[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

IT exports decline in July-March

Bangladesh’s IT exports declined in July-March of the current financial year, highlighting the country’s struggle to gain a foothold in the global information and communications technology sector.

www.thedailystar.net

IT exports decline in July-March

Bangladesh's IT exports declined in July-March of the current financial year, highlighting the country's struggle to gain a foothold in the global information and communications technology sector.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), earnings of IT firms dropped 2.33 percent to $407.07 million in the first nine months of 2023-24. In the same period a year prior, shipments stood at $416.79 million.

Software exports dropped by 25 percent to $28.6 million and computer consultancy services plummeted 45 percent to $14 million. Earnings from IT-enabled services, however, increased by 4.64 percent to $361.30 million.

If the current IT export trend persists, the sector might see a drop in shipments for the second year in a row. In 2022-23, overseas sales from the industry fell for the first time in five years.

Earnings of IT firms dropped 2.33 percent to $407.07 million in the first nine months of 2023-24

Industry people said the fact that the country has failed to produce big IT firms is an ominous sign for the government's export diversification efforts. Garment accounts for about 85 percent of Bangladesh's earnings from the external sector.

"The negative growth of software services gives a bad signal," said Fahim Mashroor, a former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

The export fall in July-March came although exporters are benefiting from a higher dollar rate, which has gained by 35 percent against the taka in the past two years. One explanation might be that exporters are not bringing in proceeds since the local currency is expected to weaken further amid the persistently lower level of foreign currency reserves.

"Although Bangladesh's software exports are declining, other countries like Pakistan have been displaying higher growth for the past few years," Mashroor added.

Pakistan's IT exports increased 25 percent year-on-year to $2.93 billion in July-May of FY24 although the country is far behind Bangladesh in various economic and social indicators.

Syed Almas Kabir, another former BASIS president, said big changes in global IT outsourcing have contributed to the negative growth in the sector.

He explained the IT services Bangladesh exports require low skills but they are now being replaced by automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

"For example, we used to export large volumes in the 2D graphics and manual data entry segments, both of which can now be handled through robotic automation and AI. These factors have primarily contributed to the downturn in ICT exports," Kabir said.

"Global companies now want to outsource high-level tasks. Therefore, unless we can build a workforce capable of handling such tasks, we will continue to lose contracts. Our workforce needs to learn sophisticated tasks such as 3D animation, blockchain, data analysis, and AI.

"Unless these changes are made, exports will continue to decline."

The IT entrepreneur added if broadband is not extended to remote areas and the curriculum is not updated, the export earnings would not receive a boost.

The grim scenario of Bangladesh's IT exports comes despite the government spending thousands of crores of taka on IT infrastructure and skill development projects over the past decade and a half.

Asked if these initiatives have created skilled manpower capable of competing globally, Kabir said: "Unfortunately, not."

He said there are good intentions at the top level of the government to make Bangladesh an ICT powerhouse, but failures have occurred in implementation.

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আইটি রপ্তানিতে কেবলই পেছাচ্ছে বাংলাদেশ

রপ্তানি উন্নয়ন ব্যুরোর (ইপিবি) তথ্য অনুসারে, ২০২৩-২৪ অর্থবছরের প্রথম নয় মাসে দেশের তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর আয় দুই দশমিক ৩৩ শতাংশ কমে হয়েছে ৪০ কোটি ৭০ লাখ ৭০ হাজার ৭০ হাজার ডলার। আগের বছরের তা ছিল ৪১ কোটি ৬৭ লাখ ৯০ হাজার ডলার।

bangla.thedailystar.net

আইটি রপ্তানিতে কেবলই পেছাচ্ছে বাংলাদেশ

রপ্তানি উন্নয়ন ব্যুরোর (ইপিবি) তথ্য অনুসারে, ২০২৩-২৪ অর্থবছরের প্রথম নয় মাসে দেশের তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর আয় দুই দশমিক ৩৩ শতাংশ কমে হয়েছে ৪০ কোটি ৭০ লাখ ৭০ হাজার ৭০ হাজার ডলার। আগের বছরের তা ছিল ৪১ কোটি ৬৭ লাখ ৯০ হাজার ডলার।

চলতি অর্থবছরের জুলাই-মার্চে দেশের আইটি পণ্যের রপ্তানি কমেছে প্রায় আড়াই শতাংশ। এ থেকে স্পষ্টত বোঝা যায় যে, বৈশ্বিক তথ্য-প্রযুক্তি খাতে প্রতিযোগিতায় টিকে থাকতে ধুঁকছে বাংলাদেশ।

রপ্তানি উন্নয়ন ব্যুরোর (ইপিবি) তথ্য অনুসারে, ২০২৩-২৪ অর্থবছরের প্রথম নয় মাসে দেশের তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর আয় দুই দশমিক ৩৩ শতাংশ কমে হয়েছে ৪০ কোটি ৭০ লাখ ৭০ হাজার ৭০ হাজার ডলার। আগের বছরের তা ছিল ৪১ কোটি ৬৭ লাখ ৯০ হাজার ডলার।

সফটওয়্যার রপ্তানি ২৫ শতাংশ কমে দুই কোটি ৮৬ লাখ ডলার ও কম্পিউটার কনসালটেন্সি সেবা ৪৫ শতাংশ কমে এক কোটি ৪০ লাখ ডলারে দাঁড়িয়েছে। তবে আইটি সেবা থেকে আয় চার দশমিক ৬৪ শতাংশ বেড়ে ৩৬১ দশমিক ৩০ মিলিয়ন ডলারে দাঁড়িয়েছে।

আইটি পণ্য রপ্তানির বর্তমান ধারা অব্যাহত থাকলে এ খাতে টানা দ্বিতীয় বছরের মতো রপ্তানি কমতে পারে। ২০২২-২৩ অর্থবছরে পাঁচ বছরের মধ্যে প্রথমবারের মতো এ খাত থেকে রপ্তানি কমে যায়।

সংশ্লিষ্টরা বলছেন, বাংলাদেশ বড় বড় আইটি প্রতিষ্ঠান তৈরিতে ব্যর্থ হওয়ায় তা সরকারের রপ্তানি বহুমুখীকরণ প্রচেষ্টার জন্য অশনিসংকেত। দেশের আয়ের প্রায় ৮৫ শতাংশই আসে অন্য খাত থেকে।

বাংলাদেশ অ্যাসোসিয়েশন অব সফটওয়্যার অ্যান্ড ইনফরমেশন সার্ভিসেসের (বেসিস) সাবেক সভাপতি ফাহিম মাশরুর দ্য ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, 'সফটওয়্যার সেবায় নেতিবাচক পরিস্থিতি খারাপ সংকেত।'

ডলারের বেশি দাম হওয়ায় রপ্তানিকারকরা লাভবান হচ্ছেন। গত দুই বছরে ডলারের দাম ৩৫ শতাংশ বেড়েছে। রিজার্ভ ক্রমাগত কমতে থাকায় টাকা আরও দুর্বল হতে পারে এমন আশঙ্কায় রপ্তানিকারকদের অনেকে তাদের আয় দেশে আনছেন না।

তিনি আরও বলেন, 'যদিও দেশের সফটওয়্যার রপ্তানি কমছে। তবে পাকিস্তানের মতো অন্যান্য দেশ গত কয়েক বছর ধরে এই খাতে উচ্চ প্রবৃদ্ধি ধরে রাখছে।'

আর্থ-সামাজিক সূচকে বাংলাদেশের তুলনায় অনেক পিছিয়ে থাকলেও ২০২৩-২৪ অর্থবছরের জুলাই থেকে মে মাস পর্যন্ত পাকিস্তানের আইটি পণ্য রপ্তানি বছরে ২৫ শতাংশ বেড়ে দুই দশমিক ৯৩ বিলিয়ন ডলার হয়েছে।

বেসিসের অপর সাবেক সভাপতি সৈয়দ আলমাস কবীর ডেইলি স্টারকে বলেন, 'বৈশ্বিক আইটি আউটসোর্সিংয়ে বড় ধরনের পরিবর্তন এ খাতে নেতিবাচক পরিস্থিতি সৃষ্টি করেছে।'

তার ভাষ্য, দেশের আইটি সেবা রপ্তানিতে কম দক্ষতার কর্মী দরকার হলেও এখন এই খাতে অটোমেশন ও কৃত্রিম বুদ্ধিমত্তার (এআই) জয়জয়কার।

'ভারতে আছে শতাধিক রপ্তানিমুখী প্রতিষ্ঠান। সেখানে ৫০ হাজারের বেশি ইঞ্জিনিয়ার কাজ করছেন। যেহেতু বাংলাদেশি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলো আকারে ছোট, তাই তারা বড় কাজ পায় না। ফলে তাদের আয় কম।'

'যেমন, আমরা টুডি গ্রাফিক্স ও ম্যানুয়াল ডেটা এন্ট্রি প্রচুর রপ্তানি করতাম। এসব এখন রোবোটিক অটোমেশন ও এআই এর মাধ্যমে করা যায়। এটি আইসিটি রপ্তানি মন্দায় ভূমিকা রেখেছে।'

'বৈশ্বিক প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলো এখন উচ্চ পর্যায়ের কাজে আউটসোর্সিং করতে চায়। যতক্ষণ না আমরা এ ধরনের কাজ করতে সক্ষম কর্মী তৈরি করতে পারছি ততক্ষণ আমরা কাজ হারাতে থাকব। আমাদের কর্মীদের থ্রিডি অ্যানিমেশন, ব্লকচেইন, ডেটা অ্যানালাইসিস ও এআইয়ের মতো অত্যাধুনিক কাজ শিখতে হবে।'

'এসব না বদলালে রপ্তানি কমতেই থাকবে,' বলেও মত দেন তিনি।

এই আইটি উদ্যোক্তা মনে করেন, ব্রডব্যান্ড যদি দেশের প্রত্যন্ত অঞ্চলে প্রসার ঘটানো না যায় এবং পাঠ্যক্রম আপডেট না করা হয় তবে আইটি খাতে রপ্তানি আয় বাড়বে না।

গত দেড় দশক ধরে সরকার আইটি অবকাঠামো ও দক্ষতা উন্নয়ন প্রকল্পে কয়েক হাজার কোটি টাকা খরচ করলেও আইটি রপ্তানিতে এমন ভয়াবহ চিত্র দেখা যাচ্ছে।

এসব উদ্যোগ বিশ্বব্যাপী প্রতিযোগিতায় টিকে থাকার মতো দক্ষ জনশক্তি তৈরি করেছে কিনা জানতে চাইলে কবীর বলেন, 'দুর্ভাগ্যজনক যে, তা হয়নি।'

তার মতে, 'বাংলাদেশকে আইসিটি পাওয়ার হাউস হিসেবে গড়ে তুলতে সরকারের শীর্ষ পর্যায়ে সদিচ্ছা থাকলেও তা বাস্তবায়নে ব্যর্থতা দেখা গেছে।'

তিনি আরও বলেন, 'ধরুন, ১০০ তরুণ আইসিটির কোনো বিষয়ে তিন মাসের কোর্সে অংশ নিয়েছেন। তারা কতটা শিখেছেন তা মূল্যায়ন করতে তৃতীয় পক্ষের অডিট দরকার। কিন্তু, আমরা সেরকম কিছু দেখছি না।'

'যেহেতু সরকার আইসিটি খাতের উন্নয়নে প্রচুর খরচ করছে, তা ফলপ্রসূ হচ্ছে কিনা ও সঠিক উপায়ে টাকা খরচ হচ্ছে কিনা এ নিয়ে মূল্যায়ন অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।'

সফটওয়্যার প্রতিষ্ঠান ড্রিম৭১ বাংলাদেশ লিমিটেডের ব্যবস্থাপনা পরিচালক রাশাদ কবির আইটি পণ্য রপ্তানিতে এমন মন্দাকে অস্বাভাবিক বলে মনে করেন না।

তিনি বলেন, 'এটা প্রায় এক বছর আগে এমনটি ধারণা করা হয়েছিল। এর প্রাথমিক কারণ বিশ্বব্যাপী অর্থনৈতিক মন্দা ও দীর্ঘ সময় ধরে চলা উচ্চ মূল্যস্ফীতি।'

২০২২ ও ২০২৩ সালে আইটি খাতে কর্মীর সংখ্যা উল্লেখযোগ্য হারে কমেছে। ২০২৪ সালে বিশ্বব্যাপী প্রযুক্তি খাতে ছাঁটাই চলছে। এটি এই ইঙ্গিত দেয় যে প্রযুক্তি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর ব্যবসা ভালো চলছে না।

যেহেতু দেশের আইটি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর প্রধান রপ্তানি আউটসোর্সিং, তাই আয় কমেছে।

দেশি আইটি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলো মূলত স্টার্টআপগুলোর সঙ্গে কাজ করে। কারণ তাদের সস্তায় আউটসোর্সিংয়ের প্রতি ঝোঁক বেশি। বিশ্বব্যাপী অর্থনৈতিক মন্দার কারণে স্টার্টআপগুলো তহবিল পেতে সমস্যায় পড়ছে। ফলে, তারা নতুন প্রযুক্তি পণ্যের আপগ্রেড বা প্রসার বন্ধ করে দিয়েছে।

কৃত্রিম বুদ্ধিমত্তা, ডেটা সায়েন্স ও ব্লকচেইনের মতো উন্নত প্রযুক্তির ক্ষেত্রে দক্ষ মানবসম্পদের অভাব আইটি পণ্য রপ্তানি কমার আরেক কারণ।

'বিশ্বব্যাপী আইটি পণ্যের চাহিদা প্রচলিত প্রযুক্তি থেকে উন্নত প্রযুক্তিতে বদলে যাচ্ছে,' উল্লেখ করে রাশাদ কবির বলেন, 'নানা কারণে বাংলাদেশ আধুনিক প্রযুক্তির জন্য যথেষ্ট দক্ষ মানবসম্পদ তৈরি করতে পারছে না। আমরা সম্ভাবনাময় বাজার ও ব্যবসার সুযোগ হারাচ্ছি।'

সংশ্লিষ্টদের মতে, ২০২৫ সালের মধ্যে পাঁচ বিলিয়ন ডলারের তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি পণ্য রপ্তানির যে লক্ষ্যমাত্রা বাংলাদেশ নিয়েছে তা অর্জন নাও হতে পারে।

ফাহিম মাশরুরের মত, 'রপ্তানি কম হওয়ার আরেক কারণ—দেশের বেশির ভাগ রপ্তানিমুখী আইটি প্রতিষ্ঠানই আকারে ছোট।'

তিনি বলেন, 'দেশে ৫০টিরও কম রপ্তানিমুখী আইটি প্রতিষ্ঠান আছে যাদের প্রতিটির কর্মীর সংখ্যা অন্তত ১০০। এক হাজারের বেশি কর্মীর কোনো প্রতিষ্ঠান নেই।'

'ভারতে আছে শতাধিক রপ্তানিমুখী প্রতিষ্ঠান। সেখানে ৫০ হাজারের বেশি ইঞ্জিনিয়ার কাজ করছেন। যেহেতু বাংলাদেশি প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলো আকারে ছোট, তাই তারা বড় কাজ পায় না। ফলে তাদের আয় কম।'

'আমরা যদি পাঁচ বিলিয়ন ডলারের লক্ষ্যমাত্রা অর্জন করতে চাই, তাহলে ন্যূনতম ১০০ প্রতিষ্ঠান থাকতে হবে। সেখানে এক হাজারের বেশি প্রকৌশলী কাজ করবে,' যোগ করেন তিনি।​

 

[Saif]

Ecommerce a path to progress for SMEs in Bangladesh

In general, e-commerce is the exchange of goods and services, and the transmission of funds and data over internet. It is governed by technology and digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps and social media, which make buying and selling more feasible.

www.thedailystar.net

Ecommerce a path to progress for SMEs in Bangladesh

In general, e-commerce is the exchange of goods and services, and the transmission of funds and data over internet. It is governed by technology and digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps and social media, which make buying and selling more feasible.

Nowadays ecommerce has become a pathfinder for businesses worldwide, including small enterprises in Bangladesh. As Bangladesh evolves technologically, it's critical for small businesses to adapt ecommerce for sustainable growth and progress.

Traditional brick-and-mortar enterprises are restricted by geographical limitations, but ecommerce allows these businesses to reach customers across the country and even globally. This increased reach converts into more prospective customers and higher sales.

In addition, setting up and preserving an online store is often more economical than running a physical store. Overheads such as rent, utilities, and staff wages are significantly condensed. Moreover, digital marketing is generally more affordable and target-oriented than traditional marketing approaches.

In today's world, buyers value convenience over many other concerns. Ecommerce offers access to shop anytime and anywhere, making it stress-free for customers. This convenience can always lead to improved customer loyalty and repeat business.

Ecommerce platforms provide valuable insights about customer behaviour, preferences, and trends through data analytics. This data can help entrepreneurs make seamless decisions, tailor offerings, and improve customer satisfaction.

As businesses grow, scaling up an online store is easier than expanding a physical store. With ecommerce, we can add new products, move into new markets, and handle higher volumes of transactions with minimal capital expenditure.

Interestingly, the ecommerce industry has a significant dependency on logistical support, and this support plays a critical role in ensuring customer satisfaction and business competence. Logistical services include transportation from manufacturer to warehouse, warehousing and order fulfilment, and delivery to end customers.

Customers anticipate fast and dependable delivery services. A true smart logistics system optimises delivery routes and manages inventory competently avoiding over-stocking, offers real-time tracking and timely updates, and ensures products reach customers on time and hassle-free returns.

Smart logistics also leverage technology to reduce transportation and storage costs. By using data analytics, enterprises can optimise inventory levels, reduce wastage, and simplify operations. By optimising routes and merging shipments, smart logistics reduce carbon footprints and help us align with Sustainable Development Goals.

An efficient smart logistics system is flexible to changes in demand and can scale up operations during peak times. This adaptability ensures we handle growth and fluctuations without compromising service quality.

Building a balanced ecosystem between ecommerce and smart logistics is essential for exploiting the benefits of both. First, adopting accurate technology is the foundation of a successful ecommerce and logistics strategy.

Entrepreneurs should invest in a robust ecommerce platform that integrates with a user-friendly smart logistics management system. This combination ensures seamless operations from order placement to delivery. Ecommerce should also focus on partnering with local logistics providers who understand the regional market and can offer tailored solutions.

The business operation team should have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage ecommerce and logistics operations. Regular training on new technologies, customer service, and logistics management can enhance overall performance. Continuously monitoring the ecommerce and logistics processes is the key to success. Performance indicators to measure success and identify areas for improvement should be ongoing.

For the sake of small businesses, embracing ecommerce with smart logistics is not just a choice but a necessity for sustainable growth. An effective synergy between ecommerce and smart logistics can pave the way for stable, scalable, and prosperous business ventures in the digital age.

The author is a banker.​

 

[Saif]

"Bangladesh-Malaysia IT connect portal" initiative to boost tech ties, investment

The Board of Directors of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) led by its President Shabbir A Khan had a courtesy call on to Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, the state minister of the ministry of post, telecommunication, and information technology, to discuss potential technologi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

"Bangladesh-Malaysia IT connect portal" initiative to boost tech ties, investment
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Jul 03, 2024 22:09
Updated :
Jul 03, 2024 22:10

The Board of Directors of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BMCCI) led by its President Shabbir A Khan had a courtesy call on to Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, the state minister of the ministry of post, telecommunication, and information technology, to discuss potential technological collaboration and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Malaysia.

President Shabbir A Khan briefed the state minister about their recent visit to Malaysia. During the visit, the BMCCI delegation had the privilege of engaging in dialogues on various bilateral issues with prominent figures including the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Officials of Malaysia Digital Economic Corporation (MDEC).The discussions centered around the need for a mutually beneficial partnership in the areas of technology transfer and skill development.

BMCCI President also informed the state minister about the participation of BMCCI delegation in the prestigious SEMICON SOUTHEAST ASIA 2024 exhibition comprising leading industrial personalities and technical experts, who attended the event and engaged with the Malaysian semiconductor industry. The BMCCI delegation also visited the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems (MIMOS), the national R&D center of Malaysia, to gain insights into their research and development capabilities and skill development programmes. The delegation was highly impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories at MIMOS and recognised the potential for joint training programmes, knowledge-sharing platforms, and collaborative projects between Malaysia and Bangladesh to enhance the semiconductor ecosystem.

Mr Shabbir A Khan stated that the development of a robust semiconductor ecosystem is a crucial element in Bangladesh's quest to achieve the "Smart Bangladesh" vision by the Prime Minister. He added that Bangladesh has strength in the upstream design and engineering aspects of the semiconductor industry, while Malaysia's capabilities lie in the downstream manufacturing and packaging domains.

The state minister commended the efforts of the BMCCI in bridging the technological potential between Bangladesh and Malaysia. He expressed his support for shared investment growth, where both countries can simultaneously benefit, and emphasised the need to draw the attention of Malaysian investors to consider Bangladesh as an attractive investment destination.

The state minister expressed his eagerness to leverage these capabilities between the two countries. The state minister assured the BMCCI that his ministry would extend its full support to further develop the semiconductor ecosystem in Bangladesh. He expressed his willingness to explore joint training programmes, research collaborations, and other knowledge-sharing initiatives between Bangladeshi and Malaysian institutions to build a robust talent pool of engineers and drive technological advancements in this sector.

The state minister shared his plan to establish a "Bangladesh IT connect portal-Malaysia" to facilitate direct communication between businesses and potential investors. He emphasised the importance of this platform in promoting investment opportunities and strengthening the technological collaboration between the two countries. The state minister stated that the portal will serve as a one-stop-shop for investors, providing comprehensive information on investment policies, tax incentives, and available infrastructure in Bangladesh. It will also enable seamless networking and matchmaking between Bangladeshi and Malaysian companies. The state minister also stated that BMCCI will be the Bangladesh Contact Point for this "Bangladesh IT connect portal-Malaysia" initiative, underscoring the chamber's pivotal role in fostering technological collaboration and investment between the two countries.

The BMCCI expressed its full support in the development and promotion of this IT connection portal. The chamber pledged to leverage its extensive network of members and stakeholders to ensure the portal's success and drive active engagement between the business communities of Bangladesh and Malaysia. The BMCCI president assured the state minister that the chamber will work closely with the relevant government agencies to provide all necessary assistance in establishing and maintaining the portal as a robust platform for accelerating technological cooperation and investment flows between the two countries.​

 

[Saif]

Building hi-tech parks in districts: progress only 14% in 7 years

Development initiatives in Bangladesh normally take longer than usual to come to fruition. However, the project to set up a dozen hi-tech parks at the district level is moving at such a glacial pace that it may hold the government from attaining its vision of building a smart nation and readying...

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Building hi-tech parks in districts: progress only 14% in 7 years

Development initiatives in Bangladesh normally take longer than usual to come to fruition. However, the project to set up a dozen hi-tech parks at the district level is moving at such a glacial pace that it may hold the government from attaining its vision of building a smart nation and readying the workforce for the digitalised world.

The government initiated the project in April 2017 to construct 12 hi-tech parks in as many districts to create a skilled workforce and job opportunities to tap the potential in the information technology sector at home and abroad.

Seven years later, the project has achieved 14.34 percent physical progress, according to a monitoring report of the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED).

The project authority spent 12.57 percent of the budget as of February this year.

Hi-tech parks, also known as technology parks, are designated areas that provide infrastructure, resources, and support to technology-based businesses.

Of the Tk 1,796.40 crore that would be required to implement the "Establishing IT Park/Hi-Tech Park at District Level (12 Districts)" project, Tk 1,544 crore is coming in the form of a line of credit from India while Bangladesh will bear the rest.

The parks will be built in Khulna, Barishal, Rangpur, Natore, Chattogram, Cumilla, Cox's Bazar, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Gopalganj, Dhaka, and Sylhet.

The project was scheduled to be implemented from July 2017 to June 2020, according to a document from the ICT division. When it missed the deadline, the government revised the project and extended the time to June 2021 without increasing the cost.

Later, the budget size was increased to Tk 1,846 crore, and the deadline was set at June 2024.

Now, the project is sending a proposal to seek time until 2027, AKAM Fazlul Hoque, director of the project, told The Daily Star. It is also going to request to raise the project expenditure to Tk 2,000 crore.

WHY IS THE DELAY?

According to the IMED report, the project failed to realise the financial and actual work plans in most components.

The project's activities were halted for 17 months owing to insufficient allocations from the government to pay customs duty and VAT in the fiscal year of 2018-2019 and because of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021.

The time taken for land acquisition significantly exceeded expectations, preventing the project from being finished within the stipulated timeframe, it said.

The physical progress of MA Wazed Miah Knowledge Park in Rangpur stood at 19 percent in February.

The hi-tech park in Natore's progress rate was 31 percent while it was 32 percent for that in Mymensingh, 23.60 percent for Jamalpur, 25.10 percent for Khulna, 22.30 percent for Barishal, 13.20 percent for Gopalganj, 31 percent for Dhaka's Keraniganj, 2.10 percent for Cumilla, 1 percent for Chattogram, 1 percent for Cox's Bazar's Ramu, and 4.10 percent for Sylhet's hi-tech park.

The construction work of the parks in Cumilla, Chattogram, Ramu, and Sylhet started in 2023, according to the report.

Fazlul Hoque, however, said that the IMED's information is based on old data.

The physical progress stood at 33.92 percent as of June this year, and the financial progress was 33.92 percent, he said.

The IMED also found some faults during field inspections. For example, low-quality sand was used at the Keraniganj Knowledge Park's construction work. The presence of oversized stones was also found in the sand.

It was specified that steel shuttering had to be used in the construction work, but wood has been found on the site.

No respite from project delays

"The project is not an isolated case when it comes to cost and time overruns," said noted economist Mustafa K Mujeri on Tuesday.

Delays have become a regular phenomenon as there is a lack of accountability regarding implementation of projects on time, he said.

He questioned how the real economic returns would be ensured if a three-year project achieves only 14 percent progress in seven years.

"The country will never reap the expected benefits if we don't come out of the worst culture of project implementation. Without a change in this culture, the enormous annual development programme will not bring any fruitful outcome for the nation."

"This will also cause a waste of public money."

Mujeri, also the executive director of the Institute for Inclusive Finance and Development, said this type of escalation happens when the project authorities are unable to carry out feasibility studies properly.

Fazlul Hoque said he assumed the current role as an additional responsibility in late 2020. Before that, three project directors were changed.

The initial tenders were non-responsive, leading to re-tendering and four years of no progress, he said.

Since only Indian firms were allowed to participate in the bidding as per the conditions of the line of credit, the project came to a standstill due to the pandemic since prospective bidders could not visit Bangladesh to take part in the tender process.

Half of the project was awarded to a bidder in 2022, with work starting in November 2022.

The project, financed at a 1 percent interest rate while 65 percent of materials are expected to come from India, was supposed to have customs duty VAT covered by the government as per the agreement, he said.

"However, we are not getting the funds to pay the VAT, and this has been a factor for the slow progress."​

 

[Saif]

Nagad signs deal with Huawei

Nagad and Huawei Technologies will work together to transform people’s digital transaction experience.....

www.newagebd.net

Nagad signs deal with Huawei
Staff Correspondent 09 July, 2024, 13:52

Nagad founder and CEO Tanvir A Mishuk and president of Huawei South Asia Region and CEO of Huawei Bangladesh Pan Junfeng shake hands after signing an agreement between Nagad Ltd and Huawei Technologies in presence of Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina as she attends 'Summit on Trade, Business and Investment Opportunities Between Bangladesh and China' as part of her China visit alongside several ministers and senior officials of Bangladesh and China at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing on Tuesday. | Focus Bangla photo

Nagad and Huawei Technologies will work together to transform people's digital transaction experience.

To this end, the two parties have signed an agreement, which will provide world-class smart transaction experiences to the country's people through Nagad, said a press release.

In the presence of Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the agreement between Nagad Ltd and Huawei Technologies was signed at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing on Tuesday.

Following this agreement, Nagad Digital Bank and Nagad's existing mobile financial services will be integrated with cutting-edge global technologies. As a result, customers of the country's first digital bank will enjoy international-standard transaction services anytime, anywhere.

On behalf of Nagad, its founder and CEO Tanvir A Mishuk signed the agreement. The event was also attended by finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, PM's private industry and investment adviser Salman F Rahman, state minister for posts, telecommunications, and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak and chairman of Nagad Digital Bank Muhammad Farid Khan.

Pan Junfeng, president of Huawei South Asia Region and CEO of Huawei Bangladesh, signed the agreement on behalf of Huawei Technologies.

Several ministers and senior officials of the Chinese government were also present at the event.

At this time, Li Fei, vice-minister of commerce of the People's Republic of China, highly praised Nagad's remarkable contribution to Bangladesh's economic growth and financial inclusion.

Speaking about the agreement, Farid Khan, chairman of Nagad Digital Bank, said, 'Nagad MFS has brought about a major revolution in Bangladesh's financial sector over the past five years. Now is the time to take it to a global standard. Nagad and Huawei will jointly work to achieve this for Bangladesh. Nagad Digital Bank will play a unique role in this, which will significantly contribute to building a smart Bangladesh.'

'To ensure the technological development required for a 100 per cent cashless society, we have signed this agreement with the world-renowned company Huawei Technologies. Through this, our MFS and digital bank customers in Bangladesh will enjoy world-class services causing digital transactions to become more comfortable and affordable,' he also said.

Marking the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China next year, prime minister Sheikh Hasina began her China visit on 8 July.

During this visit, several notable agreements and memorandums of understanding are being signed between the two countries.

Eight years ago, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Dhaka, Bangladesh and China elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership from trade and economic cooperation.

Later, during prime minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to China in 2019, China was termed as a comprehensive strategic cooperative partner in Bangladesh's development.

In the continuity of cooperation between the two countries, this agreement between Nagad and Huawei is significant even in the global context of digital transactions. As a result of this agreement, new financial services and products will be introduced for customers in Bangladesh, which will play a role in transforming the trend of the country's digital transactions in the future.

Inaugurated by prime minister Sheikh Hasina five years ago, Nagad has recently obtained the license for the country's first digital bank.

Within a short time, it has become the country's largest MFS operator with 9 crore customers and its daily transactions hit BDT 1,800 crore. Besides, Nagad has been recognised as the fastest unicorn by the government.​

 

[Saif]

Trade digitalisation is the way forward

At a recently organised roundtable by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, titled 'Digitalising International Trade in Bangladesh' speakers came up with arguments why Bangladesh should be moving towards digitising its trade operations to seriously boost exports. The event brought

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Trade digitalisation is the way forward
SYED MANSUR HASHIM
Published :
Jul 09, 2024 21:37
Updated :
Jul 09, 2024 21:37

At a recently organised roundtable by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh, titled 'Digitalising International Trade in Bangladesh' speakers came up with arguments why Bangladesh should be moving towards digitising its trade operations to seriously boost exports. The event brought together policymakers, business leaders, UN representatives and experts who agreed that eliminating the various (and tedious) process of paperwork could dramatically help expedite trade.

A significant portion of outbound trade is based on shipping. Roughly, 40 per cent of the containerised trade is still based on 'bill of lading' process that is a cause of much delay. According to a UN expert, "Bangladesh could earn $0.6 billion more annually, as the electronic bills of lading could unlock $30-40 billion in global trade volume if these processes went digital."

From what has been shared in the event, it is understood that digitising laborious manual processes can help reduce trade costs significantly, to the tune of 11-23 per cent and also help increase exports by around $600 million per annum.

Digitalisation has been a major stated policy thrust of the present government over the last few terms. However, there has been and continue to be push-back by various agencies which fear a loss of control and the streamlining of these processes (through adoption of new technology) would possibly impede the illicit earning of certain quarters. There is no nice way of saying this, but that is a fact of life in our country, especially given the spate of high-profile graft cases that have been made public over the last few months. But then, it also everything to do with ushering in greater trade efficiency and sustainability. The business community has for years been clamouring for change that not only would help ease up on the cost of doing business in this country, but help expedite lead times leading to more trade.

As pointed out by ICCB president, the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI), which is a part of a global effort in Singapore that is supported by trade and financial entities, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), remains a prime example of a system that works for the betterment of trade. According to Mr. Rahman, the introduction of bills of lading result in swift transactions, cost efficiency and reduce risks of fraud. Indeed, the advantages of using electronic form of bill of lading has been supported by internationally recognised studies and it is time for Bangladesh to enter into this regime.

As stated before, digitalisation of services remains a top policy priority. Since cost of doing business in the country has not fared well in various international indices, it is high time the government started taking serious steps towards a cashless and digital system. Naturally these call for serious reforms. However, before leaping on to the slated 'digital bandwagon', a host of issues need to be addressed, particularly, cybersecurity. Despite serious efforts to develop ICT resources in-country, the issue of cybersecurity remains a soft underbelly in the country. State entities including those storing sensitive repositories of data have seen their fair share of hacking and security breaches. These are loopholes in the system that need to be plugged.

The first step has been taken and now the hard task begins. Enacting laws, amending rules, addressing reforms highlighted in the national logistics policy, etc. all have to be taken into cognizance and these processes need to be expedited. The good thing is that international bilateral agencies and foreign governments are willing to work with their counterparts in Bangladesh - at the business and state level. One can only hope that the momentum for change is sustained because the country needs to move beyond recent debacles and boost trade as a matter of national priority.​

 

[Saif]

Digital trade: Bangladesh could earn $0.6b more in exports

Imagine you are a cargo owner in 1450. You hand over your goods to a ship and receive a bill of lading -- a paper document detailing your shipment. Fast forward to 2024: despite a dramatically changed world, the bill of lading process remains reliant on physical paperwork, used in roughly 40 per c

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Digital trade: Bangladesh could earn $0.6b more in exports
Says UN expert at ICC Bangladesh roundtable
FE REPORT
Published :
Jul 08, 2024 10:31
Updated :
Jul 08, 2024 10:42

Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP (centre), Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, participated as the chief guest in the ICC Roundtable on 'Digitalizing International Trade in Bangladesh' held in Dhaka on Sunday. Also seen in the picture, among others, are ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, Vice Presidents A K Azad, MP, and Naser Ezaz Bijoy; ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting; UN-ESCAP Director Dr. Rupa Chanda; ITFC Regional Head Iftekhar Alam; ICC-DSI MD Pamela Mar; ICCB Executive Board Member Kutubuddin Ahmed; Banking Commission Chair Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali and Secretary General Ataur Rahman
Salman Fazlur Rahman, MP (centre), Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister, participated as the chief guest in the ICC Roundtable on 'Digitalizing International Trade in Bangladesh' held in Dhaka on Sunday. Also seen in the picture, among others, are ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman, Vice Presidents A K Azad, MP, and Naser Ezaz Bijoy; ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting; UN-ESCAP Director Dr. Rupa Chanda; ITFC Regional Head Iftekhar Alam; ICC-DSI MD Pamela Mar; ICCB Executive Board Member Kutubuddin Ahmed; Banking Commission Chair Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali and Secretary General Ataur Rahman

Imagine you are a cargo owner in 1450. You hand over your goods to a ship and receive a bill of lading -- a paper document detailing your shipment.

Fast forward to 2024: despite a dramatically changed world, the bill of lading process remains reliant on physical paperwork, used in roughly 40 per cent of containerised trade.

According to a UN expert, Bangladesh could earn $0.6 billion more annually, as the electronic bills of lading could unlock $30-40 billion in global trade volume if these processes went digital.

"Digital trade is crucial not only for Bangladesh but also for global trade efficiency and sustainability," said Rupa Chanda, director at UNESCAP. "The country could reduce trade costs by 11-12 per cent and gain an additional $0.6 billion in exports by embracing digital trade processes."

She made the remarks at a programme on 'Digitalizing International Trade in Bangladesh', organised by the International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) Bangladesh in Dhaka on Sunday.

ICC Bangladesh President Mahbubur Rahman chaired the programme. He said that digitalisation enhances efficiency, reduces costs and broadens market access.

At the roundtable, Mr Rahman introduced the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI) -- a global effort based in Singapore supported by trade and finance entities including the Asian Development Bank and the World Trade Organization.

He said every year, ocean carriers issue about 45 million bills of lading. Many international shipping documents still need to be standardised and mostly paper-based, needing physical exchanges.

In contrast, electronic bills of lading offer swift transactions, cost efficiency and carry less risks of fraud.

Citing a McKinsey study, the ICCB president said that 100 per cent adoption of electronic bills of lading could unlock $30-$40 billion in global trade by reducing trade friction.

He said this shift could also save 28,000 trees annually and cut carbon emissions.

Bangladesh ratified the UNESCAP Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in 2020.

The roundtable on Sunday marked the first step in introducing the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI), with plans to draft rules and regulations aligned with global digitalization trends by 2027.

At the programme, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment Salman Fazlur Rahman said one of the most important components of digitalisation is interoperability.

Highlighting Bangladesh's success in creating an enabling atmosphere for digitalisation, the adviser said Bangladesh is making rapid progress in establishing a digital and cashless Bangladesh.

However successful international digital trade depends on other countries too, he added.

"International trade is not only dependent on Bangladesh but also dependent on the counterparts who also have to make various reforms," he said, adding that there are also some challenges arising from developed countries.

"Now we are seeing more and more protectionism, especially from the United States, even we are seeing that in Europe," he said.

Mr Rahman added that with the rise of technologies, there are growing concerns with cyber defence.

He said artificial intelligence is now evolving faster with exponential growth in its IQ level.

Regarding the export data mismatch among the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Bangladesh Bank (BB) and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), he said the EPB has double-counted the value of merchandise sent abroad from the export processing zones (EPZs).

"The mistake which EPB made was double-counting the export from the export processing zones," he said.

Edimon Ginting, country director, Bangladesh Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank said effective digitalisation of trade will increase growth and create jobs by expanding access to global trade networks for developing economies.

He said there are two key impediments that we need to jointly work on and address. Those include a need for common standards and protocols that will enable effective interoperability among the players in supply chains, from exporters to logistics, customs, warehousing/logistics, finance, etc and the need to enhance legislation supporting the use and enforceability of key documents in trade.

To tackle these two important challenges, ADB, the Government of Singapore, and the International Chamber of Commerce founded the Digital Standards Initiative, he said.

DSI is working on addressing these challenges and helping promote a globally harmonised digital trade environment.

In order to address the lack of recognition of electronic versions of key trade documents such as bills of lading, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) developed The Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), he informed.

He also said the adoption of MLETR would serve the purpose of further improving domestic legal frameworks and facilitating cross-border trade.

While presenting the keynote, Pamela Mar, managing director, Digital Standard Initiative (DSI), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) said this is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh as it graduates LDC, expands its international trade profile, and sets targets to become a digital economy.

Digital trade builds on Bangladesh's export manufacturing success while preparing it to compete in the future of trade, she said.

The DSI and our entire network including ICC Bangladesh, stand ready to support the country to make the digital trade transition successful, she added.

Iftekhar Alam, Regional Head for South & South East Asia at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), spoke about the ongoing efforts to streamline trade, particularly for major cotton-importing countries like Bangladesh.

Muhammad A (Rumee) Ali, Chairman of ICC Bangladesh Banking Commission, delivered the welcome address, emphasising the critical role of digitalisation in modernising trade infrastructure.

Lawmaker A K Azad, also the vice president of ICC Bangladesh, concluded the event by emphasising the importance of digitalisation for reducing operational costs and enhancing trade efficiency as Bangladesh aims to become a middle-income country by 2026.

Zaidi Sattar, chairman, Policy Research Institute, Mohammad Navid Safiullah, additional decretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mursheda Zaman, joint secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Md Sarwar Hossain, director (Foreign Exchange Policy Department) of Bangladesh Bank, Raich Uddin Khan, first secretary (Customs Automation) National Board of Revenue, Kutubuddin Ahmed, member, ICC Bangladesh Executive Board, Naser Ezaz Bijoy, vice-president, ICC Bangladesh and chief executive officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Md Saiful Islam, former president, MCCI, Muhammad Zahangir Alam, CFO, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd also spoke, among others.​

 

[Saif]

Consider human emotions while developing cybersecurity measures

Excessive worry about cyber threats can lead to "security fatigue."

www.thedailystar.net

Consider human emotions while developing cybersecurity measures

VISUAL: FREEPIK

In the increasingly digital world, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. While much of the focus is often on technological solutions—there is another crucial aspect that often goes underappreciated: the human emotions involved in cybersecurity.

Fear and anxiety significantly impact cybersecurity. The fear of data breaches, identity theft, and cyberattacks can drive individuals and organisations to adopt more stringent security measures. For instance, after the high-profile Equifax data breach, which exposed the personal information of over 147 million people, there was a significant increase in the number of people signing up for credit monitoring services and identity theft protection. This breach highlighted the vulnerability of even large organisations and instilled fear among consumers about the safety of their personal information.

However, fear and anxiety can also have negative effects. Excessive worry about cyber threats can lead to "security fatigue," where individuals become overwhelmed and desensitised to the constant barrage of warnings and advisories. A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) found that people experiencing security fatigue may neglect basic security practices, such as updating passwords or installing software patches, thereby increasing vulnerability to attacks.

Trust is another pivotal emotion in the cybersecurity landscape. Users must trust that their systems are secure, that the websites they visit are safe, and that their personal information is protected. Unfortunately, trust can be easily exploited by cybercriminals through social engineering tactics such as phishing attacks. During the Covid pandemic, there was a significant increase in phishing attacks where cybercriminals posed as health organisations. These attacks exploited the public's trust in these institutions, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software.
The 2013 Target data breach, where hackers gained access to the retailer's network by exploiting the trust placed in a third-party contractor, underscores how trust in third-party vendors can become a vulnerability if not properly managed.

The stress associated with maintaining cybersecurity can also influence behaviour. Professionals working in cybersecurity roles often face high levels of stress due to the constant threat of attacks and the pressure to protect sensitive information. For instance, the cybersecurity teams at hospitals during ransomware attacks, such as the one on Universal Health Services, experienced immense stress as they worked to secure patient data and restore critical systems while under attack. This stress can lead to burnout, reducing the effectiveness of cybersecurity teams and increasing the likelihood of human error.

For end-users, stress from dealing with complex security protocols and the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats can result in poor security habits. A common example is users resorting to simple, easy-to-remember passwords across multiple accounts, despite knowing the risks, to reduce the cognitive load associated with managing complex security requirements. This behaviour was evident in the aftermath of the Yahoo data breach, where many users admitted to reusing passwords across different sites to simplify their online security management.

Complex security measures often lead to frustration and anger. Managing passwords, dealing with frequent updates, and navigating authentication requirements can be exasperating. The Yahoo data breach underscores the importance of robust security practices, but user frustration can lead to non-compliance, undermining cybersecurity efforts. A survey by the University of California, Berkeley found that many users are frustrated by the complexity and frequency of password changes required by their employers, leading to shortcuts such as writing down passwords or using easily guessable passwords.

Confusion and helplessness often accompany cyber incidents. The rapid evolution of cyber threats and the complexity of security technologies can leave us feeling overwhelmed and powerless. In times of crisis, such as a ransomware attack or data breach, individuals and organisations may struggle to understand what steps to take. Developing clear response plans, conducting regular drills, and seeking assistance from cybersecurity experts can help alleviate confusion and empower us to respond effectively to cyber incidents.

Relief and satisfaction follow successful cybersecurity measures. Implementing robust security protocols, thwarting cyber threats, and safeguarding digital assets bring a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind. Knowing that our sensitive information is protected against malicious actors provides a sense of relief.

However, success in thwarting cyber threats can breed overconfidence and complacency. Believing that we are immune to cyberattacks can lead to lax security practices and vulnerability to future threats. Similarly, organisations may become complacent after implementing security measures, failing to adapt to evolving cyber threats. By staying informed about emerging cyber threats, conducting regular security assessments, and updating security protocols, we can guard against overconfidence and complacency.

Another issue that surfaces after cybersecurity breaches aspect is guilt and shame. Individuals may blame themselves for falling victim to phishing scams or neglecting security best practices. Organisations may feel ashamed of security lapses that compromise customer data or tarnish their reputation. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, they should focus on lessons learned, steps for improvement, open communication and collaboration to foster a culture of shared responsibility in cybersecurity.

To enhance cybersecurity by addressing emotional factors, individuals should be empowered with user-friendly cybersecurity education and practical knowledge. Building of trust by fostering transparency and reliability in digital services, prioritsing employee well-being and stress management to enhance cybersecurity resilience are also crucial along with simplifying security measures to reduce frustration and encouraging compliance.

In Bangladesh's digital journey, understanding and addressing cybersecurity emotions are paramount. By recognising the fears, frustrations, and triumphs inherent in digital defence, we can develop more effective strategies for safeguarding our digital assets. Through education, empathy, and collaboration, we can navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with resilience and confidence.

BM Zahid ul Haque is an experienced CISO and cyber digital transformation strategist.​

 

[Saif]

Smart Bangladesh, unsmart cybersecurity measures

In the recent case, the entire profile of an individual could be obtained from the Telegram channel by just providing two inputs: the NID number and the date of birth.

www.thedailystar.net

Smart Bangladesh, unsmart cybersecurity measures

For Smart Bangladesh, we need smart cybersecurity measures. VISUAL: STAR

With consistently poor data security and the resultant surge in cyberattacks in recent years, Bangladesh faces major cybersecurity challenges. The latest case of cybersecurity vulnerability was the leakage of sensitive personal data of individuals who have the smart National Identity (NID) cards on a Telegram channel. While the NID database contains personal information of more than 12 crore voters, 5.5 crore of them have Smart NID cards. The custodian of the NID system, the Election Commission (EC), has tried to wash its hands off the issue saying that the data breach occurred through one or some of the 174 institutions and organisations that have access to the NID server. But the fact remains that the EC is sharing sensitive personal data of citizens with various bodies that are not capable of ensuring their web security and integrity, resulting in this leakage.

Earlier in June this year, US-based online publisher of start-up and technology industry news TechCrunch revealed that the personal data of more than five crore Bangladeshi citizens had been exfiltrated and exposed from the website of the Office of the Registrar General, Birth and Death Registration (BDRIS). The exposed data included full names of the victims, their phone numbers, email addresses and NID numbers.

In the recent case, the entire profile of an individual could be obtained from the Telegram channel by just providing two inputs: the NID number and the date of birth.

The Telegram channel leakage raises questions about the integrity of the EC, which provides sensitive personal data of individuals to organisations with little ability to keep them secure. The BDRIS issue should have been a good enough red flag for the NID data custodian to limit access to information for high-risk organisations, like they have done after the Telegram issue surfaced.

What is even more concerning is that, despite identifying BDRIS as a source of data pilferage, no punishable action has yet been recommended against them by the investigating body, and the ICT Division closed the loop saying, "It is not acceptable that personal information of five million people was open to all. However, we cannot deny the claim either."

In other countries, such cases are not treated lightly, and responsible organisations are at least made accountable for their failure with penalties. For instance, the Integrated Health Information System of Singapore, in 2019, was fined $750,000 (around Tk 8 crore) for the incident of pilferage of personal data of its patients. Penalising organisations for such a breach is not about playing the blame game; rather, it is a negative reinforcement, holding them accountable for their negligence and making sure that they are more careful in the future. A simple slap on the wrist – as in the case of BDRIS – only goes to show how lightly this issue is being treated by the authorities here.

The problem with these data breaches means sensitive personal data of the citizens are now exposed – once data is leaked, even if it is taken down from public domain later, it is likely to remain with those nefarious bodies that have downloaded them – and this makes them even more vulnerable to crimes such as identity theft. Personal data could easily be manipulated by criminal groups to carry out fraudulent and criminal activities. What guarantee is there that your and my complete personal profiles are not lying at the disposal of some criminal gang – may be even in a far away, obscure location – for them to exploit and use at their will? And with the general election almost knocking at the door, what guarantee is there that criminals would not leverage these leaked data to manipulate the election results via identity theft?

We are moving towards Vision 2041 at a fast pace to become "Smart Bangladesh." As we move towards this grand vision, launch digital banking to bring the masses under the formal financial umbrella, increasingly leverage Internet of Things (IoT) for easier data exchange and to make life better, bridge the digital divide through digital innovation and sustainable solutions, and embrace 4IR, we are no longer in a position where we can wash our hands off responsibility by pointing fingers at others.

In the Telegram case, it was the EC's responsibility to make sure that only organisations with high security measures could access the personal data of citizens at its disposal, especially in the aftermath of the BDRIS incident. Leakage and exfiltration essentially pose a threat to national security, especially as we are digitalising more and more critical and sensitive services.

The Bangladesh Government's Computer Incident Response Team (BGD e-GOV CIRT), along with the cybercrime investigation team under the police's Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit and other agencies involved with combating cyberthreats, should be empowered with enhanced knowledge and adequate tools so that they are better capable of averting such risks and threats going forward. Since we are prioritising a smart future, we must also put in place adequate digital infrastructure to keep us safe in the smart world.

Tasneem Tayeb is a columnist for The Daily Star.​

 

[Saif]

How the cyberspace is being manipulated

This is not the first time that government propaganda efforts have been exposed by Meta/Facebook.

www.thedailystar.net

How the cyberspace is being manipulated

VISUAL: SHAIKH SULTANA JAHAN BADHON

Evgeny Morozov, in his book The Net Delusion: How Not to Liberate The World (Penguin, 2012), defined "cyber-utopianism" as a naive idea that the internet favours the oppressed rather than the oppressor. Contrary to the beliefs of the cyber-utopians, Evgeny showed how the internet has become a useful tool for authoritarian governments for propaganda, censorship, and surveillance—the three main pillars of Orwellian authoritarian control.

In the age of internet and digital technology, these three pillars of authoritarianism have become so interconnected that efforts to undermine one pillar might ruin the efforts to do something about the other two. For example, in order to avoid the control of the traditional censorship, if the people flock to social networking sites, they may fall prey to surveillance and propaganda. The more trust users put in social networks, the easier it is to use the networks to promote carefully disguised government messages and boost the propaganda apparatus.

Bangladeshi netizens are not outside this mechanism, which has become evident from the latest Adversarial Threat Report prepared by Meta, the parent company of Facebook. In its first quarterly report of 2024 published in May, Meta has announced the removal of 50 Facebook accounts and 98 pages with 3.4 million followers which are linked to Bangladesh's ruling Awami League, citing violations of its policy against Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour (CIB).

According to Meta, CIB refers to coordinated efforts to manipulate public debate for a strategic goal, in which fake accounts are central to the operation. In each case, people coordinate with one another and use fake accounts to mislead others about who they are and what they are doing.

In the chapter titled "Bangladesh-based Network" and appendix, Meta's report exposed the fake accounts which posed as fictitious new entities or existing news organisations in Bangladesh. Some pages used the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in their name and posted anti-BNP content. Many of these pages had a corresponding presence across several platforms, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Telegram, in addition to their own websites.

According to Meta, the network posted primarily in Bengali and also in English about news and current events in Bangladesh, including elections, criticism of the BNP, allegations of BNP's corruption and its role in pre-election violence, as well as supporting commentary about the incumbent government, the ruling party and its role in the technological development of Bangladesh.

Meta found this activity as a result of its internal investigation into spammy inauthentic amplification activity in the region. Although the people behind it attempted to conceal their identity and coordination, Meta's investigation found links to individuals associated with the Awami League and the Centre for Research and Information, a non-profit organisation in Bangladesh associated with Awami League.

In the appendix of the report, Meta also gives a list of websites, X accounts, Telegram and YouTube channels, TikTok accounts, and names of fictitious news outlets which are used to spread misinformation with political purpose. According to Meta, the network worked to a regular shift pattern, posting between 07:00 and 21:00 GMT (1pm to 3am Bangladesh time), with a peak between 13:00 and 18:00 GMT (7pm to 12am Bangladesh time), and notably fewer posts on Fridays.

This is not the first time that government propaganda efforts have been exposed by Meta/Facebook. Earlier in December 2018, Facebook published a report titled "Taking Down Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior in Bangladesh'' where it announced removal of nine Facebook pages and six Facebook accounts for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour. Facebook mentioned that after getting a tip from Graphika, a threat intelligence company that it worked with, it discovered that these pages were designed to look like independent news outlets and posted pro-government and anti-opposition content. Facebook directly linked these propaganda activities to individuals associated with the government at that time.

The irony is that on the one hand, the government has enacted cyber security laws in the name of preventing rumours and propaganda, and is asking for support from global technology companies like Facebook, Google, and TikTok to prevent rumours, block user accounts and pages, remove content. On the other hand, the ruling party and its research wing themselves have engaged in organised disinformation campaign against the opposition parties using fake accounts.

According to the latest Google transparency report, the Bangladesh government made 591 content removal requests to Google in the last six months of 2023, of which 310 or 52 percent were related to government criticism and 175 or 30 percent were related to defamation. According to Meta's latest transparency report, from July to December 2023, the Bangladesh government sought information about 2,164 users or accounts. Meta has provided information in 67.81 percent of the cases. In the same period, the government made 3,459 content restriction requests to Meta, of which 2,049 were Facebook posts and 1,357 were Facebook comments.

However, government control over the flow of information is not limited to removing or blocking content. Of course, similar to banning books or newspapers, governments block websites and apps to varying degrees depending on the situation and regime of internet-based communication. But this is not the only way to control the internet. Apart from creating various barriers to the flow of information that is dangerous for the government, there are many other ways to control people's thoughts. Some examples of these mechanisms are keeping people busy with various unimportant issues, publicising government statements or positions as neutral opinions or news, and controlling the content of discussions on social media through hired individuals and organisations, etc.

This type of activities can also be undertaken using traditional media, but by exploiting the various features of the internet and digital technologies, these activities can be implemented on a wider basis much more easily, effectively, and at a lower cost than traditional media.

With new forms of authoritarian and surveillance capitalism developing around the internet and digital technologies, it is important to hold both the government and technology companies accountable to the citizens to ensure privacy and freedom of expression. Just as unaccountable authority is harmful in the real world, it is equally dangerous in the virtual world of the internet—especially when the real and the virtual become one.

Kallol Mustafa is an engineer and writer who focuses on power, energy, environment and development economics.​

 

[Saif]

ICT sector: Different figures over actual export revenue

the government organisations that keep track of the export income said the sector’s income is not even USD 1 billion

en.prothomalo.com

ICT sector: Different figures over actual export revenue
Suhadha AfrinDhaka
Updated: 15 Jul 2024, 12: 35

US dollarFile photo

ICT sector export incomeRepresentational image

As per the government version the country's export income in information and communication technology (ICT) sector has reached USD 2 billion while the businessmen of the sector maintain that the amount can at best be USD 1.5 billion.

However, the government organisations that keep track of the export income said the sector's income is not even USD 1 billion.

Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the state minister for post, telecommunication and ICT has been maintaining the export income in the sector to be around USD 2 billion.

He also expects the amount will reach USD 5 billion in the next five years.

Asked about the information of ICT sector's export income, Palak on Sunday told Prothom Alo that this estimation is based on data from Bangladesh Bank, and information of hardware and freelancing sectors.

Besides, some companies in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (EPZ) export electronic items.

Some stakeholders of the sector say that the amount would actually be USD 1 billion more, the state minister said adding there are some unofficial exports in the sector.

Palak also states that he gives the estimation of USD 2 billion taking responsibility.

Bangladesh Bank and Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) mainly serve the information of export of goods and services. Service sector makes more exports in the ICT sector.

There is no specific data on the number of freelancers in the ICT sector. A top freelancer of the country, on condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo that none can correctly tell the export amount in the sector. The number of Bangladeshis freelancers registered with various freelancing platforms will be around Tk 600,000 to Tk 700,000. But the actual number of freelancers is around 150,000.

According to the Bangladesh Bank, the amount of export in telecommunication, computer and information service was USD 531.8 million between July-April in the fiscal year of 2023-24. This is 5.2 per cent less than the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.

Meanwhile, ICT services exports were USD 477 million from July to March of the same fiscal year, according to EPB data.

This amount is USD 6.43 million less than the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

According to World Bank data, the ICT sector accounts for 10 per cent of all services exported from Bangladesh in 2023. In the case of India it is 48.2 per cent, 36.2 per cent in Pakistan and 16.9 per cent in Sri Lanka.

Stakeholders say that 80 per cent of the country's ICT sector exports are service-based. And the export of this service is half of one billion dollars. In total, ICT sector exports will be less than a billion dollars.

The exports have been declining for two years. As a result, there are questions as to whether the export target of five billion dollars is achievable in the current situation.

Rasel T Ahmed, president of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), thinks that the export of the ICT sector will be about USD 1.5 billion dollars.

He told Prothom Alo that many information of this sector is not added up.

ICT is considered as the most promising sector after the apparel industry but there has been no progress in the last two years, Ahmed said adding expected growth could not be achieved.

The dream of five billion dollar exports will not be achieved this way, he noted, rather proper planning is required for it.
There is no specific data on the number of freelancers in the ICT sector. A top freelancer of the country, on condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo that none can correctly tell the export amount in the sector. The number of Bangladeshis freelancers registered with various freelancing platforms will be around Tk 600,000 to Tk 700,000. But the actual number of freelancers is around 150,000.

Persons connected with BASIS said the export amount of freelancers in the country can be between USD 200 and 250 million. However, the president of Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS) Tanjiba Rahman told Prothom Alo that the amount would be USD 300.

She also thinks that the export of the ICT sector will be USD 2 billion. Apart from services, the ICT sector has various other products. The World Bank does not have any data on Bangladesh's exports of ICT products after 2015.

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) gives a list of products that are considered as ICT products. The list includes products such as computer and peripheral equipment, communication equipment, consumer electronic equipment (sound recording, microphone, camera, television camera, headphone, video game equipment, radio broadcasting equipment), electric components and semiconductor media etc.

There is no separate information available for ICT products in Bangladesh's export sector. However, Bangladesh Bank's 2022-23 financial year export earnings report mentions engineering products' export amount would be USD 585.85 million. According to the EPB data, the amount would be USD 479.96 million between July and May in 2023-24 fiscal year.

EPB's list of engineering products includes iron steel, copper ware, stainless steel ware, engineering equipment, electric products, bicycle and other products. None of Bangladesh's engineering products except for electric equipment fall under the category of UNCTAD's definition of ICT products. However, if the total export of engineering products and ICT services sector is calculated, it is more than a billion dollars.

He added that different activities are taking place in the ICT sector in scattered ways but the impact of these are not so visible. The government has to set the target and set up at least 150 big companies.​

 

[Saif]

Internet blackout: Freelancers in trouble

Internet blackout lands freelancers in trouble.

www.thedailystar.net

Internet blackout: Freelancers in trouble

Internet blackout lands freelancers in trouble. Photo: Orchid Chakma

With the complete shutdown of internet services across Bangladesh for the past five days, life on the digital frontier had come to a grinding halt. Mobile internet access was restricted on July 16 amidst country-wide protests against quota reinstatement in government jobs. Following escalating street violence, a complete internet blackout was suddenly imposed on July 18, with no prior warning. Now, the country's freelancers, whose income depends heavily on internet access, are facing significant financial difficulties.

Timely communication is paramount in online freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Freelancers typically rely on the platforms' embedded messaging systems to communicate with clients. Unfortunately, the internet shutdown rendered communication entirely impossible.

Shaikh Abdullah, a Dhaka-based motion designer and video editor working for international clients, shared his experience. "I was negotiating a $500 project with a client," he explained. "The internet abruptly cut out during our discussions, with no prior announcement. After four days of complete inactivity, if the client reports my profile as inactive, it will significantly reduce my profile visibility and overall click-through rate. This, in turn, will lead to a loss of potential clients and ultimately, a decrease in my income."

The global freelancing marketplace operates at a fast pace, with clients and workers adhering to strict deadlines for project orders and deliveries. Failure to deliver on time often results in negative client feedback, which can significantly impact a freelancer's earnings if enough negative ratings accumulate.

Sudiptta Apu, a graphic designer and freelancer based in Khulna, expressed similar concerns. "I had eight ongoing projects worth over $1,000 that are now on hold due to the internet blackout. It's highly likely that clients will seek alternative service providers, as most require urgent and ongoing work."

"For my regular clients outside of online marketplaces, I attempted communication through international calls to India and the USA," Sudiptta added. "However, network issues made proper communication impossible. I fear losing most of my regular clients as well."

The internet shutdown also prevented many freelancers from delivering completed projects. Sohag Islam, a UI/UX designer based in Dhaka and founder of the IT firm Designera, recounted his experience. "I had two deliveries scheduled – one for $1200 and another for $660. Just an hour before the final delivery to the client, I lost internet connectivity. Communication with all my regular clients is completely cut off. The internet shutdown has resulted in a minimum loss of $3,000 for me."

Sohag further stated that he works remotely for a US-based firm, but the internet blackout hampered communication with them as well.

However, broadband internet connections were restored on a limited scale yesterday after 5 days of complete countrywide blackout. Md Emdadul Hoque, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said earlier today that approximately 40% of broadband connections across the country have been restored, with most lines expected to be operational by the end of the day.​

 

[Saif]

4 ways to stay online during an internet outage

Mobile data internet services across Bangladesh is reportedly experiencing a widespread outage, as per reports.

www.thedailystar.net

4 ways to stay online during an internet outage

Mobile data internet in various parts of the country are experiencing outage. Image: Tech & Startup

Mobile data internet services across Bangladesh is reportedly experiencing a widespread outage, as per reports. The disruption, assumed to have begun around 10:30 am on July 18, is in continuation for the third consecutive day.

The disruption has particularly affected social media platforms such as Facebook and Messenger. Upon testing, netizens have been unable to send messages through Messenger or access the updated feed of Facebook since today morning. The same restriction has been noticed in platforms like X (formerly Twitter) as well, though tests have shown that, at the time of writing, YouTube has been accessible through normal means.

In light of these events, in any cases of emergency, the following methods can be tried to stay connected to the internet:

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

VPNs are widely used to access blocked content or websites. They function by routing the user's connection through a remote server, masking the local IP address and making it appear as though the user is accessing the internet from another location. However, some countries, including Russia and Egypt, employ network management technologies to block VPN traffic. Experts recommend having at least two VPNs to increase the likelihood of bypassing restrictions. Additionally, changing the domain name server (DNS) may be effective in some situations.

It is important to note that while VPNs can help bypass censorship, they do not provide privacy protection during browsing.

Mesh Networks

Mesh network applications like Briar and Bridgefy are particularly useful in dense gatherings such as protests. These apps allow messages to hop between devices using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, creating a network independent of internet connectivity.

However, mesh networks have limitations, primarily their limited geographical range, which typically restricts communication to nearby devices. Research from the University of London identified vulnerabilities in Bridgefy, such as spoofing attacks, which could compromise the security of these networks.

International SIM Cards

In border regions, it may be possible to connect to networks from neighbouring countries where internet access remains unaffected. Using an international SIM card can help maintain connectivity. This approach has proven effective in Myanmar, where journalists and human rights workers use Thai SIM cards to stay connected, communicate with international colleagues, and facilitate mobile money transfers.

Sideloading Apps

Governments might attempt to restrict access to certain platforms by removing them from app stores. On Android devices, users can sideload apps, downloading them directly to the device without relying on official app stores. This method, however, carries risks, as sideloaded apps are not vetted and may contain malware.​

 

[Saif]

IT cos fear foreign clients may turn their back on them

Internet blackout came as a severe blow to the IT companies that fear long-term setbacks on business if foreign clients consider them unreliable and move to other countries, say Vietnam, for uninterrupted services. To avoid clients get irked by any disruption, some big companies have even sent a s

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

IT cos fear foreign clients may turn their back on them
MOHAMMAD MUFAZZEL
Published :
Jul 28, 2024 08:56
Updated :
Jul 28, 2024 09:35

Internet blackout came as a severe blow to the IT companies that fear long-term setbacks on business if foreign clients consider them unreliable and move to other countries, say Vietnam, for uninterrupted services.

To avoid clients get irked by any disruption, some big companies have even sent a small team of their workforce to any neighbouring country, for example Nepal and Singapore, to ensure continuation of their services.

Meanwhile, telecom operators said their daily revenue from data services was slashed by 35 per cent and that the industry incurred a loss of around Tk 5 billion between July 16 and July 26. Many service centres were also vandalized during the mayhem centring on protests against the quota system in government jobs, adding to the loss.

Local IT companies have experienced a boom in business opportunities in recent years as they have seen more and more overseas clients seeking to outsource back-office operations, customer care, image processing, graphics design, data entry, data analysis etc. That gave rise to optimistic projections about export growth of IT-enabled products and services.

The sector constitutes 1.25 per cent of the GDP (gross domestic product) and its export earnings were reportedly above $1.8 billion in the last fiscal year.

Shameem Ahsan, managing director of listed IT company eGeneration, said the shutdown of the Internet put the country in reverse order regarding the expansion of the global footprint of the IT sector.

"Companies, which provide outsourced services, lost a large number of foreign clients who failed to communicate with them," he said.

Losses in revenue amounted to Tk 5 billion in the five days to Thursday last week, according to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS). The decline in income from the local segment is yet to be determined.

About 5 per cent of 2,500 IT companies sent small teams abroad in a desperate attempt to keep services to foreign clients unhindered during the Internet blackout.

"Foreign clients have alternatives to get the services. So, they will not wait for a service provider to get back to them," said BASIS President Russell T Ahmed.

Though Internet connections have been restored, Mr Ahmed said the companies were yet to return to operations fully because of the low speed.

Mr. Ahsan said his small company eGeneration itself lost revenue worth around Tk 15 million in the last one week. "It would take time to regain the confidence of foreign clients who seek services from Bangladeshi companies."

Mobile operators also endured losses for data services being snapped. A significant amount of revenue is generated from services to corporate companies and SME sectors.

The impact of the disruptions can be illustrated by the experiences that any of the service recipients were subjected to.

A senior official of Square Pharmaceuticals says the drug maker usually receives around 30,000 invoices from buyers across the country. The buyers send invoices to the company's depots situated in different districts through mobile Internet. Now they need to go to the depots and physically submit the invoices.

As a result, the number of invoices received per day has almost halved.

The companies that stored data through cloud computing have encountered greater problems.

App-based operations of mobile operators have also remained suspended. Company secretary of Robi Axiata Mohammed Shahedul Alam said telecom operators earn good revenue from the use of YouTube and Facebook.

"Our new customer acquisition also remained halted during the period of the unrest," Mr. Alam said.

Telecom operators, however, hope to recover part of the loss from the increase in voice services.

The recovery will depend on the facilities to be provided by the government, added Mr. Alam.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh suffered over 50,000 cyberattacks in 10 days during quota protests: State Minister

Hackers have carried out more than 50,000 cyberattacks in several rounds in the past 10 days to take control of important government websites during the quota reform protests, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has said. The hackers particularly targeted eight government websites to cause d

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh suffered over 50,000 cyberattacks in 10 days during quota protests: State Minister
bdnews24.com
Published :
Jul 30, 2024 20:06
Updated :
Jul 30, 2024 20:06

Hackers have carried out more than 50,000 cyberattacks in several rounds in the past 10 days to take control of important government websites during the quota reform protests, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak has said.

The hackers particularly targeted eight government websites to cause damage, but no website was completely hacked and there was no incident of stealing data from any website, he said after an emergency meeting on cyber security at Bangladesh Computer Council in Dhaka on Tuesday.

They used Domain Name System or DNS and diverted users to other pages containing messages from the hackers claiming to hack the website, according to him.

Asked if the cyberattacks increased because of the protests, the state minister said: "Cyberattacks are carried out all the time as the hackers try to hack websites of organisations under national security. They attack banks and financial institutions to steal money.

"But it's true that cyberattacks have increased during the protests."

He also claimed there was no government instruction to slow the internet down after the resumption of services following a total blackout during the protests.

He said the use of virtual private network, or VPN, to bypass security measures that have been in place to block social media has slowed down the internet all over the country.

VPN use has increased by 5,000 percent in this period, Palak said, citing technical people.​

 

[Saif]

IT firms suffer low productivity amid slow internet

Although broadband and mobile internet is again available in the country, most software, IT service and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are experiencing significant productivity losses due to insufficient internet speeds.

www.thedailystar.net

IT firms suffer low productivity amid slow internet

Although broadband and mobile internet is again available in the country, most software, IT service and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies are experiencing significant productivity losses due to insufficient internet speeds.

The IT firms said they are grappling with speeds far below their operational needs, even though they are willing to pay a premium for better service.

This shortfall is causing a significant decrease in productivity and an uptick in operational costs.

According to industry people, productivity has been lost by about 50 percent since the return of the internet. They said with an initial internet blackout for a few days and the current low speed internet, dissatisfaction among foreign clients is increasing as reliable internet speeds are critical for constant communication.

This instability threatens ongoing contracts and heightens the risk of losing future business as clients demand seamless and uninterrupted connectivity for efficient operations, they said.

"Clients are not happy with such internet speeds," said Zayed Uddin Ahmed, CEO of ASL BPO, which provides back office and live support to clients globally.

"They are constantly asking when everything will be back to normal in our country," he added.

He said his office staff are struggling to complete assigned tasks in due time, which was severely hampering productivity.

Russell T Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), said the IT firms are facing difficulty in sending and downloading files due to the low speed internet.

In the wake of student protests over reforming the quota system in public jobs and violence centring it, the government shut down mobile internet for over 10 days and broadband for 5 days in July.

The broadband internet service was restored on July 24 and mobile internet service on July 28. However, strict restrictions on social media and filtering mechanisms enforced by the government have led to a slowdown of the internet, according to people involved with the proceedings.

Fahim Mashroor, former president of the BASIS, said irrespective of their focus, be it export or local markets, the companies are being hit hard for the slow internet.

"In today's environment, cloud-based development is paramount, requiring robust bandwidth to function efficiently," he said.

"However, nearly all IT firms are grappling with speeds far below their operational needs, even when we are ready to pay a premium for better service," he added.

"We are afraid that export of software and IT services, which have already been under pressure over the last two years, may fall 20-30 percent this year because of this shutdown and slow bandwidth issue," he added.

"The internet speed is absolutely in no way close to what is required for doing any professional work and our development work and day to day activities are being greatly hampered," said Rashad Kabir, managing director of software company Dream71 Bangladesh.

"Nowadays, we cannot use WhatsApp, an important medium for communication, using mobile internet," he said.

"Even though we could use VPN (virtual private network) or broadband internet, file sharing is not possible and as a result, we are facing embarrassing situations with our foreign clients," Kabir added.

"Above all, there are more than 15 lakh people who use Facebook for their e-commerce business," he said.

The daily income of these people is now being seriously hampered because of the shutdown of Facebook and slow internet connection, added Kabir, also a former director of the BASIS.​

 

[Saif]

Countrywide Hi-Tech Parks to be named district-wise

Countrywide Hi-Tech parks, software technology parks and IT training and incubation centres will be named after the district concerned

en.prothomalo.com

Countrywide Hi-Tech Parks to be named district-wise
BSS Dhaka
Published: 28 Aug 2024, 18: 36

Nahid Islam BSS

Countrywide Hi-Tech parks, software technology parks and IT training and incubation centres will be named after the district concerned.

Posts, telecommunications and information technology Adviser and president of the executive committee of Bangladesh hi-tech park authority Md Nahid Islam today took the decision at the 32rd meeting of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority at ICT Tower in city's Agargaon, said a ministry press release.

The adviser said that there are many complaints regarding the allotment and cancellation of Hi-Tech Park land and so, it is necessary to review whether there was any irregularity or corruption in the process.

"We didn't get the expected results as per the objective of establishing the nationwide Hi-Tech parks," he said, stressing the need for further review to assess the lacking - whether it was political reason or corruption or inefficiency responsible for not getting the desired outcomes.

He added, "Identifying these issues will make it easier to work ahead."

Nahid Islam stressed the need to study more about how foreign countries are working and how Bangladesh can advance the work within capacity.

Besides, the adviser suggested doing practical work without having too high expectations.

In the meeting, a proposal was placed to name the dormitories of Hi-Tech Parks after Shaheed Mugdha, Abu Sayeed and some other martyrs who were killed during the anti-discrimination student movement.

However, the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Advisor didn't agree to it and said there is no need to hurry like the Awami League government, rather the memories of the martyrs have to be preserved in such a way that they last forever.

The meeting also decided to exempt the Property Management Company (PMC) of Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park located in Jessore district and appoint a new PMC in a short time through open tender process.

It also discussed about the payment of rent arrears of the tenants in Karwan Bazar's Janata Tower and whether the tower could be renovated by keeping them.

The meeting also discussed how to help those who will invest in the hi-tech park to get loans.​

 

[Bilal9]

Countrywide Hi-Tech Parks to be named district-wise

Countrywide Hi-Tech parks, software technology parks and IT training and incubation centres will be named after the district concerned

en.prothomalo.com

Countrywide Hi-Tech Parks to be named district-wise
BSS Dhaka
Published: 28 Aug 2024, 18: 36

View attachment 7921
Nahid Islam BSS

Countrywide Hi-Tech parks, software technology parks and IT training and incubation centres will be named after the district concerned.

Posts, telecommunications and information technology Adviser and president of the executive committee of Bangladesh hi-tech park authority Md Nahid Islam today took the decision at the 32rd meeting of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority at ICT Tower in city's Agargaon, said a ministry press release.

The adviser said that there are many complaints regarding the allotment and cancellation of Hi-Tech Park land and so, it is necessary to review whether there was any irregularity or corruption in the process.

"We didn't get the expected results as per the objective of establishing the nationwide Hi-Tech parks," he said, stressing the need for further review to assess the lacking - whether it was political reason or corruption or inefficiency responsible for not getting the desired outcomes.

He added, "Identifying these issues will make it easier to work ahead."

Nahid Islam stressed the need to study more about how foreign countries are working and how Bangladesh can advance the work within capacity.

Besides, the adviser suggested doing practical work without having too high expectations.

In the meeting, a proposal was placed to name the dormitories of Hi-Tech Parks after Shaheed Mugdha, Abu Sayeed and some other martyrs who were killed during the anti-discrimination student movement.

However, the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Advisor didn't agree to it and said there is no need to hurry like the Awami League government, rather the memories of the martyrs have to be preserved in such a way that they last forever.

The meeting also decided to exempt the Property Management Company (PMC) of Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park located in Jessore district and appoint a new PMC in a short time through open tender process.

It also discussed about the payment of rent arrears of the tenants in Karwan Bazar's Janata Tower and whether the tower could be renovated by keeping them.

The meeting also discussed how to help those who will invest in the hi-tech park to get loans.​

Man - I am proud of these Gen. Z-ers. They are truly wise beyond their 25 or so years.

Future of Bangladesh looks to be in good hands so far.

 

[Saif]

Man - I am proud of these Gen. Z-ers. They are truly wise beyond their 25 or so years.

Future of Bangladesh looks to be in good hands so far.

They are patriots. Nobody can buy them to harm our national interest. More power to Gen. Z-ers.

 

[Saif]

Quantum computing revolution: Is Bangladesh preparing to seize the future?

In Bangladesh, efforts to address the quantum threat are underway, albeit in a scattered manner. However, compared to neighbouring countries like India and China, these efforts remain minimal. To effectively prepare for the quantum revolution, strong government initiatives are imperative.

en.prothomalo.com

Quantum computing revolution: Is Bangladesh preparing to seize the future?
Ashim Chakraborty
Published: 10 Sep 2024, 17: 16

In the realm of technological innovation, the emergence of quantum computing stands as a beacon of unprecedented potential. Much like the race to harness atomic energy during World War II, today's global powers are engaged in a race to unlock the full capabilities of quantum technology. At the forefront of this pursuit are the United States, Europe, and China, each vying for supremacy in a landscape defined by the principles of quantum mechanics.

Quantum computing, a field rooted in the enigmatic properties of quantum physics, represents a paradigm shift in computational power. Unlike classical computers that rely on binary bits, which can only exist in states of 0 or 1, quantum computers utilise quantum bits, or qubits. These qubits possess the remarkable ability of superposition, enabling them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This fundamental distinction allows quantum computers to explore a vast array of possibilities in parallel, offering unprecedented speed and efficiency in problem-solving.

At the heart of the quantum revolution lies a series of key differentiators between traditional and quantum computing. Firstly, while classical computers operate on binary logic gates, quantum computers utilise quantum gates to manipulate qubits and exploit their quantum states. This unique approach to computation enables quantum algorithms, such as Shor's and Grover's algorithms, to solve certain problems exponentially faster than their classical counterparts.

Moreover, the phenomenon of quantum parallelism empowers quantum computers to explore multiple solutions simultaneously, making them particularly adept at solving optimisation problems and simulating complex quantum systems. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the rise of quantum computing also presents a formidable challenge: the quantum threat.

The quantum threat looms large on the horizon, posing significant risks to cybersecurity and data protection. As quantum computers continue to advance, their ability to crack encryption algorithms could render many existing cryptographic methods obsolete. The potential ramifications are far-reaching, with sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and national security at stake. According to experts, the timeline for quantum computers to break public key cryptography is alarming, with forecasts suggesting it could occur within the next 15 years.

In response to this imminent threat, organisations must proactively prepare for the era of quantum computing. Initiatives such as NIST's development of quantum-safe encryption methods signal a concerted effort to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, President Biden's endorsement of post-quantum cryptography underscores the urgency for government agencies to fortify their cybersecurity infrastructure.

Businesses and governments must act urgently to bridge the gap between perception and reality, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to navigate the complexities of the quantum age and safeguard against potential security risks.

While the quantum threat poses significant challenges, it also presents opportunities for innovation and collaboration. By embracing quantum-safe encryption methods and cultivating agile cybersecurity practices, organisations can mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data. Moreover, as quantum technology continues to mature, it holds the potential to revolutionise various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and defense. Countries like Bangladesh also can have a huge benefit out of it especially in agriculture and healthcare industries.

In the face of this rapidly evolving landscape, global investment in quantum computing has surged, with companies and governments alike recognising its transformative potential. From Fortune 500 corporations to emerging startups, stakeholders are racing to capitalise on the promise of quantum technology. However, amidst this frenzy of activity, it is essential not to overlook the ethical and legal implications of quantum computing.

In Bangladesh, efforts to address the quantum threat are underway, albeit in a scattered manner. However, compared to neighbouring countries like India and China, these efforts remain minimal. To effectively prepare for the quantum revolution, strong government initiatives are imperative.

Therefore, substantial investment in research and development, fostering partnerships with industry leaders, and prioritising cybersecurity initiatives are essential steps for governments to take. Additionally, universities should consider incorporating courses on quantum computing and cryptography into their curricula to ensure a skilled workforce capable of navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by quantum technology.

In conclusion, the quantum computing revolution presents both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges. Businesses and governments must act urgently to bridge the gap between perception and reality, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to navigate the complexities of the quantum age and safeguard against potential security risks. The time to prepare for the quantum future is now.

* Dr. Ashim Chakraborty, senior lecturer and researcher in AI and computing at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh IT sector shows promising growth: report

Bangladesh has shown promising growth in its information technology (IT) sector, especially in software development and IT-enabled services, said a global report on...

www.newagebd.net

Bangladesh IT sector shows promising growth: report
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Geneva 13 September, 2024, 22:16

Bangladesh has shown promising growth in its information technology (IT) sector, especially in software development and IT-enabled services, said a global report on ‘Digital Trade for Development’.

Prepared by the staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), The World Bank, and the World Trade Organization (WTO), the report shows that the adoption of e-commerce in Bangladesh, especially business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce in the readymade garments industry, presents an opportunity for the trade development of developing economies.

As per the report, digital technologies have the potential to enhance e-commerce in least developed countries (LDCs) by connecting remote economies to global markets.

To enable more inclusive outcomes from digitalisation, it is important to enable economies trailing behind in terms of digital readiness to catch up.

By addressing challenges in transport and connectivity infrastructure, enhancing digital skills and strengthening regulatory frameworks, LDCs would become better positioned to tap into the vast network of e-commerce, expanding their market reach and increasing economic growth.

It, however, mentions that export opportunities for digitally delivered products could be better harnessed by economies traditionally at the margins of global trade.

Although distance remains a significant factor in overall trade costs, digital technologies reduce the relative importance of some factors of comparative advantage, such as geographical distance from markets and the quality of transport infrastructure.

Trade in digitally delivered products, such as e-books, music and computer software, can thrive with improved internet access, an enabling regulatory environment and digital payment infrastructure.

According to the report, certain traditional factors of comparative advantage in trade may become less significant in the digital realm.

While capital investments and labour costs remain relevant for digital trade, their importance (at least for certain types of skills) is somewhat diminished compared to offline trade.

The report informs that some economies are more prepared to seize opportunities and take on challenges associated with digital trade, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure and skills.

In general, to engage in and benefit from digital trade, consumers and businesses must have access to fast, affordable and reliable digital infrastructure as well as the skills and capabilities to use digital technologies for productive activities.

High tariffs on imports of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment, restrictions on imports of enabling services and limited competition in telecommunications services can reduce affordability and slow down the adoption of these technologies.​

 

[Saif]

Looking into ICT division projects

Soon after coming into office, the interim government had made its intention to look into the development works undertaken by the previous administration clear. That there would be stocktaking across the board was expected and the present government has already formed various committees to look int

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Looking into ICT division projects
Published :
Sep 14, 2024 22:37
Updated :
Sep 14, 2024 22:37

Soon after coming into office, the interim government had made its intention to look into the development works undertaken by the previous administration clear. That there would be stocktaking across the board was expected and the present government has already formed various committees to look into projects belonging to different ministries and departments. In line with that decision, a committee has been formed to examine the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) programmes the erstwhile government had taken up under the aegis of 'Digital Bangladesh'. Over the years, domestic media has exposed various irregularities in ICT division. The same can be said of the various think tanks (both domestic and international) and policy critiques who have highlighted wrongdoings by this division and its subsidiaries over the course of the past 15 years. Since billions of Taka have been spent from the national exchequer in the name of "development" in the digital sphere, the formation of the committee is a welcome piece of news.

According to a report published in this paper last week, "The committee has already held its first meeting, which was attended by representatives from various key organisations, including the Hi-Tech Park Authority, a2i Project, and the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC). However, representatives from the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) and the Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU), responsible for evaluating government procurement, were absent, as their respective officials are yet to be selected."

The mandate of this committee is straightforward. It will investigate potential instances of corruption and then the authorities will decide where to go from there. The committee's formation is also a departure from the past. There is a technical expert who is a member and one who can assess precisely what progress (or lack thereof) has been made in the 22 ongoing ICT projects running under the FY 2024-25. There have been questions about the manner in which public procurement was done, whether rules were adhered to in concluding public-private partnerships (PPP), reservations expressed on the quality of audits on completed projects, etc.

One major criticism had been the manner in which the construction of hi-tech parks around Bangladesh was done. Serious concerns had been expressed about the manner of site selection and about whether proper feasibility studies had been conducted prior to their construction. Ultimately, some were finished, but only a fraction of envisaged companies moved there. The idea of an "ICT hub" replete with infrastructure and digital services was questioned. Sadly, many things were totally left out of the equation. People expect a certain level of quality of living in terms of schooling for children, entertainment, ease of access (communication) and since these were not priority areas, these projects didn't achieve their primary goals - to become centers of attraction for foreign direct investment (FDI). Even many local companies didn't bother to relocate.

Similarly, there was much consternation about the way consultants were hired to spearhead the ICT division. Again, the question of procedural irregularities had been raised which were ignored by then-government. Indeed, this division had been the den of irregularities but one that got very large allocations of public money in every single budget since 2010. Although the committee has not set any timeline, yet is expected to work swiftly and efficiently in the national interest. Hence, it is all the more crucial that the committee go through the books minutely to uncover all financial and procedural irregularities. Unnecessary projects need to be shelved, corruption-riddled projects need to be identified and those responsible be held accountable. Ultimately, the ICT division has to be turned into a body where accountability and transparency in budgeting and operation is ensured.​

 

[Saif]

Beyond 'digital' and 'smart': Defining Bangladesh's ICT brand

Countries that prioritise Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have each chosen distinct positions for themselves.

www.thedailystar.net

Beyond 'digital' and 'smart': Defining Bangladesh's ICT brand

Visual: Fatima Jahan Ena

In today's world, countries that prioritise Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have each chosen distinct positions for themselves. This positioning might be as innovators, manufacturers, providers of affordable labour, or champions of quality and luxury. These choices are not just about economic strategy; they shape the very identity of a nation in the global market.

Take China, for instance. Historically, it was known for making products "cheaper and better." Now, the country is shifting toward "affordable innovation," reflecting a maturing economy that still values cost-effectiveness but is also pushing the boundaries of technological advancement. Scandinavian countries, on the other hand, have positioned themselves as "inclusive talent hubs," inviting thousands of entrepreneurs from across the globe to work within their borders. Estonia's e-residency program is a prime example, allowing anyone in the world to establish and manage an EU-based company entirely online. Singapore's tech scene is driven by a philosophy of "if you make it, we are interested in it," staying alert to new ideas and ensuring they are available within and from Singapore. The US extends its age-old national motto, the "land of opportunity," to its tech sector, offering endless possibilities for innovation and growth. Japan is synonymous with "superior quality," German engineering stands for "robustness," and Switzerland epitomises "luxury."

Each of these countries tells a different story; each has a unique brand. Some have consciously chosen their angle, while for others, it has evolved organically. But every nation with a stake in ICT has a brand—except, perhaps, Bangladesh.

When the last government came to power, it sought to align itself with the global wave of technological advancement. Part of this was driven by a desire to create a new thrust sector, while part was motivated by the worldwide surge in technological innovation. In 2008, the then-Prime Minister coined the term "Digital Bangladesh." At its core, the philosophy aimed to ensure democracy, human rights, transparency, accountability, justice, and the efficient delivery of government services through the extensive use of technology.

In 2022, the government introduced the concept of "Smart Bangladesh." This time, the focus was on building a SMART country by 2041, with an emphasis on smart citizens, a smart economy, smart governance, and a smart society. However, from a neutral, apolitical perspective, both terms, though catchy, were somewhat ambiguous and did little to establish a clear national brand.

"Digital Bangladesh" and "Smart Bangladesh" did see some success. Access to the internet increased significantly, and the digital divide between metro areas, cities, and townships narrowed. Events like Digital World, SoftExpo, and SmartPhone Expo became regular occurrences, showcasing the industry's potential and progress. During this period, Bangladesh also saw a remarkable rise in freelancers. With over 10 lakh freelancers, the gig economy positively impacted self-employment, remittances, and overall economic empowerment. The start-up ecosystem flourished, entrepreneurship gained momentum, and venture capital became more accessible to young entrepreneurs.

While these initiatives contributed to some fragmented progress, they fell short of creating a clear and precise national brand. The "Smart Bangladesh" roadmap, in particular, was notably vague. The Smart Bangladesh Masterplan, available online, outlined a focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, blockchain, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and other futuristic innovations. However, there was a clear disconnect between ambition and action. Most initiatives were centred around building infrastructure, whether civil constructions or technological. These expensive projects were not backed by any precise plan. For instance, Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park in Jessore is a high-end, expensive, and lavish establishment aimed at attracting foreign direct investment in software development and supporting local programmers; unfortunately, the goals never materialized.

Similar stories transpired for other software parks in Chattogram, Kaliakoir, Rajshahi, and beyond. The government declared 40 mega projects, aiming to increase the ICT sector's share of the national economy to at least 20 percent by 2041. Unfortunately, none of these initiatives managed to attract a notable volume of foreign investment.

Despite the attention garnered by "Digital Bangladesh" and "Smart Bangladesh," neither concept effectively communicated a coherent and purposeful brand for Bangladesh to the outside world.

Several glaring questions remain unanswered: what message do we want the world to hear? Do we want to position ourselves as a hub of trained human resources? Are we aiming to become a manufacturing powerhouse? Should we focus on innovation, bolstering our R&D capabilities? Or are we looking to build a long-term strategy around research and the accumulation of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)?

Frankly speaking, to this date, our ICT sector doesn't seem to know where it should be heading. We are not an investable brand, so the obvious question is, where do we go from here?

The answer is simple—onward and forward! We must move past the years of fruitless efforts and begin shaping our industry right away. This time, we need a clear focus and purpose.

To begin with, we need to stop investing in expensive infrastructure projects that almost never achieve their intended results. We need to democratise innovation on all fronts. Separate funds should be allocated to public and private universities for research and innovation. Researchers, students, and entrepreneurs should be able to manage seed funding from their respective universities. The IPs generated using these funds should be shared by innovators and the universities; this way, universities would also have an incentive to promote and support new ideas and inventions.

Bangladesh must focus on ground-breaking innovations, cheaper and better than others. It's not just about doing the same thing that China does at a lower cost, but we should focus on making things that China and other competitive countries cannot make. Reduced costs will give us a competitive edge, helping us stay ahead of others, but they will also allow us to penetrate high-potential markets that remain unexplored due to their limited purchasing power, such as Africa, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Generating original intellectual properties (IP) is a critical element. Moving forward, we can generate revenue through leasing our IPs, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability for all stakeholders. Drawing interest from foreign investors will depend on many factors, but stability and continued innovation will play a significant role in attracting foreign funds to Bangladesh. Instead of blindly following mature and advanced companies, investment should be encouraged in early-stage start-ups, both by the government and private venture funds.

There is a heightened national spirit in every walk of life. Citizens and policymakers are actively investigating and introspecting. The time for transformation in the technology and ICT sector is now; it's a golden opportunity, one we never had before. It won't be easy, but with relentless pursuit of cost-effective innovation, we may be able to build a name, perhaps even a brand for ourselves—"Bangladesh, the leader in frugal innovation."

Sinha Ibna Humayun works in technology marketing and is a tech enthusiast.​

 

[Saif]

How to fix the legacy of internet shutdowns in Bangladesh

Given that fundamental rights are the default and restrictions are exceptions, internet shutdowns are, by nature, unlawful.

www.thedailystar.net

How to fix the legacy of internet shutdowns in Bangladesh

FILE VISUAL: EHSANUR RAZA RONNY

Bangladesh endured a series of unprecedented state-sanctioned internet shutdowns during the month-long student protests, starting with restrictions on social media, messaging services, and mobile internet, and culminating in a near-total blackout that lasted five days. Although connectivity was temporarily restored, the final shutdown coincided with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and departure on August 5.

A recent investigation under the interim government revealed that two government agencies, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), issued shutdown orders during student protests, under the direction of former state minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak, without any judicial or administrative approval. These top-down measures by the government to disconnect the internet is not new; the state has resorted to this brute force method of internet control on numerous occasions since 2009, with shutdowns occurring almost annually since 2015.

For over a decade, the UN Human Rights Council has condemned internet shutdowns and urged national governments to refrain from impeding internet access, reiterating that internet access is a human right and imploring governments to align domestic policies with international obligations on online freedom of expression. Although the Bangladesh Constitution does not explicitly mention internet access as a fundamental right, the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression can be interpreted as conferring a right to uninterrupted internet access as essential for exercising this freedom.

Yet, over the last fifteen years, this extra-legal measure has been a favoured tactic of the former government to consolidate power, contain civil unrest and dissents, censor information, and isolate the country from the global community.

It is critical to understand the systemic legitimacy of shutdowns in Bangladesh. Under Bangladesh's Constitution, reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression may be imposed on certain grounds, inadvertently giving authorities the latitude to interpret the constitutional provisions to enforce internet shutdowns if necessary, for instance, for state security, public order, or public morality. Moreover, the broadly defined provisions of section 97 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, coupled with vague and expansive licensing conditions, confers excessive discretion to authorities. This discretion has been abused to arbitrarily compel operators to restrict access, even though neither the regulatory agencies nor the overseeing ministries have a clear legal mandate to order such shutdowns.

Additionally, section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 grants authorities sweeping powers to issue internet shutdown orders based on subjective assessments of potential threats to public order. On a systemic level, the structuring of telecommunications infrastructure at the network access level—where operators are required by licensing conditions to maintain connections with and provide data access to intelligence services like the NTMC under strict conditions of secrecy—enables state agencies to monitor, intercept, and restrict internet traffic, bypassing procedural and legal safeguards, contributing to a pervasive lack of transparency and accountability.

Constitutional principles demand that laws affecting individual freedoms be reasonably certain and predictable. Where discretionary powers are conferred upon state actors, they must be exercised within predefined limits and in a manner that is fair, reasonable, predictable, non-capricious, non-discriminatory, and non-arbitrary. It is clear that these principles were not adhered to by the former government or the agencies directing the shutdowns.

Addressing the issue of internet shutdowns and responding to national and international calls for their outright ban requires a significant and time-consuming policy overhaul. However, the entrenched nature of existing practices, coupled with a lack of immediate political will and the need for consultation and consensus-building among stakeholders, makes achieving these reforms challenging in the short term. A poorly conceived framework could result in future governments enforcing shutdowns, either through statutory amendments, or invocation of constitutional allowances, effectively bypassing the ban.

It would be remiss to overlook the complicity of other stakeholders, including civil society, courts, regulatory agencies, and the telecommunication operators Assessing their roles is paramount not only due to the unconstitutional nature of shutdown orders but also to put into perspective the human cost and economic setbacks that resulted from the wilful blindness.

Both the High Court Division and the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh have the authority to assess constitutionality of laws and administrative actions, and, historically, have been proactive in legal reforms through suo motu rulings, extraordinary jurisdictions, guidelines, and seminal decisions. Yet there has been no judicial intervention against a repressive measure like an internet shutdown that repeatedly violated fundamental rights.

Government instrumentalisation of the BTRC, an independent statutory agency, to enforce shutdown orders were often verbally communicated to the operators, with no paper trail, allowing plausible deniability. In absence of explicit authority over shutdown decisions, the BTRC relied on ambiguous statutory provisions and licensing conditions.

Further compounding the issue is the authorities' denial of involvement in internet shutdowns, exposing operators to legal risks under section 67 of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001, which criminalises unlawful obstructions to telecommunication and internet services. Considered thus, operators could have refused compliance and challenged legality of shutdown orders. It triggers the question on why the operators, especially subsidiaries of multinational corporations that are subject to international standards and scrutiny—collectively servicing around 96 percent of the country's mobile connections—maintained over-compliance with unlawful orders for over a decade.

Similarly, civil society organisations could have contested the legality of the restrictions under Article 102 of the constitution for infringing fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression and right to equality and equal protection of law. Despite regular public interest litigations, no constitutional lawsuit has addressed these shutdowns till date.

The interim government has the opportunity to correct the course, and establish a forward-looking and future-proof legal framework to prevent internet shutdowns.

Both in principle and in practice, internet shutdowns should be de facto unlawful and unacceptable. A wholesale internet blackout has historically been used to impose collective punishment, censor speech and information, or suppress legitimate political protests. These measures have disproportionately impacted underrepresented communities, small businesses, and created an information vacuum.

While an outright ban on internet shutdowns would be the ideal solution, the necessary constitutional and legislative reforms makes it unlikely for an outright ban to be effectively implemented in the short term, and risks being overturned by future political regimes.

Considering the constraint of rule-making powers of the interim government, either a presidential ordinance or secondary legislation under the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulation Act, 2001 could provide a viable path forward.

Consistent with the recommendations by the UN Human Rights Council and Bangladesh's Constitution, and in absence of a systemic overhaul, a primary or secondary legislation addressing disabling or throttling of internet connection and online services should consider the following normative standards and procedural safeguards: i) the law should define measures constituting internet shutdowns and specifically prohibit such measures, unless the conditions of the statute are met; ii) the law should explicitly give a specific state agency the power to enforce shutdown, with clear guidelines and standards to prevent misuse of that power; iii) any restrictions must be necessary to achieve the goals listed in Article 39(2) of the constitution; iv) a restriction must be reasonable and the least invasive method possible, and adequately reasoned. Orders should be as narrow as possible in terms of how long they last, the areas they cover, and the services they affect; v) decisions should be well-documented, with clear reasons provided. Those affected, including individuals and operators, should be informed in advance, with an explanation of the legal reasons and details of the shutdown's scope and duration; vi) all information about the decisions should be published according to the Right to Information Act, 2009 and other legal requirements; vii) the actions should be approved in advance by a court or an independent body to prevent political, commercial and other improper influence; vii) there should be timely ways for those affected to challenge the actions in court or through other means, even after the shutdown ends, and hold the state apparatuses accountable.

Considering the extensive use of shutdowns during the recent student protests and probable arguments around necessity to prevent violence, it may be prudent to seek an advisory opinion of the apex court on the legality of shutdown orders. This could provide critical insights into structuring an enactment that ensures a rights-respecting and principled legal framework. Albeit a less preferable option, the writ jurisdiction of the High Court Division could also be invoked to achieve the same outcome.

Given that fundamental rights are the default and restrictions are exceptions, internet shutdowns are, by nature, unlawful. Even in scenarios where shutdowns may be warranted, it should be temporary and targeted, and the measures must meet these stringent legal standards, ensuring adherence to established rights-respecting frameworks.

Shahzeb Mahmood is the Head of Legal and Policy Research at Tech Global Institute.​