Bangladesh ICT Policy

1.0 Preamble

1.1 Information Communication Technology (ICT) encompasses the broad fields of data/information processing and communications by means of computer and telecommunication techniques and tools are being increasingly used for organisational/personal information processing in all sectors of economy and society. This document presents the policy guidelines for the development of the ICT sector in Bangladesh.

1.2 A dependable information system is essential for efficient management and operation of the public and private sectors. But there is a shortage of locally generated information needed for efficient performance of the sectors. In order to meet this objective, ICT use in every sector shall have to be accelerated in terms of information generation, utilisation and applications. Considering the gravity and importance of ICT Hon'ble Prime Minister has already declared ICT as the thrust sector.

1.3 Over the last few years, many nations have taken advantage of the opportunities afforded by ICT within a policy framework, laid down guidelines and proceeded with the formulation of a national ICT strategy as a part of the overall national development plan. Bangladesh intends to use ICT as the key-driving element for socio-economic.

2.0 Vision and Objectives

2.1 Vision

This Policy aims at building an ICT-driven nation comprising of knowledge-based society by the year 2006. In view of this, a country-wide ICT-infrastructure will be developed to ensure access to information by every citizen to facilitate empowerment of people and enhance democratic values and norms for sustainable economic development by using the infrastructure for human resources development, governance, e-commerce, banking public utility services and all sorts of on-line ICT - enabled services.

2.2 Objectives

2.2.1 Promote and facilitate use of ICT in all sectors of the economy for transparency, good governance and efficiency improvement.

2.2.2 Develop a large pool of world class ICT professionals to meet the needs of local and global markets.

2.2.3 Promote use of ICT by providing special allocations for ICT project implementation in the public sector. Train the decision makers in ICT use and promote a ICT culture;

2.2.4 Provide effective incentives for development of ICT sector to both local and foreign entrepreneurs;

2.2.5 Develop an efficient ICT infrastructure that provides open access to international and national networks;

2.2.6 Establish legislative and regulatory framework for ICT issues like IPR, data security and protection, digital signature, e-Commerce, ICT education etc. as well as to ensure quality ICT education provided by different private organisations.

2.2.7 Set up national databases that are reliable and easily accessible to all the people of the country;

2.2.8 Set up an ICT organisation at the highest level to continuously promote and foster ICT Industry;

2.2.9 Enact Laws and Regulations for uninterrupted growth of ICT, in conformity with World Trade Organisation (WTO) stipulations....

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