Unveiling Bangladesh's digital evolution from Bangabandhu to Sheikh Hasina

Recently I read the book ‘’Digital Revolution in Bangladesh: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina,” written by veteran journalist and researcher Ajit Kumar Sarkar. Within its meticulously crafted narrative, Sarkar illuminates the profound evolution of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and his daughter Sheikh Hasina. This book serves as a reliable testament to the remarkable evolution that occurred in Bangladesh’s journey towards development. Through reading this informative book, one can grasp the vital role leadership plays in shaping Bangladesh into a modern, technology-based smart state. Moreover, Bangabandhu’s development philosophy is also intricately detailed within the pages of this book.

The breadth and depth of Bangabandhu’s visionary development ideas were insightful. He constantly thought about the state structure for development of the nation. The idea of where to take Bangladesh in the next fifty years can be found in his visionary steps. Author Ajit Kumar Sarkar has compiled the arduous journey along the path of digital revolution, championed by none other than the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Within the pages book, Sarkar accurately documents the visionary strides made Bangabandhu’s three and a half years in office, wherein he placed paramount importance on cultivating human ingenuity, driving forward scientific exploration, and propelling the nation towards technological innovation.

Bangabanhdu was a keen observer of the unprecedented progress of science and technology and dreamt of taking Bangladesh to new heights through it. It was at his prodding that Bangladesh adopted a project called the ERTS Programme for mapping natural resources, environment and disaster survey, using information technology. It was under this successful programme that the “Bangladesh Landsat Programme (BLP) was included in its first five-year plan. It was Bangabandhu who set up an earth station at Betbunia, Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) and ordered local manufacture of radio and television. Bangladesh achieved membership in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through the initiative of Bangabandhu.

One of the best initiatives of Bangabandhu was the reform of the education sector. It carried the indelible imprints of his vision. This was the sector that contained the seeds of a modern Bangladesh powered by science and technology. On September 26, 1972, Bangabandhu, in his inspirational speech at the launch of National Education Commission headed by eminent scientist Kudrat-A Khuda, sought expert advice for a long-term outline keeping in view the limited resources of Bangladesh (National Education Commission Report of May, 1974).

In his optimistic address at the United Nations on September 25, 1974, he expressed that in this era of remarkable advancements in science and technology, humanity will be benefitted immensely. The fruits of this success extend globally, with people from every corner of the world sharing in this collective triumph. Few statesmen of that era could articulate the progress of human welfare resulting science and technology as eloquently.

Today Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is championing this cause. Transitioning from the vision of Digital Bangladesh, we are now embarking on the journey to build a Smart Bangladesh. Since 2009, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been at the forefront of guiding the nation on transformative journey towards building a modern and inclusive society. Over the past decade and a half, she has she has made a significant stride in expanding ICT infrastructure, extending its reach to the remote villages. This concerted effort has laid the foundation for the burgeoning digital economy, offering immense opportunities for growth and development. The establishment of a robust IT infrastructure has been prioritized, leading to creation of various single-window service platforms and the digitization of over 2000 essential services. These initiatives have been revolutionized public service, granting citizens easy access to plethora of services, including utility bill payment, land record mutation, porcha delivery. The central bank led the development of a comprehensive cashless transaction system, encompassing elements such as national payment switch, electronic fund transfer, real time gross settlement, inter-operable exchange systems. As a result, the citizens at the grassroots level are now reaping the benefits of these modern financial services, empowering them to participate more in the digital economy.

In such a context, the Prime Minister has unveiled the ambitious Smart Bangladesh vision, delineating a path towards a sustainable, intelligent, innovative, and developed Smart Sonar Bangla by 2041. She mentioned that Smart Bangladesh would be built based on the four pillars: Smart Citizen, Smart Economy, Smart Government and Smart Society. The government has already formulated several policies and laws, and some are in the process of formulation to meet the overarching objectives. A meticulously crafted and forward-thinking `Smart Bangladesh 2041 Master Plan’ is underway.

Many of these changes are shrouded in obscurity and remain unfamiliar to the general populace, who often lack insight into the underlying narratives. The book `Digital Revolution in Bangladesh: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib to Sheikh Hasina’ delves into these untold stories, shedding light on the evolution of Bangladesh’s digital landscape. The author adeptly sets the stage by exploring contextual framework surrounding the concept of Digital Bangladesh, offering valuable insights into its inception and development.

 Author Ajit Kumar Sarkar has also excellently discussed and reviewed the series of digital transformation in Bangladesh within the book. According to the table of contents, in the first chapter `Digital Revolution and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib’s Technology Thoughts and Initiatives’, is followed by the second chapter which delves into `Digital Bangladesh and the Fourth Industrial Revolution’. Subsequently, chapters cover a wide array of topics, including ‘Smart Bangladesh,’ in the third chapter, `Prosperity Through Connectivity’ in the fourth chapter, `Progress of Digital Economy’ in the fifth chapter, `Human Resources Development’ in the sixth chapter, `Digital Government to Smart Government’ in the seventh chapter, `Cyber Security’ in the eighth chapter, `Bangla in 4IR era’ in the ninth chapter, and `Digital Bangladesh and 4IR-friendly Laws’ in the tenth chapter.

Thanks journalist, writer and researcher Ajit Kumar Sarkar for painstakingly capturing the tones of this transformative journey from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh. His book serves as an enlightening narrative that can be devoured in a single sitting, offering a wealth of authentic information and modern insights.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Dr A A M S Arefin Siddique, fittingly invokes a line from Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry, ‘akashtoley uthlo fute alor shotodol (Hundreds of lights rise up in the sky), in the preface, encapsulating the essence of the book’s illuminating content.

Hopefully, how much Smart Bangladesh is being transformed, how much effective common people can be partners of this Bangladesh- the writer will also bring up the discussion in the next edition of this book. Published by Tathyaseba Barta Sangstha (TSB) and expertly edited by Professor Dr Fakrul Alam and journalist Pallab Bhattacharya with an evocative cover design by Marzia Masnuvar, the book is available at a price is BDT 700.

Dr. Atiur Rahman is emeritus Professor of Dhaka University and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank