[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

ICT entrepreneurs demand extension of tax exemptions

With tax exemptions for the information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector ending after this fiscal year, ICT entrepreneurs are demanding the continuation of such incentives for seven more years to help build a ‘Smart Bangladesh’.

www.thedailystar.net

ICT entrepreneurs demand extension of tax exemptions

With tax exemptions for the information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector ending after this fiscal year, ICT entrepreneurs are demanding the continuation of such incentives for seven more years to help build a 'Smart Bangladesh'.

Entrepreneurs fear that suspension of the privilege would be a crushing blow to the industry, which has experienced some headwinds in recent months due to a slump in global demand.

The global economic slowdown has resulted in a 4.4 percent drop in Bangladesh's IT exports, which reached $221.5 million in the first five months of the current fiscal year.

"The tax exemptions are crucial for local IT entrepreneurs as the sector has all the potential for export diversification," said Russell T Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

"Most importantly, the tax exemption has played a role in building a digital Bangladesh and the local IT industry was the architect of that."

As the core vision of the government is to transform the country into a Smart Bangladesh, the continuation of the IT exemption is more important than ever before, he added.
He said BASIS had conveyed this message to senior government officials and hoped it would be considered.

To transform into a Smart Bangladesh, all sectors will be required to strategically embrace ICT. Its implementation is pivotal and the transformative potential of technology is undeniable, Ahmed added.

BASIS and other ICT trade bodies have already sent proposals to Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, urging the government to extend tax exemptions till June 2031.

The government has set an aim to achieve its vision for a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. But if the tax exemption is not extended, it will seriously impact the overall goal since ICT will be the backbone of Smart Bangladesh, said Rashad Kabir, director of BASIS.

"It will ultimately increase the cost of ICT-related products and people will be reluctant to buy digital products eventually," he said.

"Over the last couple of years, we have heard a number of commitments regarding the extension of tax exemptions from a number of ministers of the present government," Kabir added.

"If it is not extended, it will be seriously frustrating news for the industry as there will be very little chance for further growth and the move would not match the manifesto of the government either."​

 

[Saif]

BTCL taking steps to restore.bd domain

All.bd domain services, which are operated by Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL), have been down since 8:40 am on Wednesday due to a technical glitch. “The technical team is now trying to solve the issue. Hopefully, the services will be restored as soon as possible,” read

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BTCL taking steps to restore.bd domain
Published :​

Apr 03, 2024 19:35

Updated :​

Apr 03, 2024 20:05

All.bd domain services, which are operated by Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL), have been down since 8:40 am on Wednesday due to a technical glitch.

"The technical team is now trying to solve the issue. Hopefully, the services will be restored as soon as possible," reads a press release signed by Mir Mohammad Morshed, general manager of Public Relations and Publications at BTCL, reports UNB.

The BTCL also apologised for the disruption of many government and private websites under the.bd domain.

Another domain, .bangla is functioning properly, added the press release.​

 

[Saif]

Tax breaks crucial for big ICT investments

The revenue authority is facing calls to extend tax benefits for the information technology and information and communications technology-enabled services (IT-ITES) sector until 2030 in the upcoming national budget. This recommendation, included in a recent letter to the National Board of Revenue

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tax breaks crucial for big ICT investments
Suggestion comes as perks for the booming industry set to expire
DOULOT AKTER MALA
Published :​

Apr 08, 2024 00:44

Updated :​

Apr 08, 2024 00:44

The revenue authority is facing calls to extend tax benefits for the information technology and information and communications technology-enabled services (IT-ITES) sector until 2030 in the upcoming national budget.

This recommendation, included in a recent letter to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), is meant to encourage long-term investment in the country's fastest-growing economic sector.

Current tax concessions, both value-added tax (VAT) and income tax breaks, are set to expire on June 30, 2024.

In a demi-official letter to the NBR, State Minister for the Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said continuing these tax benefits for a few more years is essential. This, he believes, will be crucial for achieving the government's goal of earning $5 billion annually in foreign currency.

The IT sector has witnessed a remarkable growth trajectory. Annual export earnings have surged from $26 million in 2007 to $1.9 billion in 2023, creating employment opportunities for two million people.

The letter mentioned that prudent fiscal policies have attracted $950 million in investments from startups alone over the past decade.
While the IT-ITES sector has benefited from tax breaks in phases over the years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently recommended that the NBR phase out these exemptions and impose taxes on the sector.

According to senior tax officials, a decision on imposing new taxes on IT-ITES companies, including local digital device producers, is yet to be made. This delay provides the companies with the scope for building capacity and meeting export targets, while also protecting existing investments.

State Minister Palak said local manufacturers, except Walton, currently lack the capacity to produce cellular phones thanks to a wide gap in tax rates between assemblers and manufacturers.

He proposed a tiered VAT structure in the upcoming budget for FY2024-25. This would see the VAT rate for local mobile phone assemblers increase from the current 5 per cent and 7.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent and 10 per cent respectively, while maintaining the 2 per cent VAT rate for manufacturers.

Mr Palak also proposed waiving the existing 5 per cent VAT on locally produced mobile phones at the business stage.

He argued the uneven application of VAT at this stage creates discrimination and an uneven playing field, jeopardising the survival of tax-compliant businesses.

He also recommended tax benefits for imports of lithium-ion battery packs, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, electronic power supply systems (EPSS), power supply units (PSUs), solar hybrid inverters, monitors (over 22 inches), point-of-sale (POS) devices, access control devices, digital door locks, drones and similar items.

"To make local manufacturers competitive with foreign products, waiving VAT on raw materials procured from the local market is now essential," he wrote in the letter.

Currently, local manufacturers pay a 15 per cent VAT at the manufacturing stage and advance tax on imported raw materials.

In 2019, the revenue board began phasing out tax benefits for local mobile phone manufacturers, imposing a minimal tax after deeming the sector self-reliant.

Enamul Hafiz Latifee, a trade and policy development economist with the Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and a research fellow at the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), argued that the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) recommendation seems misaligned with Bangladesh's long-term strategic goals.

"Implementing the IMF's suggestion could lead to the NBR imposing a tax rate between 15 per cent and 25 per cent, which would significantly reduce the competitive edge of Bangladesh's ICT sector in both domestic and international markets," he said.

While this policy might initially generate a temporary boost in fiscal revenue by around 0.8 per cent, it contradicts the national ambition of transforming into a knowledge-driven, advanced economy by 2041, he added.

Extending the tax exemption on Software and IT Enabled Services (ITES) until June 30, 2031, would align with the government's vision of transitioning Bangladesh into an upper-middle-income nation by 2031, he said, adding this goal is unlikely to be achieved without fostering a competitive domestic ICT industry.

The current domestic demand for software and ITES in Bangladesh is estimated at $1.5 billion. An abrupt and untimely shift in fiscal policy could jeopardise the sustainability of the local ICT sector, potentially leading to a heavy reliance on imports in this area.

This scenario would exacerbate existing pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves, possibly leading to annual outflows of $1.5 billion or more.

"The IMF's recommendation appears to lack a comprehensive impact analysis specific to the ICT sector," Mr Latifee added. "Moreover, it seems they have not engaged in consultative discussions with stakeholders from the private ICT sector. This oversight raises concerns about the methodology and inclusivity of the IMF's policy formulation process."

Meanwhile, Dr Shams Uddin Ahmed, a former income tax member, cautioned the government against offering tax benefits to the IT and ITES sectors on a wholesale basis.

He said that while phasing out these benefits entirely may be premature given the country's upcoming challenges related to graduating to a middle-income country, a more cautious approach is necessary.

"There have been concerns that some companies have been claiming undue tax benefits by misrepresenting themselves as IT or ITES businesses," Dr Ahmed said. "To prevent misuse and money laundering, tax benefits must be offered only after thorough scrutiny."​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh's digital footprint in the age of social media saturation

In this era of technological advancement, Bangladesh is facing challenges in adapting to the digital landscape.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh's digital footprint in the age of social media saturation

VISUAL: Canva

In the streets of Dhaka, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a silent transformation is taking place. It's not about turmoil or economic changes, but rather a shift in how people connect, communicate, and view the world. This change is driven by the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter which have become deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi society, shaping norms and behaviours in new ways.

The rapid growth of media in Bangladesh has been remarkable. With more than 40 million Facebook users and rising, the country has embraced these platforms enthusiastically, making it one of the most digitally connected countries in South Asia. From cities to distant areas smartphones have become ubiquitous tools that open doors to virtual realms where friendships are formed, the news is shared and identities are crafted.

However, despite its promise of connection and community, excessive social media usage has started to leave its mark on Bangladeshi society by moulding behaviours and perspectives in significant ways. One noticeable consequence of being overwhelmed by social media is the weakening of social ties and personal interactions. In a society where family and community bonds have always been highly valued, the rise of virtual connections is starting to overshadow face-to-face relationships.

Additionally, the constant flow of curated images and stories has nurtured a culture centred around comparison and competition, wherein one's worth is often judged by the number of likes and followers they have amassed. This has contributed to an increase in stress, feelings of sadness, and low self-confidence among individuals who are more susceptible to the pressures of social media. With a stream of content demanding their attention, many Bangladeshis struggle to disconnect from their devices, leading to a state of distraction and unease. Research has found a connection between social media usage and negative mental health consequences like heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Moreover, the widespread circulation of misinformation and fake news on platforms like Facebook has eroded trust in sources of news and authority figures, resulting in a divided and fractured public conversation.

However, there are some positives of the spread of social media as well. Many people in Bangladesh are acknowledging the impacts of spending much time online and are taking measures to regain control over their online habits. Initiatives such as digital detox retreats and grassroots campaigns promoting digital literacy and responsible online conduct are emerging to encourage a mindful and balanced approach to technology.

Furthermore, social media platforms themselves are starting to address some of the negative aspects associated with their services by enforcing stricter content moderation and introducing features that promote well-being, such as encouraging users to take breaks and limit screen time.

The consequences of changes in behaviour driven by social media usage are intricate and varied. While these platforms have undeniably transformed how people connect and have amplified their voices, the uncontrolled usage of these online spaces has also led to unintended, negative outcomes.

In this era of technological advancement, Bangladesh is facing challenges in adapting to the digital landscape. Moving ahead will demand an equilibrium between the advantages and drawbacks of media. Encouraging a society to value literacy, be responsible in its online conduct, and be mindful can empower Bangladeshis to utilise social media for building relationships, fostering community spirit, and driving beneficial social transformations all while minimising its adverse impacts, on both society and individuals.​

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Dr Iqbal Ahmed is professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the University of Chittagong. ​

 

[Saif]

The need for cybersecurity education in Bangladeshi universities

Institutions must equip students with skills to steer through the cyber world's complexities.

www.thedailystar.net

The need for cybersecurity education in Bangladeshi universities

Inside MIST's Cyber Range.Photos: Javed / MIST Cyber Security Club

It's 2024 and in this digital age, cyber awareness should start from one's educational institution. Here, universities play a major role. These institutions must equip students with skills to steer through the cyber world's complexities.

However, a significant challenge is the lack of real-time exposure to cyber threats. The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) addresses this with the "Cyber Range", a cutting-edge cybersecurity training facility, one of the first of its kind in Bangladesh. This facility, under the Center for Advanced Computing and Research (CACR), simulates attack scenarios, fostering hands-on experience critical for effective cybersecurity training.

One compelling reason for integrating cybersecurity education into the academic curriculum is the growing concern of cybercriminals targeting educational institutions. Universities store a vast amount of sensitive data, including student records, research findings, and intellectual property. Without adequate cybersecurity measures, these institutions become prime targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain or to compromise valuable information.

Moreover, as the job market becomes increasingly digitised, employers are placing a premium on candidates with cybersecurity skills. Hence, universities have the responsibility to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by offering courses and workshops that dig into advanced cybersecurity practices. This not only enhances the employability of graduates but also contributes to the nation's overall cybersecurity resilience.

Easin Arafat, the president of the MIST Cyber Security Club says, "Cyber threats are a global concern, and Bangladesh is not an exception to this. If we don't educate students about the various kinds of cyberattacks, like ransomware attack, phishing, malware attack, etc., our digital presence can't always be a secure one."

Moreover, "Capture the Flag" exercises – popularly known as CTFs – can be a fine way to polish your skills in cybersecurity. The Director and the Patron of MIST's CACR, Brig Gen Md Towhidul Islam takes pride in MIST having already hosted few of the biggest national and international events in the field of cybersecurity in Bangladesh namely through events like the "Leetcon" – one of the first int'l cybersecurity conferences in Bangladesh, Flag Hunt 2023 – a national CTF competition, FI and Critical Information Infrastructure cyber drill – a drill for cyber analysts and experts from around 30 esteemed banks of Bangladesh, and so on.

Brig Gen Md Towhidul says, "A vital component of combating the escalating risks in the digital sphere is cybersecurity education in institutions. Universities can provide students with the information and abilities necessary to confront the intricate problems of cybersecurity and make a positive impact on a more secure digital future by taking a full and proactive approach to education."

In conclusion, the urgency of incorporating cybersecurity education into Bangladeshi universities' academic fabric cannot be overstated. The digital age demands an educated and aware generation for a cyber-resilient future.

Fatima Ashraf is a Campus Ambassador for The Daily Star from Military Institute of Science & Technology (MIST).​

 

[Saif]

Submarine cable breakdown disrupts Bangladesh internet

It will take at least 2 to 3 days to resume the connection

www.thedailystar.net

Submarine cable breakdown disrupts Bangladesh internet
It will take at least 2 to 3 days to resume the connection

Representaional photo: Collected

Internet users in Bangladesh are facing disruption as the country's second submarine cable SEA-ME-WE 5, the largest supplier of international bandwidth to Bangladesh, broke last night.

The disconnection was identified at last midnight. It will take at least 2 to 3 days to resume the connection, Mirza Kamal Ahmed, managing director of the Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC), told The Daily Star.

International bandwidth usage in Bangladesh now stands at around 5,200GBPS. More than half of it -- about 2,700 Gbps -- comes through international terrestrial cable (ITC) licence holders that import bandwidth from India across land borders.

The South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE 5) submarine cable installed in Kuakata supplies 1,700GBPS.

The undersea cable of the SEA-ME-WE 5 got broken in a spot between Singapore and Malaysia, he said.

For that, all circuits of all members of the consortium got down, he added.

"So, a ship will be mobilised to repair and restore the service. Total operation will take minimum 2 to three days," he added.

The SEA-ME-WE 5 is a 20,000km submarine cable system connecting 17 countries through Points-of-Presence from Singapore to the Middle East to France and Italy in Western Europe.

The cable that laid in the eastern side that connected Singapore got broken, while the connectivity in the western side that connected France remained operational, he added.

For that, of 1700Gbps bandwidth comes through the system, only 100 GBPS bandwidth will be supplied to Bangladesh.

The BSCPLC is now exploring ways to restore the circuits of SEA-ME-WE 5 with SEA-ME-WE 4, the country's first submarine cable installed in Cox's Bazar.

Nearly 800 Gbps bandwidth is provided by the first undersea cable with which Bangladesh was connected in 2006. It currently supplies about 850 Gbps bandwidth and its capacity has recently been upgraded to 3,800 Gbps.

The first undersea cable with which Bangladesh was connected in 2006 currently supplies about 850 Gbps bandwidth and its capacity was recently upgraded to 3,800 Gbps.

The BSCPLC is set to receive 13,200 Gbps from a third undersea cable, SEA-ME-WE 6, by 2025.

Md Emdadul Hoque, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said the cable cut of the second submarine cable will severely affect internet service for almost a week.

"Some of our customers have already started complaining about slow interest and high latency," said ISPAB president.

However, officials of mobile operators said their internet services have so far remained unaffected.

"We are monitoring the situation closely. We are working with our partners International internet gateway operators to continue smooth service," said Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer at Robi Axiata.

"As it is a holiday today [Saturday], the demand for the internet is low. Our customers may face disruption from tomorrow [Sunday]".

Submarine cables are crucial for internet bandwidth because they enable high-capacity data transfer between continents, supporting global communication, online services, and international connectivity essential for modern digital operations.​

 

[Saif]

Internet slowdown across Bangladesh may persist for a month

Internet users across Bangladesh have been experiencing a slowdown for the past four days as repair work on the country’s second submarine cable South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE-5), which was recently damaged, has yet to be completed. The repair work of the cable will

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Internet slowdown across Bangladesh may persist for a month
Published :
Apr 23, 2024 20:00
Updated :
Apr 23, 2024 20:00

Internet users across Bangladesh have been experiencing a slowdown for the past four days as repair work on the country's second submarine cable South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE-5), which was recently damaged, has yet to be completed.

The repair work of the cable will persist until the last week of May, according to Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC.

BSCPLC's General Manager (Operation and Maintenance) Saidur Rahman said the cable, SEA-ME-WE-5, broke down in the Indonesian sea coast area on Saturday, reports bdnews24.com.

"Administrative work there takes a little longer. The authorities said the repair work could be completed in the third or fourth week of next month."

When asked about the suffering of people due to the internet slowdown, Rahman said, "All alternatives are not fully effective yet. The country's first submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE-4, is capable of carrying full bandwidth. The concerned company will have to pay extra for this, which is still not decided. Efforts are underway to act on some other options."

Internet bandwidth in Bangladesh comes mainly through two submarine cables running through the deep sea. The first submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE-4, is installed at Cox's Bazar while the second one, SEA-ME-WE-5, is at Kuakata.

The second cable broke down around 440 kilometres away from Singapore's western coast around midnight on Saturday, the BSCPLC had previously said in a statement.

"All Kuakata-Singapore bound traffic through the cable is closed now. Measures are being taken to repair and reconnect the cable through the SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium."

"Though the services through the SEA-ME-WE-5 cable are closed now, the internet services are being provided across the country through the SEA-ME-WE-4 and other ICT organisations," the BSCPLC statement read.

"A significant amount of bandwidth from the disconnected one is being shifted to the SEA-ME-WE-4 cable. However, the customers may experience slowdowns until the SEA-ME-WE-5 is repaired and operational again."​

 

[Saif]

Seamless internet not before end of May

The maintenance works of SEA-ME-WE 5, through which Bangladesh avails the largest chunk of international bandwidth, will take about a month, prolonging woes over the lack of a smooth broadband internet service in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

Seamless internet not before end of May

Photo: Freepik

The maintenance works of SEA-ME-WE 5, through which Bangladesh avails the largest chunk of international bandwidth, will take about a month, prolonging woes over the lack of a smooth broadband internet service in the country.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables in a press release said the maintenance work of the cable would conclude on the last week of May.

The cable, which was installed in Kuakata connecting Bangladesh with Singapore, snapped at midnight of April 27.

"…The country's second submarine cable (SMW-5) was accidentally severed in Indonesian waters west of Singapore. The SMW5 consortium has already undertaken the repair of undersea cables in Indonesia," said Bangladesh Submarine Cables.

"According to the latest information of the consortium, the maintenance work of the cable will be completed in the last week of May 2024, subject to obtaining permission from the relevant authorities in Indonesia," it said.

It may be noted that preparations have been completed from Bangladesh Submarine Cables to transfer about 1600 Gbps bandwidth of SMW-5 to SMW-4, the first submarine cable of the country,

Customers (International Internet Gateway companies) have started the process of connecting their circuits as per demand through Bangladesh Submarine Cables.

The Bangladesh Submarine Cables authorities sincerely apologised for the temporary inconvenience, it added.​

 

[Saif]

IMF for end to tax break for IT sector

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

IMF for end to tax break for IT sector
29 Apr 2024, 2:24 am

Staff Reporter :

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed discontinuing the tax exemption facility for the information technology (IT) industry, which is scheduled to end in June 2024.

The visiting delegation of the multi-national lending firm came up with the proposal in a meeting with the high officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) at the latter's office in the city on Sunday.

The other proposals of the global lender are abolishing tax breaks on clothing, footwear, LPG, and mobile phones, which may increase revenue by 0.31 percent of GDP.

It also suggests repealing the depletion allowance provided for mining and petroleum extraction, eliminating or establishing caps on input VAT deductions for entertainment and VAT on meals, and requiring all businesses with turnover greater than Tk 3 crore to be in the standard 15 percent VAT with input tax credits; eliminating their option for truncated VAT.

The global lender also proposed to reform revenue administration for all three wings. With this move, revenue will be raised by 0.15 percent of GDP, the IMF expects.

The NBR officials accepted the IMF proposal; however, they showed dismay against the withdrawal of the exemption facility for all IT services as it may disrupt sector growth, according to revenue board officials.

Experts opined that some facilities should be withdrawn from the IT sector, but others should be continued for security services such as cloud computing and cyber security because now foreign companies have brought huge money from Bangladesh to provide such services.

If the exemption is withdrawn, the income of the respective IT services companies will be subject to a 27.5 percent corporation tax.

An analysis of the NBR showed that now the government gives an exemption worth around Tk 1,477 crore annually to IT services. However, insiders said that if net profit is supposed to be 10 percent, then the local market should be around Tk 50,000 crore to get such an amount of tax expenditure.

According to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the annual domestic market size in the ITES sector is around Tk 2,000–2,500 crore, but the contribution of the sector to the economy is uncountable and huge, as agriculture, education, health, media, and RMG sectors use technology and earn a notable portion of their income.

BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed told The New Nation, "The sector is facing numerous challenges every moment. If the sector is taxed, it will be a disaster."

"IMF's prescription is theoretical, and they do not understand the situation in our country. However, our governmentis pro-IT services to make the country smart, and there is opportunity to make every sector smarter," he said.

"The sector does not get banking finance, and its raw material is mostly talent. Besides, our talented ones do not get intellectual property. So, if such a move is executed, brain drain will increase as our costs will jump up, we will lose our competitiveness, and imports will rise," Russell added.

Citing NBR's analysis as wrong, he said, "NBR should be smarter in its analysis. A couple of groups of companies take advantage of an exemption facility in the name of their small IT companies. It is the responsibility of the NBR to catch loopholes and evasion, and there is no scope to tax small and medium startups and IT service companies. The sector will be the most USD-earning source after RMG."

In the meeting, NBR officials were informed that they are collecting revenue with just the provisions or laws, but enforcement is not sound yet.

So they want to strengthen enforcement, which will enable them to meet the IMF revenue collection target, the NBR officials who attended said.

They further said the random withdrawal of tax exemptions will have a negative impact on the country's economy.

In a bid to get the third tranche of a $4.7 billion loan from the IMF, the government of Bangladesh should take these policy measures by June this year in line with the global lender's recommendations. Besides, there are 38 conditions to get the full amount of the loan.

In the revenue part, the IMF has stipulated conditions to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio by 0.5 percentage points in FY24, followed by 0.5 and 0.7 percentage points in FY25 and FY26, respectively.​

 

[Saif]

aamra technologies’ entire bandwidth blocked

The IIG operator didn’t share Tk 22 crore revenue in time

www.thedailystar.net

aamra technologies' entire bandwidth blocked
The IIG operator didn't share Tk 22 crore revenue in time

The telecom regulator last week blocked full bandwidth of aamra technologies as the international internet gateway operator failed to pay dues of over Tk 22 crore.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has repeatedly sent letters to aamra, but the company did not clear the dues related to revenue sharing, according to the officials of the commission.

Earlier, 80 percent bandwidth of aamra technologies got blocked in January for the payment.

Earlier, the BTRC even proposed aamra to hand over a down payment of Tk 10 crore and clear the Tk 12 crore in instalments.

Still, aamra failed to pay it, according to the officials.

Aamra Technologies used to supply bandwidth to different clients, including mobile operators.

The operators discontinued taking bandwidth from aamra following a blocking in last year.

In July last year, the commission blocked half of the bandwidth of aamra for an outstanding revenue of over Tk 33 crore. Later, the directive was withdrawn.

The IIG companies operate as international gateways for internet traffic, managing the data flow between the country and the rest of the world, enabling internet service providers and telecom operators get access to the global internet.​

 

[Saif]

ICT is going to be main saviour of economy: Salman

Noting that the ICT sector is going to be the main saviour of the country’s economy in the future, prime minister’s private industry and investment adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman on Sunday advocated for continuing the various tax facilities policy apart from support that the sector is currently...

www.newagebd.net

ICT is going to be main saviour of economy: Salman
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 05 May, 2024, 22:16

Salman Fazlur Rahman. | — New Age file photo

Noting that the ICT sector is going to be the main saviour of the country's economy in the future, prime minister's private industry and investment adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman on Sunday advocated for continuing the various tax facilities policy apart from support that the sector is currently enjoying for further flourish of this sector.

'I'm cent per cent agreed with the ICT entrepreneurs that the existing tax facilities should remain. I still think that the sector is still at the premature stage and it won't be wise to withdraw the existing tax facilities that the sector is currently enjoying. Rather, we've to think of giving more incentives, otherwise challenges will come,' he said.

Salman was speaking as chief guest at a roundtable titled 'Investment Climate for Smart Bangladesh' held at a city hotel.

State minister for posts, telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak and parliamentary standing committee chairman on the same ministry Kazi Nabil Ahmed spoke as special guests chaired by Venture Capital and Private Equity Association of Bangladesh president Shameem Ahsan. The VCPEAB organised the roundtable.

Ferdous Ahmed, MP and Zara Jabeen Mahbub, MP also spoke as guests of honour.

Agreeing with the various demands of the entrepreneurs of the ICT sector, Salman said that he would discuss with the finance minister and the prime minister regarding the various issues surrounding the industry.

Criticising slightly the National Board of Revenue for imposing more burden on the existing regular taxpayers, the adviser suggested that the revenue board should focus more on bringing in the untaxed people to the tax net.

'Unless the tax collection system is digitalised fully or major reforms are not brought, then the tax to GDP ratio will not increase,' he added.

Mentioning that data is going to be the main asset in the coming days, the adviser urged the relevant stakeholders and entrepreneurs to give more emphasis on AI, data sign, big data management, chip designing, cyber security and establishing a huge data centre.

State minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that the country's IT and ICT sector witnessed massive successes over the last 15 years under the farsighted vision of prime minister's ICT adviser Sajeeb Wazed Ahmed and courageous leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He urged the PM's private industry and investment adviser to talk with the finance minister and the prime minister about the rational demands of continuing tax facilities in the ICT sector.

The state minister suggested that the higher educational institutions and universities should change their curriculum in line with the changing global context in the ICT sector.

He opined that the existing tax exemption facilities in the ICT sector should continue in the next year while there could be discussions on how to facilitate the sector considering the changing context of FY26, FY31 and FY41.

Palak opined that if the ICT sector receives government's policy support for the next 10 years, then the ICT and the IT enabled services would be the major export-oriented sector in the country.

Kazi Nabil Ahmed, MP said that there was a need to make more energetic and skilled Human Resources to make each and every sector of the country technology-based.

'We've to make a knowledge-based economy to build Smart Bangladesh,' he said, adding that the government and the private sector should leapfrog the initiatives in this sector to make the Smart Bangladesh vision visible.

The ICT policies mainly focuses on data protection and cyber security along with ease of doing ICT business by streamlining tax incentives, including 100 per cent CIT exemption for the ICT/software industry, 10 per cent export subsidies, VAT exemption on local bills during production. Additionally, initiatives to attract foreign investment include 100 per cent tax exemption for income from software development, 2 per cent duty on ICT related hardware imports etc.

The ICT industry emphasizes achieving a $50 billion ICT GDP by 2041, which entails increasing the sector's contribution to the national GDP from less than 1 per cent to 2-3 per cent by 2041.

In his presentation, Shaheem Ahsan said that withdrawal of incentives and policy support would directly impact local and foreign investment, worsen unemployment and brain drain situation, put pressure on currency reserve, increase risk of data sovereignty and national cyber security and increase the cost of automation towards SMART transition.

DCCI president Ashraf Ahmed, CCCI president Omar Hazzaz, CSE chairman Asif Ibrahim, UGC member Md Sazzad Hossain, FBCCI senior vice-president Md Amin Helaly, Policy Exchange Bangladesh chairman M Masrur Reaz, Founder and CEO of Bdjobs Ltd Fahim Mashroor, policy adviser of CRI Imran Ahmed, vice-president of VCPEAB Mohammad Zahirul Islam spoke, among others, on the occasion.

The leaders in the IT industry also have asked for the tax exemption to be extended for three years. They believe keeping this exemption is crucial as removing same will diminish profitability and reduce reinvestment capabilities for IT /ITES companies, resulting in slower industry growth and diminished export potential.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/views/columns/can-the-it-sector-make-it-through-tough-times

Can the IT sector make it through tough times?
AFSAN CHOWDHURY
Published :
May 06, 2024 22:46
Updated :
May 07, 2024 21:31

Global markets are undergoing turbulence and none can say how long they will last or if they will become the way future markets play. The same syndrome applies to Bangladesh as well including the IT sector.

Information technology exports from Bangladesh dropped 4.4 per cent in the first five months -around 225 million dollars- current fiscal year- due to global demand slowdown. But the global reality of the IT sector as the dominant sector remains. In Bangladesh, most experts tend to think in three months or shorter economic cycles but the fact remains that in the global economy the IT sector is the biggest reality and matters more in the long term.

The current state of IT in Bangladesh is beset with problems. Startup funding availability is not great in the short term and European countries are facing a downturn reducing the market size. The fact remains that the global economic future is here even though global outsourcing and hiring is lower this year. Meanwhile, non-European markets are slowly growing and it's inevitable new economies and sources emerge.

Several factors have contributed to Bangladesh's difficulties. It has relied almost entirely on the West that is under pressure due to the Ukraine war and growth of competitive sub-sources affecting Bangladesh as a low end supplier.

The other one is the accepted lack of entrepreneurial spirit inevitable in a crony economy. They look for connections rather than competition-based markets so their innovation index is not high. Thirdly, the sector is yet to have enough skilled hands and the general low focus on skill development has made it worse. While the future is focused on new technology, Bangladeshi companies are looking for a tech duplication of the RMG sector where price is all, not quality.

"Smart Bangladesh", tax exemption and related issues that affect the sector are several. Although the government is pushing for a "Smart Bangladesh", it's still more of a slogan than practical action driven. About Tk 24 billion were allocated last year but no result sheet on impact has been stated.

Smart Bangladesh is supposed to be "Smart Citizen, Smart Society, Smart Government, and Smart Economy. A 'Smart Bangladesh: ICT 2041 Master Plan' has been prepared. It's estimated that there are over 2,500 startups in Bangladesh with approximately at about $1 billion investment. Around 2 million people may be involved directly or indirectly. The government has promised to invest Tk 5.0 billion.

However, a key factor has been tax exemptions for the IT sector which may end this June. Entrepreneurs are demanding its continuation for another seven years. This exemption coming as it does with a weak performing phase is going to be blow to the sector they are saying. That tax exemption played a major role is obvious as the number of players rushing into the sector was high. Low or no tax exemption will ultimately increase the cost of ICT-related products.

"What ails thee BD IT?" is a question many ask. Bangladesh doesn't have a robust foreign investment framework or even an adequate IT infrastructure with a skilled workforce

The IT sector can be a turnaround agent for developing countries like Bangladesh, but it needs such as IT-enabled services (ITES), e-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, outsourcing, and the production of software and hardware. However, the backbone is the business framework.

Bangladesh is aiming to reach the $5 billion export-mark by 2025 and $20 billion by 2031. By 2025, 3.0 million youths will be employed in the country's IT industry. They need a host of missing links in place first.

No one seems keen to face the fact that shortage of highly skilled professionals is a critical hindrance. Insufficient infrastructure, including reliable internet connectivity and power supply are ailments affecting all sectors.

The regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic procedures deter foreign investment and market for all sectors including IT. Cyber threats and data security vulnerabilities are present and on top of that outfits are not keen to use the formal money channels as dollar rates fluctuate and affect all remittance payments. The sector as a whole is also unused to business competition dynamics.

The GOB has focused more on fiscal issues giving a 10 per cent cash incentive to software exports, aiming to stimulate the foreign exchange-earning segment as in the RMG sector. The exemption of all taxes and duties on imported computer hardware and simplified tax-free export earning remittance procedures with 40 per cent retention in foreign currency have made it more attractive.

But a critical missing factor is the connectivity with other countries in the same sector to see how far they can take advantage of subcontracting. The technologically advanced Asian countries are a big source of market but not yet linked to the BD IT sector.

India and China are big players and as their capacity and scale have grown and they are more keen to enter the bigger market segments. Bangladesh can attract small-scale companies overlooked by India and China. Both may also explore the mutually beneficial business opportunities in joint ventures. Meanwhile, providing the three essentials : training, infrastructure and funding are key to becoming a minor but sustainable player in this global sector.

In the final analysis, the state of the IT sector is both an internal production and external market issue. Bangladesh doesn't have the requisite infrastructural ability whether in skills or technical support issues. It's also not in conversation with its major potential players regionally or even globally. It is not yet ready to join as a serious player. It's this lack of readiness and a trifle lack of knowledge on how to be ready that is hurting the capacity of the Bangladesh IT sector, however limited that is.​

 

[Saif]

Asus launches 6 new laptops in Bangladesh

Asus has recently launched six new laptops in Bangladesh, including the new dual-screen Zenbook DUO (UX8406) model. The other laptops recently released are ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405), ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403), ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU605), ROG Strix G16 (G614), and ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834).

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Asus launches 6 new laptops in Bangladesh

Asus has recently launched six new laptops in Bangladesh, including the new dual-screen Zenbook DUO (UX8406) model. Image: Asus

Asus has recently launched six new laptops in Bangladesh, including the new dual-screen Zenbook DUO (UX8406) model. The other laptops recently released are ZenBook 14 OLED (UX3405), ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403), ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU605), ROG Strix G16 (G614), and ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834).

ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406), Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405)

ASUS Zenbook DUO (UX8406) comes with dual-screen 3K 120 Hz OLED displays, an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, 1.35 kg of weight, and a detachable full-size keyboard, touchpad, and built-in kickstand.

Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) features an ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen, an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, a 75 Wh battery, and 1.2 kg of weight.

Zenbook DUO (UX8406) is priced at BDT 2,52,000 and Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405) is priced at BDT 1,60,000.

ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403), Zephyrus G16 (GU605)

ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403) and Zephyrus G16 (GU605) are gaming laptops with AMD Ryzen 9 processor and Intel Core Ultra 7 processor respectively, as well as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 to RTX4070 graphics, ROG Nebula OLED display, and in-built neural processing units (NPU).

ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA403) starts at BDT 2,80,000, and ROG Zephyrus G16 (GU605) is priced at BDT 3,62,000.

ROG Strix G16 (G614), ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834)

ROG Strix G16 (G614) is another gaming laptop with 14th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics. It also has a 16-inch display.

ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834) is a high-end gaming laptop with 14th Gen Intel Core i9 processor, GeForce RTX 4090 graphics, 240 Hz 18-inch display, and advanced cooling technology for sustained performance.

ROG Strix G16 (G614) is priced at BDT 2,56,000 and ROG Strix SCAR 18 (G834) is priced at BDT 5,60,000.

According to Asus, these laptops are now available for purchase across authorised ASUS retailers in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh saw three internet shutdowns last year: report

Bangladesh saw three internet shutdowns last year, and all of those were executed to crack down on dissent, according to Access Now, an organisation advocating for digital civil rights

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Bangladesh saw three internet shutdowns last year: report

Bangladesh saw three internet shutdowns last year, and all of those were executed to crack down on dissent, according to Access Now, an organisation advocating for digital civil rights.

The organisation said this in their latest report, titled "Shrinking Democracy, Growing Violence", which was published on its website today. It said globally internet shutdowns have been used by authorities as a tool to enable and exacerbate violence.

India topped the list with 116 internet shutdowns last year.

"Governments continued to shut down the internet and critical digital communication platforms to muzzle expression, block access to life-saving information, and cover up heinous crimes against humanity," said the report.

It said governments intentionally disrupted internet access to coincide with important national events such as protests and political instability, elections etc with one aim -- to restrict the flow of information and control the narrative.

"Despite the fact that these shutdowns flagrantly violate human rights enshrined in national, regional, and international frameworks, governments deliberately imposed shutdown to advance their own political interests -- harming people and communities and endangering lives," it added.

Bangladesh has experienced shutdowns in five or more consecutive years since 2016, found the report.​

 

[Saif]

Homegrown apps fail to take off

While it is not an uncommon sight to see people typing messages in Bangla on their smartphones, the familiar colours and user interface make it obvious that they are not using communication apps belonging to local companies.

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Homegrown apps fail to take off

While it is not an uncommon sight to see people typing messages in Bangla on their smartphones, the familiar colours and user interface make it obvious that they are not using communication apps belonging to local companies.

While mobile financial service providers and nearly all banks have gained traction in digital services in Bangladesh, the same cannot be said of communications apps built by the government or private entities.

In early 2020, a homegrown mobile application with capability to send messages and make voice calls was launched in Bangladesh. At the inauguration ceremony of the app, named 'Kotha', Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for ICT, said it would be Bangladesh's Facebook, PayPal, Netflix, Twitter, and WhatsApp.

But now, almost none remembers the app. Although Kotha has good ratings on Google's Play Store, it has less than 2 lakh downloads.

However, Mahboob Zaman, chairman of Kotha Technologies, said the growth of the app is somewhat steady given their strategy. "We were trying to do organic marketing. Besides, research and development requires huge investment. We are trying to find an investor."

So far, the app has 4 lakh registered users, according to the company.

Sumon Ahmed Sabir, a technology expert, said copying something that has numerous versions, which local apps tend to do, is unlikely to lead to popularity. "Popular apps come with diversity, flexibility, efficiency and global expectancy that cannot be replicated."

"Besides, local apps cannot compete with these platforms due to the scale of their research and investment. Once a sector is monopolistic, it's not easy to break."

The government has also taken the initiative making communication apps at the cost of hundreds of crores, but all of them failed to attract audiences.

The government-funded app 'Baithak', a video-conferencing platform enabling virtual meetings and webinars similar to Zoom, was designed for government officials, but got very little response.

'Alapon', a Viber-like app developed by the government's ICT Division with the aim to streamline messaging and file exchange processes for government officials, was launched in 2016. Eight years later, the app no longer exists.

"Privacy is definitely a concern, if not a major one," Sabir added.

Meanwhile, the use of social media platforms and communication apps in Bangladesh developed by the global tech giants boomed in the past decade and made it one of the largest markets for them in terms of audiences. The top communication apps in terms of users are WhatsApp, Messenger, and Imo.

Facebook has a huge chunk of the audience, with nearly 53 million users in the country, which places Bangladesh among the top 10 Facebook-crazed nations as of January 2024, according to Statista, a German online platform that specialises in data gathering and visualisation.

Facebook also offers Messenger, integrating it as a standalone app for messaging, voice calls, and video chats.

There were more than 6.3 crore Facebook users in Bangladesh in February 2024 that has a population of about 17 crore, according to management and analytics platform NapoleonCat. It put the number of Messenger users at 5.7 crore.

When asked how many people in Bangladesh use WhatsApp, Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger, said it is unable to share the country-specific data.

Imo is also popular in rural Bangladesh due to low data usage, simplicity, and free voice and video calls. In 2023, a staggering 4 million new users from the country were integrated into Imo's network, the company said.

That took its monthly users in Bangladesh to 50 million, accounting for a quarter of its 200 million total users. Imo users in the country made 91.6 billion audio and video calls in 2023, among which 35.8 billion calls were international.

Bangladeshi users also made 676 million group calls last year through the app. The top five destinations for international calls were Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Malaysia, and Qatar.​

 

[Saif]

Women still lag in mobile ownership, internet adoption

Women in Bangladesh are lagging behind men in both mobile ownership and mobile internet adoption, with gender gaps of 20 percent and 40 percent respectively, representing a significant disparity in digital access, according to a global report.

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Women still lag in mobile ownership, internet adoption

In Bangladesh, mobile internet adoption rates are 40 percent for men and only 24 percent for women, according to Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024 by the GSMA. The photo was taken at Khulna city recently. Photo: Habibur Rahman

Women in Bangladesh are lagging behind men in both mobile ownership and mobile internet adoption, with gender gaps of 20 percent and 40 percent respectively, representing a significant disparity in digital access, according to a global report.

In Bangladesh, 85 percent of adult males own a mobile phone, compared to 68 percent of adult females.

Meanwhile, mobile internet adoption rates are 40 percent for men and only 24 percent for women, according to Mobile Gender Gap Report 2024 by the GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide.

For those who are already aware of mobile internet, the top-reported barriers to adopting it are affordability (primarily of handsets) and literacy and digital skills, it said.

Millions more women than men face these barriers because they are offline. Women also tend to experience these barriers more acutely due to social norms and structural inequalities, such as lower education and income, according to the report.

The findings of the report are based on the results of an annual GSMA Consumer Survey carried out last year, which had more than 13,600 respondents from 12 low and middle-income countries.

In 10 of the 12 countries surveyed for this report, women who use the internet are more likely than men to access it exclusively on a mobile phone.

For example, in Bangladesh, 74 percent of female internet users access it exclusively via mobile, compared to 66 percent of male users.

In most survey countries, women who use mobile internet are more likely than men to report that they would like to use it more than they currently do.

This was true for more than half of female mobile internet users in Ethiopia, Kenya, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

According to the survey, Bangladesh has the highest gender gap in mobile internet adoption among Asian countries at 40 percent.

In comparison, the gap is 30 percent in India, 38 percent in Pakistan, and 8 percent in Indonesia.

Although the gender gap in mobile phone ownership and internet usage in Bangladesh has slightly decreased, it remains substantial.

Gender gaps in smartphone ownership also vary across survey countries and are widest in Pakistan (49 percent), Bangladesh (43 percent) and Nigeria (38 percent).

Women in Bangladesh are also falling behind in smartphone ownership. While 40 percent of men own a smartphone, only 22 percent of women have one.

Fahim Mashroor, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), said most women in the country still rely on men for financial support.

"Typically, if there is a smartphone or laptop in the house, it is mainly controlled by male members. Additionally, parents sometimes restrict girls from using devices or the internet due to social reasons in the still very male-dominated society," he added.

Against this backdrop, he said widespread adoption of the internet by women will remain difficult unless their financial independence is ensured.

Still, women in Bangladesh have seen the strongest growth in mobile internet awareness since 2022, from 64 percent to 74 percent.

For the first time since the GSMA started tracking it, women's awareness in Bangladesh is close to that of men (76 percent), highlighting the progress that has been made.

The report said once women start to use mobile internet, they tend to use it less frequently than men and for a narrower range of services.

At the same time, in most of the survey countries, female mobile internet users are more likely than men to report that they would like to use mobile internet more than they currently do.

This was especially the case for more than half of female mobile internet users in Kenya, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ethiopia.

Affordability is another top barrier to further mobile internet use for both male and female mobile internet users in survey countries.

In most countries, affordability of data is more of a barrier than the affordability of handsets.

Data costs are a particular issue for mobile internet users in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and Bangladesh, where it is the top individual barrier to further use for both men and women.

For example, in Bangladesh, 24 percent of women and 15 percent of men who use mobile internet reported data costs as their top barrier to further use.

Overall, women's rate of mobile internet adoption increased over the past year.

There are now more women using mobile internet in low and middle-income countries than ever before: 66 percent.

By comparison, 78 percent of men now use mobile internet, but their rate of adoption slowed in 2023.

The gender gap in mobile internet adoption across low and middle-income countries has narrowed for the first time since 2020 due to women adopting it at a faster rate than men.

This reduction was driven primarily by South Asia and brings the overall mobile internet gender gap back to where it was in 2020.

This gender gap also narrowed slightly in Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time in five years, the report said.​

 

[Saif]

Tax holiday for ICT sector likely to continue: Salman F Rahman

The tax holiday facility in the ICT sector of the country will remain in force this year as well, said Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister. “I had an opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister about the issue of tax exemption. The Prime Minister assu

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tax holiday for ICT sector likely to continue: Salman F Rahman
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 21, 2024 20:59
Updated :
May 21, 2024 20:59

The tax holiday facility in the ICT sector of the country will remain in force this year as well, said Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister.

"I had an opportunity to talk to the Prime Minister about the issue of tax exemption. The Prime Minister assured to consider the proposal in view of the request to impose taxes consistently and rationally in different periods. This time the budget will inform how long the tax exemption can be", he said while speaking as the chief guest at an event held at the Hotel Radisson Blu in the capital where the newly elected Executive Council (2024-2026) of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) took oath.

"You have to be vocal about what kind of policy support is needed for the domestic ICT sector to keep pace with the pace at which the world's technology is advancing. While tax exemptions are important, what kind of policy do you need for the next level?

AI, block chain, big data need to be looked at because programmers will lose the most jobs in the future. So now they have to train to the next level. The government should be guided in this matter from the BASIS", he added.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

AI starts to replace entry-level IT jobs in Bangladesh

It was a pretty good project for SkyTech Solutions for the last few years: generating earnings of $8.5 per hour for each of over 50 people.

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AI starts to replace entry-level IT jobs in Bangladesh

It was a pretty good project for SkyTech Solutions for the last few years: generating earnings of $8.5 per hour for each of over 50 people.

The task was to process the invoice of Uber Freight services and upload the information into customer relationship management, a system that manages customer interactions, enhances satisfaction, and streamlines business processes.

But late last year, artificial intelligence (AI) knocked out more than 80 percent of the jobs in the project in a single blow.

"They informed us that the primary task will be handled by AI automation, leaving only quality control to be performed by humans," said self-made entrepreneur Musnad E Ahmed, founder of SkyTech, a leading business process outsourcing (BPO) company in Bangladesh.

Consequently, the number of employees has decreased from 55 to 10, he said.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s reputation as a freelancing powerhouse is on the line

The most important issue with our online labour force is skill gap.

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Bangladesh's reputation as a freelancing powerhouse is on the line

VISUAL: ZARIF FAIAZ

Bangladesh has almost always been hailed as a top player in the global freelancing market, and rightfully so as evident from the numerous recognitions the country has earned over the years.

In 2017, according to a study by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), Bangladesh ranked the second most popular country for supplying online labour. Forbes, in 2019, listed Bangladesh as one of the top 10 countries in the world in terms of income from freelancing.

Our ICT Division estimates the local freelancing sector to be worth nearly $1 billion. According to the "Digital Economy Report-2019" by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Bangladesh is emerging as a significant player in the global freelancing market, with around 650,000 freelancers contributing over $100 million in annual foreign remittances. And just last year, Payoneer ranked Bangladesh eighth amongst the top 10 freelancing countries in the world.

All these data and statistics paint a very optimistic and inspiring picture of the country's freelancing scene. However, given the nature of this profession and the lucrative opportunities it provides, the freelance market is becoming saturated, which would have been somewhat manageable had we the right skills and mindset. Unfortunately, that is not the case. This situation, if it worsens, might slowly impact the country's reputation as a global freelancing powerhouse.

Let us start with the way freelancing is marketed to our common populace. Across Bangladesh, you will find numerous organisations offering skill development and freelancing training. For a certain fee, these organisations promise to turn you into freelancing experts. And to lure you into joining these institutions as students or trainees, they will tell you about the two most lucrative aspects of freelancing—earning from the comfort of your home and earning in foreign currencies.

Every now and then, you will see news articles or social media posts about young men and women from far-flung regions of Bangladesh making four or five times more money than the country's average monthly income through freelancing. These stories are packaged and fed to aspiring freelancers to "motivate" them. This, coupled with the fact that Bangladesh still has an unemployment problem, makes for a very convincing case in support of freelancing to those looking for job opportunities.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

Meta removes pages linked to Awami League for "inauthentic behaviour"

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the removal of numerous accounts and pages linked to Bangladesh's ruling Awami League, citing violations of its policy against "coordinated inauthentic behaviour".

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Meta removes pages linked to Awami League for "inauthentic behaviour"

Meta shuts down Bangladeshi political networks for 'coordinated inauthentic behaviour'. Image: Tech & Startup

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the removal of numerous accounts and pages linked to Bangladesh's ruling Awami League, citing violations of its policy against "coordinated inauthentic behaviour". This action was detailed in Meta's Quarterly Adversarial Threat Report for Q1 2024.

The company removed 50 Facebook accounts and 98 pages originating from Bangladesh. These accounts and pages were found to be targeting domestic audiences using fake identities to post content and manage pages. Some of these pages posed as fictitious news entities, while others used the names of existing news organisations in Bangladesh. A few pages used the name of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and posted content critical of the BNP.

Meta's investigation uncovered that this network had a presence on multiple platforms, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Telegram, and their own websites. The network primarily posted content in Bengali, with some posts in English. The content included news and current events in Bangladesh, criticism of the BNP, allegations of BNP corruption and involvement in pre-election violence, as well as supportive commentary about the incumbent government and the ruling party.

The accounts and pages collectively had about 3.4 million followers. Meta reported an ad spend of approximately $60, paid mostly in Bangladeshi takas.​