Dhaka: Speakers at a seminar emphasized that integrated planning and effective implementation are vital for the development of the ICT sector in the country. The seminar, titled "Reform for ICT Industry Growth," was organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at its office, highlighting several challenges hindering the sector's growth. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the speakers pointed out issues such as insufficient infrastructure, lack of necessary policy support, complex credit support systems, limited access to finance, shortage of skilled manpower, and the absence of a supportive duty and tax structure. These challenges have prevented the full potential of the information technology sector from being realized. Lutfey Siddiqi, Special Envoy on International Affairs to the Chief Adviser, addressed the seminar as the chief guest. He remarked that the current government is operating in a changed environment, emphasizing the importance of implementing existing policies to faci litate business activities and citizen services. Siddiqi highlighted the government's efforts to address inconsistencies in central bank reserves and export statistics, noting the formation of reform commissions to gather proposals from citizens and private sector representatives. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), who served as a special guest, expressed that the IT sector has the potential to become the next major industry after ready-made garments in Bangladesh. He stressed the opportunities for expanding domestic and foreign investment, as well as employment generation for the youth through the IT sector. DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed underscored the importance of policy reform, easy access to finance, and up-skilling the workforce to tap into the global IT market, valued at nearly $3 trillion. He urged the government to focus on delivering higher value-added services and to expand manufacturing capabilities in the semiconductor value chain. Ahmed also highlighted the exponential growth in software and services exports, with revenue reaching around $1 billion in FY 2024. Mir Shahrukh Islam, Managing Director of Bondtein Technologies Ltd., presented a keynote paper revealing that over 2,600 IT companies are currently operational in Bangladesh, employing more than 350,000 workers. He also noted the limited scope of software services and the absence of device production capacity in the country. Bangladesh Bank Executive Director (ICT) Muhammad Zakir Hasan emphasized the necessity of integrated planning for the IT sector's development and proposed forming a steering committee with stakeholder participation. Syed Almas Kabir, former president of BASIS, suggested tax incentives to encourage ICT entrepreneurs and the introduction of a Sovereign Credit Guarantee Scheme for easier loan access. Kabir also called for a Data Privacy Act and incentives for research and development. The seminar included insights from Taimur Rahman, Chief Corpor ate Affairs Officer of Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, Md Liakot Ali, Additional Managing Director of Walton Digi Tech Industries Limited, and was moderated by Senior Vice President Malik Talha Ismail Bari. DCCI Vice President Md Junaed Ibna Ali, former Senior Vice President MS Shekil Chowdhury, and ICT Committee Convenor Rashad Kabir were among the attendees.
