Information and Communication Technology-Overview (Bangladesh)

[Shaha Noor]

Information and Communication Technology-Overview (Bangladesh)
Last Published: 10/16/2017
Overview:
Dhaka is emerging as a freelance IT and IT-enabled services outsourcing (ITES) center and the ICT sector in Bangladesh is poised for continued expansion.  According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU, the number of internet users has nearly tripled from 6.5 percent of the population in 2013 to 18.2 percent in 2016 and continues to grow.  While only 2 percent of the population has a fixed-broad band connection, 17.8 percent of the population has a mobile-broad band subscription.  Nonetheless, Bangladesh still ranks 145 out of 175 on the ITU's ICT Index, an annual report that captures the level of ICT development.

According to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), around 1500+ software and IT-related companies have registered in Bangladesh.  The size of the ICT market, excluding telecommunications, is estimated to be worth $600 million and approximately 250,000 professionals are now employed in the sector.  According to BASIS, over 400 IT companies currently export to over 60 countries, with North America being the main destination.  The growth in the ICT sector is expected to create services, including training, and equipment export opportunities for U.S. businesses.
Leading Sub-Sectors
ICT Infrastructure and Equipment, including telecommunications towers and related infrastructure; Data Centers and related equipment and services.
Opportunities
Mobile Applications; Data and Content Development; Online Healthcare and Government Services Solutions; E-commerce Applications and Solutions.

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