In a recent meeting of the ‘Smart Bangladesh Task Force’ chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ten significant challenges were identified at the outset of the Smart Bangladesh initiative.
10 challenges were identified: including cybercrime
These challenges 10 challenges were identified, including cybercrime, alternative energy sources, economic demands, global tech giants’ influence, and climate change’s effects. Additionally, there is a need to adapt to rapidly evolving technology, keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and nurture a skilled young workforce.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of integrating advanced digital technologies like artificial intelligence in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She emphasized that technological advancements do not eliminate the need for skilled individuals but require a workforce capable of harnessing these technologies. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of tapping into people’s creativity across various sectors and highlighted the necessity of developing a skilled workforce to keep up with evolving technology, promote financial stability, and expand training opportunities. Enhancing the quality of education and increasing employment opportunities were also discussed.
One of the significant challenges highlighted during the meeting was cybersecurity, given that 74 per cent of the population in Bangladesh is now using the Internet. Ensuring cybersecurity across various institutions is crucial for the successful implementation of Smart Bangladesh.
The meeting also addressed the growing consumer market in Bangladesh, which is expanding at 7 per cent annually. A strategic approach needs to be devised in advance.
The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tofazzal Hossain Mia, outlined critical priorities for building Smart Bangladesh, which includes innovative education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, youth and women empowerment, digital and cashless economies, and intelligent governance. He emphasized that the government would provide policy support and create a platform for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between various ministries and public-private partnerships.
It was decided in the meeting to establish 15 subcommittees led by respective ministers. These subcommittees will work on different aspects of the Smart Bangladesh initiative, identify problems, explore opportunities, and develop action plans. The convenors of these subcommittees will also engage in short–, medium–, and long-term planning and provide regular progress reports to the Task Force.
The meeting noted several achievements in preparation for Smart Bangladesh, such as providing direct cash assistance to around 35 lakh people through mobile phones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing 1300 Sheikh Russell Digital Labs, 300 Schools of Future, 109 Hi-Tech Parks, and Incubation Centers is foundational for the Smart Bangladesh initiative.
Various ministers and officials also stressed the importance of practical research, support for domestic phone manufacturers, and the need for short-, medium—, and long-term plans to build an intelligent society, economy, government, and social system. Recommendations included:
- 1. Engaging talented young people abroad.
- 2. Increasing investments in research and development.
- 3. Creating an equitable research environment.
- Cybercriminals often operate under pseudonyms or through proxy servers, making it difficult to identify them. In some cases, cybercriminals may even use the identities of innocent people to commit crimes, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to determine who the actual perpetrator is.
- 10 challenges were identified, including cybercrime at the beginning of building Smart Bangladesh. Other challenges are:
- 1. Alternative energy sources.
- 2. Meeting the demands of the economy.
- 3. The dominance of global big-tech companies.
- 4. The impact of climate change.
- Besides, she is dealing with the rapid change of technology and digital devices, keeping pace with the technology of the fourth industrial revolution, building a skilled young society, etc.
10 challenges were identified: including cybercrime
In summary, the Smart Bangladesh Task Force meeting highlighted a comprehensive strategy for addressing the challenges and opportunities in building a Smart Bangladesh by 2022, with a vision of becoming a developed country by 2041. The government is committed to leveraging technology and fostering a skilled workforce to drive this transformation.
