Ict Bangladesh

8/8/2019 Ict Bangladesh

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/ict-bangladesh 1/18

An Overview of ICT Sector in Bangladesh An Overview of ICT Sector in Bangladesh

Presentation

by

Sayeed RahmanGovernor¶s Office for Technology, KY

at

FOBANA 2003 Convention

Washington DC - August 30th, 2003http://www.banglait.org



Outline of PresentationOutline of Presentation

The need for ICT in BangladeshThe need for ICT in Bangladesh

Background development of ICT in BangladeshBackground development of ICT in Bangladesh

Present position of ICT in BangladeshPresent position of ICT in Bangladesh

Some Recent DevelopmentsSome Recent Developments

Concerns and RecommendationConcerns and Recommendation

What should be done?What should be done?



BackgroundBackground Computer use started back in 1964 by Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka andComputer use started back in 1964 by Atomic Energy Center, Dhaka and

Universities,Universities, first main frame computer came to Bangladesh in 1964first main frame computer came to Bangladesh in 1964

The Internet came late in Bangladesh, with UUCP eThe Internet came late in Bangladesh, with UUCP e--mail beginning in 1993 andmail beginning in 1993 andIP connectivity in 1996 . By July 1997 there were an estimated 5,500 IP andIP connectivity in 1996 . By July 1997 there were an estimated 5,500 IP andUUCP accountsUUCP accounts

Source:Source: http://www.c2o.org/reports/Report_PAN_Asia_Networking.pdf http://www.c2o.org/reports/Report_PAN_Asia_Networking.pdf

In June, 1996 the government decided to allow private companies to act asIn June, 1996 the government decided to allow private companies to act asInternet Services Providers (ISPs) using VSATs.Internet Services Providers (ISPs) using VSATs.

In June 1997, the Government of Bangladesh appointed a Committee to lookIn June 1997, the Government of Bangladesh appointed a Committee to lookinto the problems and prospects of export of software from Bangladesh. Theinto the problems and prospects of export of software from Bangladesh. TheCommittee submitted its report in September, 1997.Committee submitted its report in September, 1997.

http://www.sdnbd.org/sdi/issues/IThttp://www.sdnbd.org/sdi/issues/IT--computer/expartsoftcomputer/expartsoft--report.htmreport.htm

The government has taken a decision on June, 1998 to withdraw allThe government has taken a decision on June, 1998 to withdraw allimport duties and VAT from all computer hardware and software. This hasimport duties and VAT from all computer hardware and software. This hasbrought the prices of computers down to a level affordable by middle incomebrought the prices of computers down to a level affordable by middle incomehouseholdshouseholds



Telecom Infrastructure in BangladeshTelecom Infrastructure in Bangladesh 750,000 fixed lines Operated by BTTB750,000 fixed lines Operated by BTTB-- (Government monopoly)(Government monopoly)

Next five yrs demand for fixed lines will be 3.5 millionNext five yrs demand for fixed lines will be 3.5 million and expertsand expertsthink BTTB will be unable to deliver.think BTTB will be unable to deliver.

1.5 million Mobile Phones1.5 million Mobile Phones-- Operated by Four CompanyOperated by Four Company

Bangladesh is a market now for 13 million Mobile PhonesBangladesh is a market now for 13 million Mobile Phones

GrameenGrameen-- Current subscriber base of GP is 1 million while it hasCurrent subscriber base of GP is 1 million while it has

coverage in 52 districts including all six divisional headquarters.coverage in 52 districts including all six divisional headquarters.

GrameenPhone connections would stand at 2 million by 2004GrameenPhone connections would stand at 2 million by 2004

Aktel Aktel-- 220,000 subscriber 220,000 subscriber

CityCellCityCell-- 215,000 Subscriber covers 46 districts215,000 Subscriber covers 46 districts

ShebaSheba-- 65,000 subscriber 65,000 subscriber 32,000 Village phones are in operation in 52 districts, 50,000 32,000 Village phones are in operation in 52 districts, 50,000

Bangladeshi women making living as Grameen phone ladies.Bangladeshi women making living as Grameen phone ladies.

Source: Grameen, BBC News, BD MediaSource: Grameen, BBC News, BD Media



The Digital DivideThe Digital Divide

More than 600 Million people worldwide have someMore than 600 Million people worldwide have somesort of access to the Internet. That is an astonishingsort of access to the Internet. That is an astonishingnumber, and reflect the rapid growth of the networknumber, and reflect the rapid growth of the networksince it was invented in 1970s.since it was invented in 1970s.

While over half of UK households are online, onlyWhile over half of UK households are online, only

0.1% of homes in Bangladesh (Source: BBC0.1% of homes in Bangladesh (Source: BBCNews)News)

Present Position in BangladeshPresent Position in Bangladesh

RegisteredRegistered DialDial--Up user accounts 250,000Up user accounts 250,000

BroadbandBroadband(Radio, Cable, xDSL)(Radio, Cable, xDSL) accounts 15,000accounts 15,000

Cyber Café UsersCyber Café Users 25,00025,000

BTTBBTTB ± ± is now offering its service in allis now offering its service in all 64 districts64 districtsSource: http://www.bttb.netSource: http://www.bttb.net



Total Number of Internet Service Provider Total Number of Internet Service Provider

Prior to the formation of BTR CPrior to the formation of BTR C(Bangladesh Telephone(Bangladesh Telephone

R egulatory Commission)R egulatory Commission)Total Number of ISP¶sTotal Number of ISP¶s 130130

Operational aroundOperational around 6262

Highest Bandwidth available nowHighest Bandwidth available now 4 mbps4 mbps Source:Source:http://www.ispabd.orghttp://www.ispabd.org

Internet User about : 2,0Internet User about : 2,00000000000

Internet AccessInternet Access Charge went down to .20 paisa/min (2 amCharge went down to .20 paisa/min (2 am ± ±

8am)8am) Tk 3000 for Unlimited AccessTk 3000 for Unlimited Access

BroadbandBroadband--64kbs Tk 10,000/month, 128kbs Tk 64kbs Tk 10,000/month, 128kbs Tk

22,000/month22,000/month

512 Kbps Tk 96,000/month Source: Grameen Cybernet512 Kbps Tk 96,000/month Source: Grameen Cybernet



R ecent DevelopmentsR ecent Developments Grameen Phone launch Wireless Application Protocol (Grameen Phone launch Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)WAP)

service on July1st, 2001 and Short Message Service. Anyone canservice on July1st, 2001 and Short Message Service. Anyone cansend short message to Grameen Phone via web. Trysend short message to Grameen Phone via web. Tryhttp://www.icq.com/http://www.icq.com/

Ministry of Science and Technology has been renamed on AprilMinistry of Science and Technology has been renamed on April2002 as ³Ministry of Science and Information and Communication2002 as ³Ministry of Science and Information and CommunicationTechnology ³Technology ³

BTRCBTRC (Bangladesh Telephone Regulatory Commission) was set up(Bangladesh Telephone Regulatory Commission) was set upin Jan, 2002in Jan, 2002

VoIPVoIP ( Voice Over Internet Protocol) has been legalized on( Voice Over Internet Protocol) has been legalized onNovNov 10,10, 2003, Government suppose to break the Monopoly on2003, Government suppose to break the Monopoly onFixed Lines (BTTB) by June 2003 but it¶s unlikely to see FixedFixed Lines (BTTB) by June 2003 but it¶s unlikely to see FixedLines phones by 2004Lines phones by 2004

Equity and Entrepreneurship FundEquity and Entrepreneurship Fund is being introducedis being introduced

http://www.bangladeshhttp://www.bangladesh--bank.org/about/dept/eefu/eefu.htmlbank.org/about/dept/eefu/eefu.html



Global Information Super highwayGlobal Information Super highway

Submarine Cable connection to GlobalSubmarine Cable connection to Global

Information Super highway(SEAInformation Super highway(SEA--MEME--WEWE--4) will4) will

be ready for service in 2004. It will be built using be ready for service in 2004. It will be built using

DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex)DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex)technology with 1.28 terabits per second speedtechnology with 1.28 terabits per second speed



Bangladesh¶s StrengthsBangladesh¶s Strengths A substantial number of educated unemployed youth force, with A substantial number of educated unemployed youth force, with

ability to read and write Englishability to read and write English About 2500 Bangladeshi NRB(Non Resident Bangladeshi) IT About 2500 Bangladeshi NRB(Non Resident Bangladeshi) IT

professionals employed in North Americaprofessionals employed in North America

Total number of ICT related graduate every year now BangladeshTotal number of ICT related graduate every year now Bangladeshproducing about 5000 from 21 Public and 51 Private Universitiesproducing about 5000 from 21 Public and 51 Private Universities

A large number of Bangladeshi students are studying overseas in A large number of Bangladeshi students are studying overseas inComputer related subjects, specially in IndiaComputer related subjects, specially in India

Bangladesh offers a very attractive costBangladesh offers a very attractive cost--effective wage level for effective wage level for Programmers about half of IndiaProgrammers about half of India

VisitVisit http://www.banglait.orghttp://www.banglait.org for more infofor more info



EE--GovernmentGovernment

http://www.bangladeshgov.orghttp://www.bangladeshgov.orghttp://www.mosict.gov.bdhttp://www.mosict.gov.bd

These two web sites will give you the answer , whereThese two web sites will give you the answer , where

we are and what need to be donewe are and what need to be done Most of the web sites contains obsolete informationMost of the web sites contains obsolete information

even the Universities don¶t have any web sites.even the Universities don¶t have any web sites.

No interactivity; emails are not repliedNo interactivity; emails are not replied

Recently by newspaper report shows thatRecently by newspaper report shows thatBangladesh Police to adopt EBangladesh Police to adopt E--Government to fightGovernment to fightcrimecrime



EE-- CommerceCommerce

CSE (CSE (C

hittagong Stock ExchangeC

hittagong Stock Exchange) offers OnlineT

rading) offers OnlineT

radingof Stocksof Stocks

Few Private Banks are offering online BankingFew Private Banks are offering online Banking

http://www.webbangladesh.com/http://www.webbangladesh.com/

http://www.homeviewbangladesh.com offers variety of http://www.homeviewbangladesh.com offers variety of

consumer itemsconsumer items

Visit http://www.banglait.orgVisit http://www.banglait.org



Concerns and R ecommendationConcerns and R ecommendation

More commitment to define and separate th

e roles of publicMore commitment to define and separate th

e roles of publicsector and private sector in IT development; and give duesector and private sector in IT development; and give due

recognition and importance to the privaterecognition and importance to the private--sector role with sector role with

the aim of making it stronger.the aim of making it stronger.

PrivatePrivate--sector representation be allowed in the Bangladesh sector representation be allowed in the Bangladesh

Telecommunications R egulatory Commission.Telecommunications R egulatory Commission. This wasThis was

part of the original plan and intent in formulating the part of the original plan and intent in formulating the

Commission, but somehow was over looked.Commission, but somehow was over looked. Currently, Currently,

there are the 9 Commissioners comprising of the BTR Cthere are the 9 Commissioners comprising of the BTR C

wh

o are all retired BTT

B and Government officials.wh

o are all retired BTT

B and Government officials.

Visit http://www.banglait.orgVisit http://www.banglait.org



Concerns and R ecommendationConcerns and R ecommendation BASIS and MOSICT should encourage Bangladeshi SoftwareBASIS and MOSICT should encourage Bangladeshi Software

companies to get certified for CMM(Capability Maturity Model)companies to get certified for CMM(Capability Maturity Model)from Software Engineering Institutefrom Software Engineering Institutehttp://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmm/http://www.sei.cmu.edu/cmm/

http://www.sei.cmu.edu/http://www.sei.cmu.edu/ instead of ISO 9001instead of ISO 9001

BTTB need to be privatized ASAPBTTB need to be privatized ASAP

Stop BTTB to market Cellular Phones!Stop BTTB to market Cellular Phones!

Open a cell on EPB for monitoring the ICT related exports likeOpen a cell on EPB for monitoring the ICT related exports likePakistan Software Export Board http://www.pseb.org.pk/ whichPakistan Software Export Board http://www.pseb.org.pk/ whichwill keep track of IT and ITES export for Bangladeshwill keep track of IT and ITES export for Bangladesh

Be open when it comes to vital data about Bangladesh ITBe open when it comes to vital data about Bangladesh ITexport, our so called ICT policy makers should give real dataexport, our so called ICT policy makers should give real datainstead of imaginaryinstead of imaginary




BASIS should target a realistic number for IT & ITES export byBASIS should target a realistic number for IT & ITES export by2006 instead of imaginary $2 Billion, when our last fiscal year IT &2006 instead of imaginary $2 Billion, when our last fiscal year IT &ITES export was only paltry $3.2 million (2002ITES export was only paltry $3.2 million (2002--03), India's booming03), India's boomingsoftware export sector has a share of around $10 billion last fiscalsoftware export sector has a share of around $10 billion last fiscal(2002(2002--2003) year and Pakistan has only $60 million.2003) year and Pakistan has only $60 million.

PromotePromote ee--governancegovernance--Ease of governance with less scope for Ease of governance with less scope for corruptioncorruption

As the formation of BASIS was according to Dr. JRC Committee As the formation of BASIS was according to Dr. JRC CommitteeReport to folllow the example of NASSCOMReport to folllow the example of NASSCOMhttp://www.nasscom.orghttp://www.nasscom.org "Encourage firms involved in software"Encourage firms involved in softwaredevelopment and data processing services to form an associationdevelopment and data processing services to form an association

in line with e.g. NASSCOM."in line with e.g. NASSCOM."

So far So far Recommendations were given not for the People¶s of Recommendations were given not for the People¶s of Bangladesh only for personal gain!Bangladesh only for personal gain!




We need to reorganize the leadership onWe need to reorganize the leadership onBASIS(BASIS(http://www.basisbd.orghttp://www.basisbd.org),BCC(http://www.bccbd.org)BCS for ),BCC(http://www.bccbd.org)BCS for our real ICT development and enhance the image of our countryour real ICT development and enhance the image of our country

Bangladesh spends only 2.2% of GNP on Education comparedBangladesh spends only 2.2% of GNP on Education comparedwith 3.4% by Sri Lanka, 3.2% by both India and Nepal and 2.7% bywith 3.4% by Sri Lanka, 3.2% by both India and Nepal and 2.7% byPakistan. We need to spend more on Education of our GNP.Pakistan. We need to spend more on Education of our GNP.Source:Source: www.adb.orgwww.adb.org

Make our Polytechnic Institute¶s breeding ground to provideMake our Polytechnic Institute¶s breeding ground to provide Associate Degree in CS or reorganize them as BIT¶s, since all 4 Associate Degree in CS or reorganize them as BIT¶s, since all 4BIT¶s are recently being transformed to Science & TechnologyBIT¶s are recently being transformed to Science & TechnologyUniversities.Universities.

From Statistics per capita investment in education in Korea $170,From Statistics per capita investment in education in Korea $170,in Malaysia $150, in India $14, in Pakistan $10 and in Bangladeshin Malaysia $150, in India $14, in Pakistan $10 and in Bangladeshit¶s only $5it¶s only $5




Invest at least 5% of our yearly defense budget on IT related R&D,Invest at least 5% of our yearly defense budget on IT related R&D,take example from Israel, India, Pakistan, today¶s war is Networktake example from Israel, India, Pakistan, today¶s war is NetworkCentricCentric

Make compulsory IT training for all Government Officials andMake compulsory IT training for all Government Officials anddefense officials.defense officials.

Make compulsory English for all Graduate Level CoursesMake compulsory English for all Graduate Level Courses Promote ITPromote IT--Enabled Services like Medical Transcription, CallEnabled Services like Medical Transcription, Call

Center, Data Entry, which requires only 3Center, Data Entry, which requires only 3--6 months training6 months training

Target to produce ICT related graduates about 25000/yr by 2006,Target to produce ICT related graduates about 25000/yr by 2006,now Bangladesh producing 5000/yr from Public/Privatenow Bangladesh producing 5000/yr from Public/PrivateUniversitiesUniversities

Invite at least one big company like Microsoft, Motorola, IBM toInvite at least one big company like Microsoft, Motorola, IBM toopen a development center in Bangladesh that should be our open a development center in Bangladesh that should be our targettarget




All Government Organization (Ministries/Offices) with whom Citizen All Government Organization (Ministries/Offices) with whom Citizenneed to interact must have websitesneed to interact must have websites

All Private/Public Universities must have websites and their Final All Private/Public Universities must have websites and their FinalYear CS students could developed these web sites as their projectsYear CS students could developed these web sites as their projects

Teachers should be updated with latest technology rather than stickingTeachers should be updated with latest technology rather than stickingwith their old lectureswith their old lectures

Emphasis should be given to open source technology with highestEmphasis should be given to open source technology with highestprioritypriority

We shouldn¶t focus on giving away 10,000We shouldn¶t focus on giving away 10,000-- 25,000 computer¶s to25,000 computer¶s toschools rather we should make 25,000 computer literate teacher for schools rather we should make 25,000 computer literate teacher for schools & collegesschools & colleges

The government also dreams of changing the country through IT,The government also dreams of changing the country through IT,although not farsighted enough to make investment in IT Educationalthough not farsighted enough to make investment in IT Education

Compare to other Engineering & Science education IT educationCompare to other Engineering & Science education IT educationrequires low investment which is good for poor countries like oursrequires low investment which is good for poor countries like ours

Ict Bangladesh

Documents

Transcript of Ict Bangladesh