The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) has outlined an ambitious plan to train 6 to 8 million skilled ICT professionals, with the goal of contributing 5% to the nation’s GDP from the ICT sector by 2030.
This announcement was made at the seminar titled “Bangladesh: The Emerging ICT Powerhouse”, held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal.
In his welcome speech, BASIS Administrator Dr. Muhammed Mehedi Hassan highlighted the organization’s remarkable growth since its inception in 1998, from just 18 members to a national trade body representing over 2,650 companies. “We have created millions of jobs and developed world-class local products and services. In FY 2023-24, Bangladesh exported ICT services worth USD 840 million to 137 countries. Now, it’s time for all stakeholders to unite for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development,” he stated.
BASIS Standing Committee Chairman Rafel Kabir delivered the keynote address, underscoring the critical need for skilled manpower to unlock the full potential of Bangladesh’s ICT sector. He noted that BASIS is playing a central role in this endeavor, with the seminar serving as a platform to explore new opportunities for progress.
Moderated by BASIS Associate Committee Member Fidaul Haq, the seminar also featured insights from Raisul Kabir and Syed Mosharraf Ali, who shared their companies’ ICT success stories. Additionally, Martin Labbe, Tech Sector Development Coordinator at ITC, reflected on Bangladesh’s ICT achievements through a video message, recalling his visit to BASIS in 2010.
Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, speaking at the event, reaffirmed the plan to train 6-8 million skilled ICT professionals by 2030. “With a strong data governance framework and a positive national image, we aim to make the ICT sector a 5% contributor to GDP,” he said. He also emphasized upcoming initiatives, including the implementation of the Bangladesh National Data Architecture (BNDA) design, development of an ICT master plan, and the enhancement of high-tech parks.
EPB Director General Baby Rani Karmakar highlighted the role of young innovators in shaping a prosperous, tech-driven Bangladesh. “Technology has already shown its power at this year’s Dhaka International Trade Fair, improving visitor entry times,” she remarked. The seminar, organized jointly by BASIS and EPB, is part of the DITF 2025.
In her closing remarks, Fouzia Nigar Sultana, Member (Finance) of the BASIS Associate Committee, expressed gratitude to the participants and stressed the importance of strengthening international partnerships to establish Bangladesh as a leader in high-quality, affordable digital solutions.
The seminar also showcased transformative ICT projects such as e-tax filing systems, land registration processes, and health tech services, which have been executed by BASIS members.
The event was attended by notable guests, including Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, Policy Adviser (ICT Coordination & Reform) of the ICT Division; Ichiguchi Tomohide, Chief Representative of JICA Bangladesh; and Baby Rani Karmakar, Director General of EPB, along with other distinguished guests from various organizations.
