Digitization has become a buzzword in the new era of information technology. We can now learn in an instant what is happening in the furthest corner of the world. The electronic transfer of information via the internet has created an interconnected world of information. Digital Bangladesh can be defined as “a happy, prosperous, educated population free from discrimination, corruption, poverty and hunger – a people’s state whose driving force is the digital technology”. It encompasses the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh and is a vision for materializing the dreams of independence. It is a commitment for transforming Bangladesh from a least developed or poor country to a technologically-advanced middle-income nation within 2021. The objectives of a digital Bangladesh are to improve the underdeveloped lifestyle of the citizenry phase by phase and transform Bangladesh society gradually into a knowledge-based one.
In effect, it aims to convert to digital mode all undertakings at all levels of society including people’s lifestyle, education, health management, work procedure, industries, trade and commerce, production, economy, culture and governance. The main theme in the philosophy of Digital Bangladesh is to ensure the empowerment of people as well as uphold transparency and accountability through optimum utilization of information and communication technology (ICT).
Country`s internet growth is not as satisfactory as voice call despite lowering of bandwidth price to Tk 8,000 from Tk 1,27, 000. Currently, the country uses only 26 GB Internet out of 86 GB capacity, according to the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL). The bandwidth price is still high in Bangladesh compared to other South Asian countries. Internet price for 1 MBPS is US$100 in Bangladesh while median price is US$ 25 in Jakarta, US$ 31in Kuala Lumpur, US$ 38 in Mumbai and US$ 60 in Manila.
At present, two Wimax companies, some fixed broadband internet service providers and six mobile phone operators are offering data service. Nearly 30 million people have access to Internet communication. Of them, over 95 per cent is using mobile internet, BTRC sources said.
To establish digital Bangladesh, we need to make technological access everywhere. Educational sector should be given first priority. Without education a nation can never be a developed country. The video of good teachers should be spread all over the country so that students of remote village can be beneficiated by enjoying this video. The class room should be digitalized to capture the attention of students.
Bangladesh is an agro-based country in which 80% people depend on agriculture that needs a mechanized method of cultivation for establishing digital bangladesh. Administrative sector should have a technological access to provide security to the general people by setting CCTV in all important places of Bangladesh.
Medical sector should be brought under digitalization to offer the blessing of medical science for the general people. By using internet, we can receive prescription at an emergency time without appearing before a physician.Communication sector has not been digitalized yet in Bangladesh. By bringing transport under digitalization system, Bangladesh can become a developed country. Banking sector has advanced by applying e-banking system all over the country. Bangladesh will solve most of our national crisis involving corruption, unemployment, illiteracy, poverty and price-hike. Even though without knowing Bangladesh has already gone through a bit of experience on digitization through few national level of ICT projects, such as, Chittagong Customs Automation System, selection process of teletalk mobile user through internet, project initiated by the pervious government on machine-readable digital passport system and finally the successful computerization of national voter ID. Recently Bangladesh has entered into the phase of 3G internet facilities. The third generation means it comes after GPRS and EDGE. The advantages of 3G services include faster data connectivity which means one can download faster and web surfing will be a lot more fun. It will give uninterrupted video streaming on phones, enable video calls and big MMS and be good for data intensive applications. The new technology will ease high speed exchange of information and enable individuals to hold video conferences at distant places and help traffic police avoid the unwanted jam by observing movement of vehicles.
Challenges:
1. Deficiency in digital infrastructure,
2. Inappropriate practices in ICT system planning, implementation and management,
3. Reluctant mind-set of the government employees,
4. Serious lack of e-literacy,
5. High speed internet connection is still expensive, .
6. Power supply is unreliable,
7. Monopoly of some service providers, high connection costs and non-availability of networks,
8. Inadequate technology-friendly and high-quality science-based curriculum in educational institutions 9. insufficient supply of skilled human resources,
10. Constant brain-drain,
11. Lack of awareness about IT/ITES services and industries
Courses of action:
1. The challenges and problems of infrastructure development must be solved immediately,
2. The installation of second submarine cable connection should be expedited,
3. Internet connection fees and bandwidth costs should be reduced,
4. The government should invite the private sector and NGOs to expand broadband connections in rural areas
5. Necessary reforms should be implemented in tax-related policies,
6. Easy access to the Equity and Entrepreneurship Fund,
7. Monitoring and implementation of the Action Plans.
8. ICT Policy should be revised,
9. Adequate IT training for teachers,
10. Special plans need to be drawn up for preventing brain-drain and to provide incentives to meritorious IT graduates and young entrepreneurs;