Digital Bangladesh and Vision 2021

Digital Bangladesh and Vision 2021

The use of information and communication technology has been playing a vital role in the 21st century due to globalization and the government is encouraged to adapting with the coming future. The democratic government has declared the “Vision 2021” in the election manifesto which targets establishment of a resourceful and modern country by 2021 through effective use of information and communication technology-a “Digital Bangladesh“.

“Digital Bangladesh” does not only mean the broad use of computers, perhaps it means the modern philosophy of effective and useful use of technology in terms of implementing the promises in education, health, job placement, poverty reduction etc. Therefore, the government underscores a changing attitude, positive thinking and innovative ideas for the success of “Digital Bangladesh”.

Philosophy & Elements of Digital Bangladesh

The philosophy of “Digital Bangladesh” comprises-

oensuring people’s democracy and rights,

otransparency,

oaccountability,

oestablishing justice and ensuring delivery of government services in each door through maximum use of technology-with the ultimate goal to improve the daily lifestyle of general people.

Four elements of “Digital Bangladesh Vision” which are –

human resource development,

people involvement,

civil services and

use of information technology in business.

Objectives of Digital Bangladesh

 Ensuring people’s participation

 Ensuring people’s democracy

Transparency

Accountability and responsibility

 Sustainability of the policy

 Rapid decision making

 Removing corruption

 Flexibility

 Ensuring better delivery of government services by e-facilities

 Establishment of social justice

Bangladesh as we want to see it in 2021:

1. Democracy and effective parliament
2. Political framework, decentralization of power & people’s participation
3. Good governance through establishing rule of law and avoiding political partisanship
4. Transformation of political culture
5. A society free from corruption
6. Empowerment and equal rights for women
7. Economic development & initiative (GDP will be raised to 8% by 2013 and 10% by 2021, Population in 2021 is estimated at 165m, and labour force at 105m., Beginning in 2021, poverty will be reduced to 15% from 45% now, By 2021, a minimum daily intake of 2,122 kilo calories of food, By 2021, demand for electricity is projected to increase to 20,000 megawatt. By 2015, housing for all will be ensured)
8. Bangladesh in the global arena

Bangladesh Perspective Plan (2010-2021)

The Government has formulated a Perspective Plan for 2010-2021 to implement the pledges as stipulated in its election manifesto. Strengthening the information technology sector for a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ has been identified as an objective in this Perspective Plan.

As emphasis has been given on developing an innovative workforce for realizing the dream of ‘Digital Bangladesh’, it has become clear that ICT development will be the driving force for the economy during the coming decade. Several objectives have also been set to implement this plan, which are mentioned in detail subsequently in this paper.

ICT Industry

Information and communications technology (ICT) is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT). The term ICT is used to refer to the convergence of audio-visual and telephone networks with computer networks. It covers the vast area of information technology, communication technology and the telecommunication technology.

E-governance

Electronic governance or e-governance is the application of information and communication technology (ICT) for delivering government services, exchange of information, and services between government-to-customer (G2C), government-to-business (G2B), government-to-government (G2G).

How can we ensure it in Bangladesh?

By ensuring political stability

Removing corruption

Developing proper infrastructure of ICT

Ensuring well trained manpower

Proper practice of ICT policy

Eagerness of civil servants

Proactive attitude toward modern technology

Innovative manner of policy makers

Using opened based software and sufficient facilities of LAN

Ensuring visionary leadership quality

Developing English language skill

Sufficient power supply

Image of a good society

Limitations

Instable political situation

Lack of proper infrastructure of ICT

Lack of well trained manpower and training centre

Improper practice of ICT policy

Apathy of civil servants

Traditional attitude toward modern technology

Reactive manner of policy makers

Using closed based software

Insufficient facilities of LAN

Lack of visionary leadership quality

Poor English language skill

Patronizing corruption

Insufficient power supply

Lack of imagination of a good society

Lack of proper investment (national and international) in this arena