Tk 65,000 Crore Invested in Telecom and ICT Sectors, But Expected Progress Remains Unmet

Tk 65,000 Crore Invested in Telecom and ICT Sectors, But Expected Progress Remains Unmet. Dhaka, September 2, 2024 (BSS) – Despite a significant investment of Taka 65,000 crore in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division and the Posts and Telecommunications sectors from 2010 to 2024, the anticipated progress has not been realized.

This revelation came to light during the Annual Development Program (ADP) review meeting for the Posts and Telecommunications Division for the Fiscal Year 2024-25, held in the division’s conference room.

Key Insights from the ADP Review Meeting

The meeting was chaired by Secretary Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, with Posts and Telecommunications Adviser Md. Nahid Islam serving as the chief guest. In his address, Nahid Islam highlighted the challenges faced by the Digital Bangladesh initiative, which, despite substantial financial backing, has not delivered the expected benefits to the people.

According to Islam, the ICT Division undertook projects worth Taka 25,000 crore, while the Posts and Telecommunications Division managed projects valued at Taka 40,000 crore. However, despite these considerable investments, Bangladesh’s performance in key global indexes has been disappointing.

Bangladesh’s Performance in Global ICT and Telecom Indexes

ICT Development Index: In the June 2024 edition of the United Nations International Telecommunication Union’s ICT Development Index, Bangladesh scored 62 out of 100, placing it behind neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Vietnam, and Bhutan.
Internet Speed Rankings: The Ookla Speedtest Global Index for May 2024 ranked Bangladesh 109th out of 147 countries in internet speed, with countries like Kenya outranking Bangladesh. In the broadband internet index, Bangladesh was ranked 108th, trailing behind India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Rwanda, and Ghana.
Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index: In the June 2024 Artificial Intelligence Preparedness Index by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Bangladesh ranked 113th, again falling behind India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Rwanda, and Ghana.
Digital Quality of Life Index: According to the 2023 Digital Quality of Life Index by cyber security firm Surfshark, Bangladesh ranked 82nd out of 121 countries, a drop of five notches from the previous year. The report also indicated that internet speed in Bangladesh is 5% below the global average, with the country ranking 73rd in the Key Government Index, 85th in e-security, and 77th in internet purchasing capacity.
Freelancing Destinations: The April 2024 report by CEOWORLD magazine ranked Bangladesh 29th out of 30 best destinations for freelancing, lagging behind both India and Pakistan.

Challenges in Project Implementation

Adviser Nahid Islam pointed out that the lack of tangible benefits from the Digital Bangladesh initiative is indicative of widespread irregularities in project implementation. He emphasized that many projects have not been completed on time, necessitating multiple extensions.

Which further delays the expected outcomes. Islam stressed the importance of making time extension proposals judiciously and ensuring that projects are completed within the stipulated timeframe.

The Way Forward

To address these challenges, Islam underscored the need to reduce project costs, avoid procrastination, and provide regular updates on project progress through software tracking. He stated that if projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner, significant progress can be made in Bangladesh’s internet and telecommunications sectors, benefiting the entire nation.

Current Fiscal Year Projects

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing projects for the Fiscal Year 2024-25. A total of nine projects have been initiated under the four offices of the Posts and Telecommunications Division.

These include five projects by Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), one by Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, two by the Directorate of Posts, and one by Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC.

As of August 2024, the national-level progress stands at 1.02%, with the Posts and Telecommunications Division reporting a progress rate of 3.84%. During the meeting, department heads and project managers presented their implementation plans and provided updates on the latest progress of their respective projects.

Conclusion

While the substantial investments in Bangladesh’s telecom and ICT sectors reflect the government’s commitment to advancing digital infrastructure, the gap between investment and actual progress highlights the need for more effective project management and execution.

With strategic planning and diligent implementation, Bangladesh has the potential to overcome these challenges and fully realize the benefits of its Digital Bangladesh vision.