The National Internet of Things (IoT) Strategy of Bangladesh

The National Internet of Things (IoT) Strategy of Bangladesh, issued in March 2020 by the Information and Communication Technology Division of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, serves as a foundational document aimed at guiding the country’s transformation into a digitally empowered nation. This strategy recognises the revolutionary potential of the IoT, a networked ecosystem where devices embedded with sensors and software communicate and exchange data over the internet.

The policy seeks to position Bangladesh as a competitive player in the global IoT landscape by addressing the infrastructural, regulatory, educational, and industrial dimensions required to foster a sustainable IoT environment. It is crafted with an eye toward national development plans such as Vision 2021 and Vision 2041, as well as global agendas including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy envisions widespread IoT adoption across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, energy, education, transportation, disaster management, and urban planning, aiming not only to improve services and operational efficiency but also to create economic opportunities, foster innovation, and uplift quality of life.

By defining strategic actions, encouraging research and innovation, and establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms, the policy sets forth a path to achieve a robust IoT ecosystem. It outlines short-, mid-, and long-term measures involving both public and private stakeholders, with a special focus on capacity building, startup incubation, infrastructure development, and standardisation.

Goals

• Create a $1 billion IoT industry in Bangladesh by 2023
• Develop 10,000 skilled professionals in IoT for both domestic and global markets by 2023
• Establish a national IoT research and development center by 2023 tailored to local needs
• Open three centers for training, research, development, innovation, and exhibition on IoT by 2025
• Support the creation of 100 IoT-based startups solving local problems using home-grown technologies by 2025
• Create a venture capital fund for IoT and electronics-based startups by 2030
• Foster the development, incubation, and funding of IoT solutions in sectors like agriculture, health, natural disasters, transportation, smart cities, utility monitoring, and more

Focus areas

• engagement and incentives
• research, development, and innovation
• skills enhancement and human resource development
• capacity building, incubation, and financing
• internet of things standardisation
• governance and policy coordination