"We'll make Bangladesh a Developed country by 2041, and that Bangladesh will 6e a Smart Bangladesh"
Her Excellency, Honorable Prime Minister shared her long-term vision at the inauguration of Digital Bangladesh Day 2022. This Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision aims to transform the nation into an advanced, knowledge-based society. The comprehensive plan focuses on fostering innovation, promoting economic growth, and enhancing social well-being. As we navigate the various dimensions of this visionary proposal, we’ll contemplate how collec- tive endeavors can make it come alive.
Smart Bangladesh is built on four key pillars: Smart Citizen, Smart Government, Smart Society, and Smart Econo- my. These interconnected pillars help shape a well-rounded society that embraces technology, nurtures partner- ships, and facilitates growth. As a technologically focused organization, we acknowledge the importance of our involvement in fostering these pillars to bring this ambitious vision to life.
As hinted in the master plan, The Smart Economy is a circular economy powered by modernization, ecosystem development, and technological advancement. It comprises several key areas:
1.Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
2.Propelling the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry
3.Nurturing startups
4.Cultivating smart commerce
5.Building a resilient technology and infrastructure backbone
The Fourth Industrial Revo/ution {4/RQ is transforming the way we live and work by utilizing modern technology to drive innovation and solve problems. By integrating artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and data analyt- ics, businesses can unlock new opportunities and create value for customers. Governments, research institutes, and businesses worldwide are working together to foster collaboration and support the adoption of advanced technologies. For example, Singapore has established the Smart Nation Initiative, which offers tax incentives and financial benefits to businesses investing in 4IR technologies. This fosters an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and accelerates the commercialization of advanced technologies.
To ensure that Bangladesh remains competitive in the global market, it is essential to invest in education and training programs that prepare the workforce for the jobs of the future. This includes not only technical skills but also soft skills such as creativity, adaptability, and critical thinking, which are essential for thriving in the 4IR era.
The collaboration between the ICT and telecommunications industries in Bangladesh has led to remarkable successes in Smart Commerce like mobile payment solutions. To build on these achievements, both industries need to continue cocreating together, leveraging their strengths and expertise to generate tailored solutions that can help build a smarter, more efficient, and globally competitive ecosystem. And a vibrant Startup Ecosystem is essential for driving innovation and contributing to the nation’s progress. Telco service providers play a crucial role in this process, providing startups with the necessary infrastructure, connectivity, and digital platforms to thrive. By actively supporting startups through initiatives such as incubation programs, funding, and mentorship, these service providers can help foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
developing a strong foundation in technology and infrastructure is essential for creating a thriving economy that encompasses all key areas of the Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision. This involves focusing on several critical components:
Progressive policies that encourage innovation and foster the adoption of cutting-edge technologies through strategic planning are crucial in establishing a competitive and thriving economy. Governments should prioritize policies that support sustainable economic development while also considering the need for long-term success.
Investing in advanced network infrastructure, such as 5G and fiber optics, is crucial for providing high-speed connectivity and enabling seamless communication. This will not only improve the quality of life for citizens but also create an environment that fosters innovation and attracts foreign investment.
Establishing strong cy6ersecurity policies and practices is vital for ensuring a secure and resilient technology landscape. This includes promoting public-private partnerships, developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce, and implementing cutting-edge security solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive information.
Nurturing partnerships among government, industry, academia, and other stakeholders can drive industry growth and accelerate technology adoption. By working together, stakeholders can pool resources, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address common challenges and seize opportunities.
Sustainability, when thoroughly integrated into our approach, will be the key determinant in securing lasting success and resilience for the future. By incorporating sustainability into government policies and business practic- es, we can foster resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship. In doing so, we contribute to a greener, more resilient economy that benefits all citizens and ensures a sustainable future.
Grameenphone’s inclusiveness to Smart Bangladesh
At Grameenphone, we are passionate about contributing to the development of a Smart Economy in Bangladesh. As the country’s leading mobile network provider, we are committed to providing reliable and customer-centric services. Our dedication to embracing technological advancements can be seen in our focus on network analytics, increased fiberization, continuous 4G expansion and ongoing 5G trials.
We are expanding our presence in the IoT space by combining it with cloud-based solutions, thus offering innova- tive services that cater to diverse needs. By implementing strong cybersecurity frameworks, we are ensuring the safety and security of our customers’ data and communications. Our ownership of the largest super app in the country, MyGP, showcases our adaptability to the digital landscape and our commitment to promoting a digital lifestyle. We also believe in the power of partnerships and collaborations between telecom and ICT providers to generate significant benefits for the ecosystem, promoting sustainable development.
Moreover, as part of our commitment to responsible social contributions, we are actively engaged in various initiatives that focus on the holistic development of Bangladesh’s youth. Our GP-Accelerator program nurtures entrepreneurial talent, providing startups with the necessary resources, mentorship, and support to turn their innovative ideas into reality.
Our involvement in the unique public private and development sector alliance, Future Nation, and Grameenphone Academy aims to create economic opportunities for all by offering skill development programs targeting the nation’s youth. By addressing their needs within Smart Bangladesh, we invest in the nation’s future and cultivate a generation poised for success in Smart Industries, giving them economic independence and enabling them to become key drivers of economic progress. Our dedication to these programs underscores our vision for a prosper- ous, inclusive, and sustainable Bangladesh, where Grameenphone plays an integrating role in building a custom- er-centric and digitally advanced ecosystem.
In conclusion, building a Smart Economy requires long-term commitment and collaboration from all stakeholders. It‘s a gradual journey that involves planning, investment, and adaptation to new technologies. We must work togeth- er — government, industry, academia, and citizens — to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and drives economic growth. By joining hands and taking the necessary steps towards a Smart Economy, we can ensure a better quality of life for all citizens and contribute to the realization of Smart Bangladesh 2041. It’s time to embrace the future together and unlock the full potential of our nation in this digital age.
Ref'erences:
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangIadesh/news/digital-bangIadesh-sman-bangIadesh-2041-pm-3194116
https://a2i.gov.bd/smart-bangIadesh-2041/
