible in eight years was set in motion when John F Kennedy made his historic speech in May 1961, urging the American nation to band together to set foot on the moon. 

Another impossibility was achieved in the form of independent Bangladesh in nine months when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman instructed 70 million of his countrymen in March 1971 to “build a fortress in each and every home and face the enemy with whatever you have.” 

The more recent impossibility that became a reality was triggered by Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s call to collective action to the nation in December 2008 to build a middle-income country and a knowledge economy by 2021 -- the process which became “Digital Bangladesh.”

In all these three instances of turning an impossibility into a reality was the realization that the nation possessed the resources and talents necessary to make that leap. After that realization, it was a matter of aligning the right leadership in many levels within the government, private sector, civil society, academia, media, and citizenry to paint a long-term vision, set short and medium-term targets, and manage resources and time to achieve them.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s words uttered in 1974 in front of world leaders at the 29th UN General Assembly still ring amazingly true today after close to five decades: “… we will look to a world where humanity is capable of great success in the era of astounding advances in science and technology … By the equitable distribution of all the resources and technical knowledge of the world, the door to such welfare will be opened where every person will have the minimum guarantee of a happy and respectable life.” 

Bangabandhu hoped to see “astounding advances in science and technology” creating “equitable distribution.” This welfare philosophy is powerfully reflected in the Digital Bangladesh 2021 clarion call of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which has led to remarkable progress. 

Digital Bangladesh focused on taking services to citizens’ doorsteps, being implemented with direct implementation guidance of its architect Sajeeb Wazed, the honourable ICT advisor to the honourable prime minister and relentless monitoring by the Honourable Minister of State for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

As disheartening as 2020 has been, and as much of a road-bump as it has been to Bangladesh’s development journey, we must remain undeterred if we are to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and Vision 2041.

Certainly, if we are indeed to become a prosperous, developed, poverty-free, and equitable nation by 2041, the next two decades will require unprecedented innovation, for the world itself is set to undergo unparalleled transformation, the likes of which human civilization has never experienced before. 

Everything will change: Starting from how we will deliver quality healthcare and education to all, how we will be ahead of the tectonic shift in the global job market, how we will eradicate poverty, how we will tackle climate change and ride out the next disaster, and how we will help our neighbours and the entire human race. In fact, we will have to deeply think about how we remain human.

For now, however, we remain in the present, and on Digital Bangladesh Day, we gather strength from our many achievements of the past, reflect on our humbling experience of the present, and aspire to innovate for the future.

We hope to build our “Dream Bangladesh,” our “Sonar Bangla,” via Digital Bangladesh.

Anir Chowdhury is a US techpreneur turned Bangladeshi govpreneur serving as the Policy Advisor of a2i in ICT Division and Cabinet Division supported by UNDP.

The Modi-Hasina legacy

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Digital Bangladesh Composition| All Class students- 2023

Assalamuali kum, Students, are you searching for digital bangladesh composition with easy to memorize? Then you have come to the right blog post.

Here we share with you amazing composition about digital Bangladesh. This composition is for class 6,7,8 & SSC students.

Introduction:

Meaning of digital bangladesh:, present scenario:, problems and challenges:, necessary steps:, conclusion:.

Digital Bangladesh Composition

Digital Bangladesh is a concept that aims to transform Bangladesh into a fully digitized and technologically advanced nation. It is a vision for the future of Bangladesh, where technology will play a crucial role in improving the standard of living for its citizens. The government of Bangladesh has taken several initiatives to make digital tranformation Bangladesh a reality.

It refers to the integration of technology into every aspect of life, be it education, healthcare, agriculture, or any other sector. The goal is to provide better services to citizens and to increase efficiency, transparency, and accessibility. The concept of Digital Bangladesh covers the use of various technologies such as the internet, mobile phones, and computers to provide services and improve the standard of living for citizens.

In recent years, Bangladesh has made significant progress in its digital transformation journey. The government has launched several initiatives such as the National Data Centre, Digital initiative, and the Bangladesh Computer Council, to promote digitalization in the country. The use of technology has become widespread, with a large portion of the population having access to the internet and mobile phones. The country has also made strides in e-commerce, with an increasing number of businesses going online to reach a wider audience.

The implementation of Digital Bangladesh has numerous benefits for the country and its citizens. It has the potential to increase efficiency, reduce corruption, improve the standard of living, and create new job opportunities. The use of technology in education and healthcare will improve the quality of these services and make them more accessible to a larger population. Digitalization will also help the country to better compete in the global market and attract foreign investment.

Despite the progress made in digital transformation, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. The lack of infrastructure and skilled personnel, coupled with a lack of awareness about the benefits of technology, are some of the major challenges facing Bangladesh. There are also concerns about cybersecurity and the protection of personal data, which need to be addressed to ensure the safe use of technology.

To achieve the goal of Digitalization in Bangladesh, the government needs to take several steps. This includes investing in infrastructure development, providing training and education to citizens, and promoting the use of technology in various sectors. The government also needs to ensure the protection of personal data and the implementation of cybersecurity measures to prevent cyber attacks.

In conclusion, Digital Bangladesh is a crucial initiative for the future of Bangladesh. The integration of technology into every aspect of life will improve the standard of living for citizens, increase efficiency, and reduce corruption. Despite the challenges, the government of Bangladesh must take the necessary steps to make Digital Bangladesh a reality and ensure a better future for the country and its citizens.

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Smart Bangladesh Essay

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Smart Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a country nestled in South Asia, is on its way to becoming a ‘Smart Bangladesh.’ This term signifies a nation leveraging technology, innovation, and development to enhance its well-being.

Bangladesh has made impressive strides in various sectors in recent years, embracing technology to uplift its society. The government’s focus on digitalization has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Initiatives like the Digital Bangladesh campaign have paved the way for integrating technology into different facets of life.

Read More: Pahela Baishakh Essay

One of the standout aspects of Smart Bangladesh is the widespread availability and use of mobile phones and the Internet. With affordable smartphones and accessible internet services, connectivity has reached far and wide, connecting even remote areas. This connectivity has opened doors for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, bridging gaps and empowering individuals nationwide.

ইউটিউবে ভিডিও লেকচার দেখুনঃ

Education has seen a significant overhaul through digital means. E-learning platforms and digital classrooms have made quality education more accessible, breaking barriers of distance and resources. Students from various backgrounds can now access vast educational resources, enabling them to learn and grow regardless of location.

Read More: Digital Bangladesh Essay

In healthcare, technology has been a game-changer. Telemedicine services have extended healthcare facilities to rural areas with limited hospital access. Through teleconsultations, doctors can reach patients, provide medical advice, and even offer diagnoses, improving healthcare outcomes and saving lives.

Furthermore, the government’s emphasis on e-governance has streamlined administrative processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Online services for various government procedures have simplified tasks like obtaining licenses, paying taxes, and accessing public services, making governance more efficient and transparent.

The entrepreneurial landscape in Bangladesh has flourished, with technology fostering innovation and startups. The tech industry has seen rapid growth, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity among the youth. Startups focusing on fintech, e-commerce, and other tech-driven solutions have emerged, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth.

Read More: Smart Bangladesh Essay

However, challenges persist on the path to a fully Smart Bangladesh. Issues like digital literacy, infrastructure development, and ensuring inclusivity for all segments of society remain crucial to address.

In conclusion, Bangladesh’s journey towards becoming a Smart Bangladesh is commendable. Technology integration into various sectors has brought about remarkable changes, enhancing the lives of its citizens. With continued efforts to address challenges and ensure equitable access, Bangladesh is poised to achieve greater heights in its quest for a smarter, technologically advanced nation.

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Digital Bangladesh essay

NB: This essay contains 500 words.

Introduction : The word ‘digital’ has derived from the word ‘digit’. ‘Digital Bangladesh’ refers to a dream of making Bangladesh by using digital technology. The present Prime Minister ‘Sheikh Hasina’ in the election manifesto of 2008 had declared to build up Digital Bangladesh by 2021. In general, a country goes digital means that all its activities will be powered by computer and internet. In 2019, it is said that Digital Bangladesh is now not a dream but a reality. All around the country, people are taking now 150 types of services from digital centres.

The beginning of Digital Bangladesh: Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971. About 50 years have passed since it is burdened with many problems. Considering all these, the acting government of Bangladesh wanted to overcome all these problems by making digital Bangladesh. Within about 10 years, the government has transformed the country into a Digital Bangladesh by making information technology accessible to all. ICT friendly services are now available to the people of Bangladesh.

Activities for implementing digital Bangladesh:   Making digital Bangladesh is a difficult task. It is a long-term process. First of all an uninterrupted power supply in the whole country is a must. Secondly, computer network infrastructure should be developed all over the country. ICT skilled human resources are needed to implement digital Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh took all the necessary steps to ensure everything to build up digital Bangladesh.

Benefits of Digital Bangladesh: There are many benefits of digital Bangladesh. In digital Bangladesh, all the sectors of the government work only by clicking the mouse of a computer. It saves time, energy and cost. Bangladesh is now enjoying all the benefits of digital Bangladesh. All the sectors of the government are now improved by digital technology. In education, all the students are getting ict based education, multimedia classes, e-learning and e-education facilities in their institutions. In the health sector, telemedicine and e-health services are available to the patients. People are enjoying now E-commerce facilities for buying and selling. Banking system has started different electronic payment system and services. Now, it is difficult to find a place without computer and internet.  By setting up CCTV camera through the computer-internet system, all the administrative sectors are now running corruption less administration.  Bangladesh has emerged as a ‘Role Model’ of socio-economic development as the benefit of Digital Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is now putting emphasis on advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Block Chain, Robotics, Big Data, IoT and machine learning to meet the future challenges. Bangabandhu Satellite-1 has already been providing different services to the subscribers. Bangabandhu Satellite-2 is another dream to connect with Submarine Cable-3.

Conclusion: To make digital Bangladesh by 2021 was one of the commitments of the present government. The government has already materialized the dream of digital Bangladesh. Hence, the country has become able to make progress in all sectors. But, making digital Bangladesh is a continuous process. The continuation of this vision will reach the country to uphold as one of the developed countries of the world in near future.

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• My first day at College
• Natural Beauties of Bangladesh
• Population problem of Bangladesh
• Physical exercise
• Rivers of Bangladesh
• Role of Woman in Nation Building
• Satellite TV Channel
• Students and social service
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• Uses and abuses of internet
• Victory day of Bangladesh
• Woman empowerment
• Your favourite game

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Second phase of upazila polls: 2,055 submit nomination papers

A total of 2,055 aspirants submitted nomination papers for contesting the second phase of upazila elections slated for May 21.

In this phase, 160 upazilas will go to polls. Today was the last day for submission of nomination papers.

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

A total of 730 aspirants submitted the nominations for the chairman positions, 763 for the vice chairman and 562 for the vice chairman reserved for women, Election Commission additional secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath told The Daily Star this afternoon.

The Election Commission this year made it mandatory for all the aspirants of upazila elections to submit nomination papers online, he said.

"We did not receive news of any untoward incident over the submission of nomination papers," he added.

The nomination papers will be scrutinised on April 23 and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 30.

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