Bangladesh Unveils Draft Roadmap for Digital Transformation by 2030
Md Mojahidul Islam:
On February 16, 2025, Bangladesh’s ICT Division, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), unveiled a draft version of the National Digital Transformation Strategy. This ambitious 171-page roadmap outlines a comprehensive vision for modernising the country’s digital public infrastructure, improving governance, and expanding the digital economy from 2025 to 2030. The overarching goal is to create a secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem that integrates cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital public infrastructure (DPI). The draft is currently open to stakeholder feedback and review.
Among the key priorities for the 2025–2026 period are the launch of the Bangladesh National Digital Architecture (BNDA), the establishment of a National Data Exchange (NDX), and the digitisation of more than 800 government services. A major aim is to build interoperable infrastructure that will streamline the delivery of public services. To address the growing concerns around cybersecurity, the roadmap sets an ambitious target of training 20,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2027 and expanding that number to 50,000 by 2030. The plan also envisions the growth of Bangladesh’s ICT workforce to 7–8 million professionals within this time frame, ensuring the country remains competitive in the global digital landscape.
To align national policies with international best practices, the government intends to adopt the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (AI RAM). The strategy also includes measures to upskill the ready-made garment (RMG) workforce, preparing the sector for disruption and transformation brought on by AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Despite notable strides in digitisation, Bangladesh’s ICT ecosystem continues to face significant institutional and cybersecurity challenges. Data silos persist across key government systems. Core databases such as the National Identity (NID) system, Bangladesh Bank’s financial records, and the Health Management Information System (MIS) operate independently and lack secure interoperability. This fragmentation results in service inefficiencies, increased operational costs, and elevated cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The government has acknowledged several past incidents of data breaches, including the leaking of sensitive financial transaction records and mobile banking information on the dark web. In response, the new strategy proposes the development of a national cybersecurity framework, the integration of essential databases like NID, CRVS, tax, and financial records through the NDX, and the implementation of a Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). It also calls for the formation of a dedicated Data and AI Authority. This authority would function independently of the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the ethical governance and use of AI and other emerging technologies.
To further improve service delivery, the strategy outlines a phased reform of the ICT Division itself. During 2025 and 2026, key focus areas include launching both the BNDA and NDX, expanding AI-driven automation across all ministries, and scaling digital platforms such as MyGov and D-Nothi. To boost economic growth through digital services, the government also plans to introduce a Universal Payment Gateway. This system will allow real-time transactions across banks, mobile financial services, and public platforms. Additionally, regulatory updates are expected to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) and cultivate a robust startup ecosystem focused on innovation.
The reform roadmap is divided into three strategic phases spanning six years. Phase one, running from 2025 to 2026, focuses on laying the foundation—implementing BNDA and NDX, passing the PDPA, digitising over 800 government services, deploying AI in public services, and establishing the National Cybersecurity Taskforce (N-CERT). Phase two, set for 2027–2028, is all about scaling. It includes the full-scale rollout of 5G, the introduction of a National Cloud Policy, the implementation of secure, AI-powered identity verification systems, the enforcement of the Cybersecurity Ordinance (2024), and regulatory reforms covering AI, fintech, and blockchain. This phase also anticipates launching a National Digital Taxation System and enhancing the country’s real-time data analytics capabilities.
Phase three, running from 2029 to 2030, is the final push toward achieving a fully digital economy and smart governance. This stage envisions complete digitisation of public services through a unified citizen portal, the operational deployment of an AI-powered predictive governance system, and reaching an ICT export revenue target of US $5 billion. It also includes a goal of increasing startup funding by 50% and positioning Bangladesh among the top 15 nations in the United Nations E-Government Development Index.
To ensure these bold goals become reality, the government will establish a National Digital Transformation Taskforce (NDTT). This taskforce will include representatives from the ICT Division, Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Finance, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the Cabinet Division, and development partners such as the World Bank, JICA, the EU, and UNDP. Progress will be continuously monitored and benchmarked against regional leaders like Vietnam, India, and Malaysia. In the short term, the government is prioritising the finalisation of BNDA and NDX implementation frameworks, strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, and ensuring widespread adoption of digital governance reforms.
That brings us to the million-taka question—is this roadmap too ambitious? The strategy is undeniably bold and forward-thinking. It comes complete with clear timelines, phased objectives, and measurable targets. Its emphasis on emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, 5G, and cloud computing positions Bangladesh to be future-ready. However, there’s no denying the very real hurdles ahead. The bureaucratic complexity of the country’s governance structure could create roadblocks. Aligning fragmented databases, coordinating cross-ministerial collaboration, and maintaining momentum over six years will require not just strategic planning but also ironclad execution.
Encouragingly, the strategy appears aware of these challenges. It references international benchmarks like e-Estonia, where 99% of government services are accessible online. This shows that Bangladesh’s policymakers are aiming high, while also recognising the need for better inter-agency coordination, accountability, and performance tracking.
Now let’s talk about what this all means for the average Bangladeshi. If successfully implemented, the strategy could revolutionise how citizens interact with public services. With a single sign-on system, people could access more than 800 government services online—whether it’s applying for a passport, registering a birth, filing taxes, or receiving social welfare. This would save time, reduce travel costs, and eliminate the red tape that has long plagued public administration.
On the security front, the proposed reforms bring hope. The creation of the PDPA, the national cybersecurity framework, and the independent Data and AI Authority aim to protect personal data and reduce the risk of unauthorised access or misuse. These safeguards could help rebuild public trust in digital services and pave the way for a more connected, more secure, and more efficient future.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s digital transformation strategy is far more than a tech upgrade. It’s a sweeping vision for a smarter, more secure, and citizen-centric future. While the road ahead is anything but easy, success will depend on one crucial factor—whether Bangladesh can harmonise governance, innovation, and execution to unlock its digital destiny.