Bangladesh’s software-driven future

The ICT Roadmap 2030 has opened the door to revolutionizing Bangladesh's technology sector and economy. It envisions a future where technology becomes the ultimate enabler of growth, good governance, and sustainable prosperity. This roadmap has the potential to position Bangladesh as a regional and global digital powerhouse. 

 

Software engineering: The fuel of digital transformation

There is an increasing demand for software developers worldwide, with an anticipated growth of 20-30% by 2030. Sectors like healthcare, education, logistics, finance, and manufacturing are increasingly relying on software for greater productivity and efficiency.

With Bangladesh’s ICT Roadmap 2030 emphasizing the development of a strong ICT infrastructure and the integration of software across all sectors, this is an era of rapid technological change.

Industries are being transformed by technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain, and cloud computing. This aligns with the roadmap's objectives, focusing on equipping the workforce with cutting-edge technologies, fostering innovation, and building a robust knowledge economy.

 

 

Key areas of focus

1. Job growth and specialized roles

With the growing dependence on software, Bangladesh’s ICT sector is expected to create millions of jobs in the coming decades. Specialized roles that will be in high demand include: AI and machine learning engineers, cybersecurity specialists, blockchain developers, IoT engineers, game developers and AR/VR engineers.

Reskilling the workforce is a key pillar of the ICT Roadmap 2030, enabling Bangladeshi engineers to compete globally and contribute to the digital economy.

 

 

2. Cybersecurity: National security and beyond

As Bangladesh moves towards greater digitalization, cybersecurity becomes crucial for protecting sensitive information and critical infrastructure. Recognized as a pillar of national security within the ICT Roadmap 2030, cybersecurity is being integrated into educational curricula, with institutions offering specialized courses to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity is not only vital for national security but also for maintaining trust in digital systems -- essential for e-governance, digital payments, and smart city initiatives outlined in the roadmap.

 

 

3. Innovation through entrepreneurship and freelancing

Bangladesh is emerging as a global hub for freelancers, with platforms like Upwork and Toptal enabling software engineers to work on international projects. The ICT Roadmap 2030 encourages entrepreneurship in technology, particularly in areas like AI, fintech, and health tech.

 

By supporting tech startups and providing access to resources, the roadmap empowers innovators to develop solutions for both local and global challenges. Software engineers will be at the forefront of this innovation, solving real-world problems through advanced applications.

 

 

4. Building skills for the future

Achieving the ambitious goals of the ICT Roadmap 2030 requires creating an industry-ready workforce. Key areas of focus include:

- Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Kotlin, and Rust which will dominate the future job market.

- Frameworks and tools like TensorFlow (AI), React (web development), Kubernetes (cloud), and Hadoop (big data) which will be critical for software development.

- Emerging technologies like quantum computing, 5G, and green software engineering that will provide a competitive edge.

Continuous learning and upskilling will be essential. Certifications in areas like DevOps, cloud computing, and AI will become standard requirements for staying competitive in the global job market.

 

As Bangladesh moves towards greater digitalization, cybersecurity becomes crucial for protecting sensitive information and critical infrastructure

 

 

Challenges and opportunities

Skill gaps and automation: The rapid pace of technological change may outpace the ability of many professionals to upskill, creating significant skill gaps. Additionally, the rise of automation could reduce the demand for routine coding jobs, increasing competition for more specialized roles. To address this, the roadmap focuses on training programs and promoting innovation through strong partnerships between academia and industry.

Economic and global integration: While global economic fluctuations may affect job markets, Bangladesh’s potential to become a key outsourcing destination could mitigate such risks. As a trusted provider of software services, Bangladesh will have the opportunity to strengthen its presence in global markets, driving economic growth.

 

 

A vision for ICT Roadmap 2030

The ICT Roadmap 2030 is not just a policy framework; it’s a blueprint for Bangladesh’s digital transformation. The strategic use of ICT will create new possibilities, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life. This vision is built on four key pillars:

1. Smart cities: Using software to enhance urban efficiency and sustainability.

2. E-governance: Digitizing public services for greater transparency and accessibility.

3. Digital inclusion: Ensuring access to technology for all, bridging the digital divide.

4. Sustainability: Promoting green technologies and environmentally-friendly software development.

At the heart of these initiatives lies software engineering, driving the innovation needed to achieve the roadmap’s goals.

The ICT Roadmap 2030 is more than a strategy for technological advancement; it’s a vision for Bangladesh’s transformation into a global digital leader. By investing in skills development, innovation, and emerging technologies, Bangladesh can position itself at the forefront of the digital era.

As the roadmap unfolds, adaptability and innovation will be key to success. With a focused approach and collaborative efforts, Bangladesh can achieve its ambitious targets, create a thriving tech ecosystem, and secure a prosperous digital future for generations to come.

 

Fayazunnesa Chowdhury, Teacher, Department of SWE, Daffodil International University, and PhD Research Fellow, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh