Made in Bangladesh – ICT Industry Strategy 2022

The ‘Made in Bangladesh – ICT Industry Strategy 2022’ is a comprehensive policy framework developed by the Government of Bangladesh to transform the nation into a competitive producer and global supplier of information and communication technology (ICT) products and services. Initiated by the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, this strategy aligns with national aspirations articulated in Vision 2041, the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2030, and ongoing efforts to establish Bangladesh as a knowledge-based digital economy.

This strategy serves not only to boost the production and export of ICT goods but also to cultivate a vibrant innovation ecosystem. It emphasises strengthening local manufacturing, nurturing research and development, improving policy support, and establishing a recognisable global brand under the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ identity. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of job creation, capacity development, and international collaboration to make the ICT sector a cornerstone of economic growth.

The strategy identifies four key thematic areas, each accompanied by measurable goals and multi-phase implementation timelines extending from 2022 to 2031.

Strategic focus area 1: Development of local production capacity in government and private sectors

This policy component focuses on increasing the self-reliance of Bangladesh in producing ICT goods, both for domestic consumption and for global markets. The strategy recognises the importance of building a robust supply chain, upgrading skills, ensuring international certification standards, and expanding physical infrastructure to support growth in this sector.

The government aims to strengthen collaboration among industry, academia, and regulatory bodies to provide the foundational support needed for scaling up ICT manufacturing. Specific initiatives include setting up testing labs, facilitating technology transfer through diaspora engagement, and improving port logistics for efficient export processing.

Goals:

• Enhance the global competitiveness of locally produced ICT products
• Strengthen institutional and human resource capacity
• Increase export readiness through certification and compliance
• Improve infrastructure for production and distribution
• Supply 25 lakh skilled professionals by 2031

Strategic focus area 2: Innovation and branding

This part of the strategy is designed to create an identity for Bangladeshi ICT products by fostering innovation and promoting national and international branding. It encourages domestic consumers and public institutions to adopt local products and builds trust in their quality and reliability.

In parallel, it promotes strategic messaging that highlights Bangladesh’s capacity for producing advanced ICT solutions. To support this, branding roadmaps, storytelling campaigns, and participation in international expos are introduced, all of which aim to present a unified national image under the “Made in Bangladesh” label.

Goals:

• Position Bangladesh as a global brand for ICT manufacturing and innovation
• Increase public and institutional confidence in local ICT products
• Promote domestic ICT success stories on global platforms
• Ensure consistent and coordinated branding across ministries and stakeholders

Strategic focus area 3: Research and innovation

This policy section promotes a long-term vision for Bangladesh’s transformation into a global center of innovation. It acknowledges the necessity of strong investment in research, not only for developing new technologies but also for commercialising intellectual property.

The government envisions collaborative partnerships between universities, private industry, and international research institutions. Areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, quantum technologies, and augmented reality are marked for priority research. The strategy also calls for the establishment of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) centers and support systems for tech entrepreneurs and startups.

Goals:

• Stimulate a culture of innovation across academia and industry
• Facilitate applied research in frontier technologies
• Support legal and financial mechanisms for patenting and commercializing innovations
• Promote international R&D partnerships
• Establish sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems and supply chains

Strategic focus area 4: Policy and regulatory support

The final pillar of the strategy ensures that the enabling environment for ICT sector growth is responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking. It addresses fiscal, legal, and institutional barriers that hinder local production and export.

This area focuses on policy harmonisation, removing tariffs on critical hardware imports, providing financial incentives to exporters, and streamlining bureaucratic procedures. A “one-stop service” model is introduced to support both domestic and foreign investors, especially startups. Moreover, digital banking and e-commerce facilitation are prioritised to enhance cross-border trade in ICT goods and services.

Goals:

• Create a favourable policy environment for ICT sector growth
• Remove financial and regulatory bottlenecks for local producers and exporters
• Simplify access to loans and foreign currency for tech companies
• Establish institutional frameworks for coordination among ministries and private stakeholders
• Encourage participation in public mega-projects by domestic ICT firms