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International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
178
Volume 3
Issue 2
November (2023)
DOI: 10.47540/ijqr.v3i2.980
Page: 178 – 187
Journey to Smart Bangladesh: Realities and Challenges
Tanjil Ahmed1, Nazmul Hasan1, Runa Akter2
1Department of Public Administration and Governance Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University,
Mymensingh, Bangladesh
2Department of Local Government and Urban Development, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University,
Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Corresponding Author: Tanjil Ahmed; Email: tanjilahmedtaj@gmail.com
A R T I C L E I N F O
A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Development Approaches,
Digitalization, Paradigm Shift, Realities
and Challenges, Smart Bangladesh.
Received : 03 July 2023
Revised : 14 November 2023
Accepted : 17 November 2023
Bangladesh, a nation renowned for its resilience and quick growth, has started on a
transformational path to become a "Smart Bangladesh." This vision entails utilizing
technological advancements to enhance the lives of its citizens, improve
governance, and foster sustainable economic growth. To identify the obstacles
preventing the realization of a fully smart nation, this study evaluated the current
technological landscape, governmental initiatives, and societal integration.
Moreover, the study assessed policy gaps, infrastructure constraints, socioeconomic
barriers, and citizen engagement. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to
comprehensively measure the trajectory towards a 'Smart Bangladesh.' The study
was conducted using a qualitative approach, whereas secondary data were analyzed
to reach its findings. The findings of the study revealed the paradigm shift from
digital Bangladesh to smart Bangladesh, the development approaches of digital
Bangladesh to smart Bangladesh, the diagnoses of transforming digital Bangladesh
to smart Bangladesh, and the implications of smart technologies (IoT, AI,
blockchain technology, big data analysis, etc.) in transforming digital Bangladesh to
smart Bangladesh. Similarly, the study highlighted the challenges behind
implementing smart Bangladesh. However, collaboration among the government,
private sector, academic community, and civil society is essential for implementing
smart Bangladesh. Additionally, it is essential to establish exhaustive policies, laws,
and regulations to govern emerging technologies and protect citizen rights.
Nevertheless, the findings of the study will provide both theoretical and practical
contributions, especially in building the potential of technology to drive sustainable
development, uplift communities, and shape a brighter future for all its citizens.
INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh is a rising nation in South Asia
(Husain & Tinker, 2020) with a proven track record
of expansion and advancement (Ahmed & Akter,
2022), even during periods of significant global
unpredictability (World Bank, 2022). With the help
of information and communication technology
(ICT) and the proactive leadership of the present
government, Bangladesh has achieved noteworthy
development in every area (Ahmed, 2023a). It is
worth mentioning that so far Bangladesh has
achieved the Millennium Development Goals
(poverty reduction, food security, primary
education, mortality ratio, immunization coverage,
and combating communicable diseases) (Ashraf et
al., 2019), vision of digital Bangladesh 2021 (M. S.
Islam & Grönlund, 2011), turn into lower-middle
income country from less development country
(2015) (CRI, 2023), first satellite launching
(‗Bangabandhu-1‘) (M. Z. Islam, 2018),
infrastructure development (Padma Multipurpose
Bridge, Bangabandhu Tunnel, Metro Rail, Rooppur
Nuclear Power Plant, etc.) (Mirza, 2022), improving
GDP (GDP increased from 4% in 1972 to 18% in
2019) (Moyen Uddin, 2015), improving education
(country‖s literacy rate has risen to 74.7%) (Shayery
et al., 2022), food security (CRI, 2023), and so on.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Journal Homepage: https://ojs.literacyinstitute.org/index.php/ijqr
ISSN: 2798-6047 (Online)
Research Article
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
179
Bangladesh is now concentrating on achieving
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(Nasrullah, 2021), the 8th Five-Year Plan (8FYP)
(Bangladesh Planning Commission, 2020), the
Perspective Plan 2041, the Delta Plan 2100 (Alam,
2019), and the vision of a Smart Bangladesh. As we
have already reached the fourth industrial age, the
notion of ‗Smart Bangladesh‘ is now the talk of the
town. On December 12, 2022, Bangladesh's Prime
Minister, Sheikh Hasina, made the first official
announcement of the idea of a ‗smart Bangladesh‘.
The four basic canons—‗Smart Citizen‘, ‗Smart
Government‘, ‗Smart Society‘, and ‗Smart
Economy‘—have served as the foundation for the
development of this idea (Kabir, 2023).
The ultimate goals of smart Bangladesh are to
guarantee that all public services are delivered
digitally, including via the use of 5G internet, more
than 100% smartphone penetration, more than
100% high-speed internet penetration, and more
than cashless transactions (a2i, 2022). Therefore,
the principal objective of this study is to assess the
present reality and challenges behind implementing
Smart Bangladesh. In particular, this study
evaluated the paradigm shift from digital
Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh, development
approaches of digital Bangladesh to Smart
Bangladesh, priority areas for the transition from
Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh, diagnoses
of transforming digital Bangladesh to smart
Bangladesh, major focus of Smart Bangladesh and
challenges behind implementing Smart Bangladesh.
METHODS
This study employs a secondary data analysis
approach to explore the reality and challenges of the
journey to Smart Bangladesh. In particular, the
research aims to demonstrate the present reality and
challenges by assessing the current state of smart
initiatives, identifying key challenges, and
exploring potential solutions for achieving a Smart
Bangladesh. Relevant secondary data sources were
identified for the analysis. These sources include
government reports, academic papers, industry
reports, policy documents, and research
publications. Data from reputable sources with a
focus on Smart Bangladesh, digital transformation,
urban development, and related areas was also
considered. However, the selected secondary data
sources were collected through an extensive review
process.
The data collected encompassed a diverse
range of information, including statistics, case
studies, best practices, and expert opinions. Data
from multiple years was considered to understand
the evolution and progress of the journey to Smart
Bangladesh. Besides, the collected data were
categorized based on relevant themes. This process
involved organizing the data into meaningful
categories such as paradigm shift, development
approaches, priority areas, technology adoption,
governance, citizen engagement, policy framework,
and sustainability. This categorization facilitated a
structured analysis of the data. Thus, the qualitative
data analysis involved thematic analysis to identify
common patterns, recurring challenges, and
emerging trends. The analysis focused on extracting
key findings related to the reality and challenges of
the journey to Smart Bangladesh. The findings and
insights obtained from the secondary data analysis
were reported clearly and concisely. The report
documented the current reality of Smart
Bangladesh, the identified challenges, and potential
recommendations to overcome them. Proper
citations and references were provided to ensure
transparency and credibility.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The Paradigm Shift from Digital Bangladesh to
Smart Bangladesh
Digital Bangladesh is a vision of the
government of Bangladesh to digitalize and
transform the country into a digital and knowledge-
based economy. It aims to use information and
communication technologies (ICT) to progress
governance, provide better access to education and
health care, enhance economic opportunities, and
improve the excellent quality of life for all citizens
(Mahbub, 2022). This initiative was taken by the
government of Bangladesh in 2008. Digital
Bangladesh aims to transform the country and
develop its infrastructure and capabilities into a
knowledge-based society by 2021. In particular, the
concept primarily focuses on improving the
country's digital infrastructure and making
government services more accessible to citizens
through the use of technology (Mahbub, 2022).
To achieve this, the government of Bangladesh
has already implemented various initiatives and
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
180
programs to promote digital literacy, digital
infrastructure, e-governance, increase and expand
access to information through internet connectivity,
and encourage the use of ICT in various sectors of
the economy. However, digital Bangladesh also
aims to boost the country's economic growth and
development by creating new jobs and businesses in
the digital sector (Mahbub, 2022).
Figure 1. Aims of Digital Bangladesh (developed by authors)
On the other hand, Smart Bangladesh is a
broader concept that encompasses the use of
technology and innovative approaches to improve
the quality of citizens and other smart solutions,
such as artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain
technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and
preparing to exploit the potential and challenges of
the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) (Palak,
2023).
In this vein, in line with Vision 2021, the
government of Bangladesh announced the vision of
Smart Bangladesh on December 12, 2022, which
will be achieved by 2041 under the Vision of 2041.
This vision turns the country into something more
digital, smarter, technologically sound, and
sustainable, which aims to harness the power of
technology to improve the quality of life for all
citizens, create new economic opportunities, and
drive sustainable development (Ahmed, 2023b).
Thereafter, building a smart Bangladesh by 2041
means building a smart citizen, smart economy,
smart society, and smart government by 2041
(Mahbub, 2022). Thereafter, building a smart
Bangladesh by 2041 means building a smart citizen,
smart economy, smart society, and smart
government by 2041 (Mahbub, 2022).
Figure 2. Aims of Smart Bangladesh (developed by authors)
However, the concept of Smart Bangladesh
may include the adoption of new technologies and
approaches in various sectors, such as
transportation, energy, and agriculture; developing
sustainable and livable cities; improving
transportation, energy, and water management; and
Smart Citizens, Smart Government, Smart Economy and Smart Society
More than 5G internet and 1005 smartphone penetration
Artificial intelligence, Robotics, Block chain Technology, IoT
High Income GDP, 0% extreme poverty, and macro economicaaly stable
High Human Development and Sustainable Urbanization
The adoption of digital technology to
improve the quality life for citizens
Create a knowledge-based society
Knowledge-based society leverage
technology for innovationand
entrepreneurship
Development of digital infrastructure and
human capital
Digital
Bangladesh
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
181
promoting innovation and entrepreneurship; as well
as the development of policies and initiatives that
support the use of technology to drive innovation
and progress (Mahbub, 2022).
Development Approaches of Digital Bangladesh
to Smart Bangladesh
Digital Bangladesh takes a more technology-
centric approach to development. Digital
Bangladesh concentrated on improving service
delivery using ICTs, capacity development of the
whole society towards a knowledge economy, and
the diversification of exports towards knowledge
products. The vision mainly involves developing
the digital infrastructure, improving digital literacy,
and increasing the adoption of technology in
various sectors (Mahbub, 2022).
Table 1. Development Approaches of Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh (developed by authors)
Human
Resource
Development
Encouraging the
growth of the ICT
industry
Investing in research
and
development
Promoting
internships and
apprenticeships
Providing
education and
training
Digital
Government
Implementing
electronic voting
systems
Promoting open
government
Digitizing land
registration
Developing
online portals
and services
Connecting
Citizen
Providing access
to digital literacy
training
Protecting privacy
and security
Promoting
affordable
internet access
Developing and
expanding
broadband
networks
IT Industry
Promotion
Developing a
skilled
workforce
Promoting exports
Fostering
research and
development
Encouraging
foreign
investment
On the other hand, smart Bangladesh takes a
more holistic approach to development and aims to
close the digital gap by developing and
implementing sustainable digital solutions to
address various development challenges. It focuses
on creating smart citizens, a smart government, a
smart economy, and a smart society, including all
people who enhance the quality of life for citizens
(Chowdhury, 2022). The development of Digital
Bangladesh into Smart Bangladesh requires a
comprehensive approach that involves the
government, private sector, and general public.
Here are some key pillars that need to be
implemented to attain the vision of Smart
Bangladesh.
Table 2. Pillars of Smart Bangladesh (developed by authors)
Smart Citizen
Empower
citizens
Education and
Skill
Development
‗Digital First‘
mindset driving
campaign
Widespread
digital
literacy
programs
Access to
information.
Smart
Government
Use of
technology
(smart ICT)
Digitalization of
Public Services
Smart external
collaboration and
participation
Smart
decision-
making
Smart
administration
Smart
Economy
Infrastructure
Development
Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
Smart finance and
payment system
Transform
the business
environment
Sustainable
employment
Smart Society
Awareness
and enhanced
citizen
engagement
Improve people's
well-being
Adoption of
digital tolerance
Creating a
thriving and
inclusive
society
Strong ethics
and values
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
182
Priority Areas for the Transition from Digital
Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh
This vision has been echoed in the ‗Charter for
Change‘, the Bangladesh Awami League declared
during the ninth parliamentary election of
Bangladesh in 2008. The charter emphasizes the
need to develop human resources using ICT (in
communication and education), which is a key
factor in creating an equal society, the 'digital
Bangladesh'. The national ICT policy of 2009 also
reflects this priority goal of ICT-enabled
development. This policy recognizes social justice,
universal access, and support for ICT options as
some of its key strategic goals. Overall, a key
requirement is to ensure the development of an
affordable and cost-effective multi-channel access
mechanism to connect people and promote digital
inclusion for development (A2I, 2017). The
implementation of Digital Bangladesh primarily
relies on the government's initiatives to build digital
infrastructure and promote digital literacy (Ahmed,
2021). However, it also involves private sector
participation in developing and providing digital
services.
On the other hand, the priority areas for the
transition from digital Bangladesh to smart
Bangladesh mentioned several specific factors,
which include smart governance, smart cities,
digital economy, smart agriculture, digital
education, digital infrastructure, enhancing citizen
services, improving infrastructure efficiency,
fostering innovation, promoting sustainable
development, digital initiatives, promoting
entrepreneurship, digital skills development,
developing intelligent transportation systems, and
implementing data analytics for decision-making
(Roy, 2023). By following this factors-based
approach, Bangladesh can effectively prioritize
areas for the transition from Digital Bangladesh to
Smart Bangladesh, laying the foundation for a
technologically advanced and sustainable future.
However, when these sectors are built as smart
sectors, the country will automatically transform
into Smart Bangladesh. It requires a collaborative
effort from various stakeholders, including the
government, private sector, and citizens. It involves
developing smart solutions that address specific
development challenges, such as traffic
management, waste management, and energy
conservation. So, transforming four key areas as
defined by the present government into smart areas
will undoubtedly ensure the achievement of Smart
Bangladesh.
Diagnoses of Transforming Digital Bangladesh
to Smart Bangladesh
The main benefits of Digital Bangladesh
include increased efficiency, transparency, and
accountability in governance, as well as improved
access to information and services for citizens,
increased efficiency and productivity in various
sectors, promotion of e-commerce and digital
entrepreneurship, and the creation of employment
opportunities in the ICT sector. It also has the
potential to create a digital economy that can
generate employment and increase economic
growth (Panel, 2023).
On the other hand, Smart Bangladesh has the
potential to improve the quality of life for citizens
by addressing specific development challenges,
such as traffic congestion, air pollution, and waste
management. It can also create smart and
sustainable cities, promote renewable energy and
waste management, enhance access to quality
education and healthcare, promote efficient and
transparent governance, and promote innovation
and entrepreneurship, which can generate new jobs
and spur economic growth (Panel, 2023).
Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 has four main
pillars, the first two of which are Smart Citizen and
Smart Government, through which all services and
media will be converted to digital. On the other
hand, a smart society and smart economy will play a
positive role in creating an inclusive society and
erecting a business-friendly terrain to ensure smart,
profitable growth. In addition to the massive
metamorphosis under these four pillars, the
technologies of the fourth artificial revolution will
play an important part in realizing the vision of
Smart Bangladesh (Haque, 2022).
Adopting Smart Technology in Transforming
Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh
Bangladesh has made significant progress in
adopting and practicing smart technology in terms
of implementing Smart Bangladesh. In this context,
some of the smart technologies have been discussed
below:
1. Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is a system of interrelated devices, sensors,
and software that allows for the transfer of data over
a network. The government of Bangladesh has
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
183
already taken steps to integrate IoT into its smart
city projects, such as the Dhaka North City
Corporation's 'Smart City' project, which aims to
use IoT to manage the city's waste and traffic
systems (Vongsingthong & Smanchat, 2014).
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI refers to the development of computer
systems that can perform tasks that normally require
human intelligence, such as visual perception,
speech recognition, and decision-making.
Bangladesh has already made significant progress in
this area, with several AI-based startups emerging
in recent years, such as Chaldal, a grocery delivery
service that uses AI to optimize its delivery routes
(Deowan, 2020).
3. Blockchain Technology
Blockchain is a decentralized ledger that can
be used to store and transfer data securely (Upe,
2023). The government of Bangladesh has already
started exploring the potential applications of
blockchain technology in areas such as financial
services and supply chain management (M. A.
Islam, 2020).
4. Big Data Analytics
Big data analytics refers to the process of
examining large and complex data sets to uncover
hidden patterns, correlations, and insights. The
government of Bangladesh has already started using
big data analytics to improve its public services,
such as healthcare and education (Hassan et al.,
2021).
Challenges of Implementing Smart Bangladesh
Smart Bangladesh requires a high level of
coordination and collaboration among various
stakeholders. In particular, high implementation
costs and dependence on foreign technology and
expertise are considered major barriers to
implementing Smart Bangladesh. In addition,
Vision Smart Bangladesh requires investment in
research and development to create innovative
solutions that can address specific development
challenges (Panel, 2023). In this vein, the
researchers identified several potential challenges
behind the implementation of smart Bangladesh.
1. Digital Divide, Disparity, and Inequality
The most concerning issues behind
implementing Smart Bangladesh are the digital
divide, inequality, and disparity. It is manifested in
various ways, such as gender, access to digital
devices, location, income, and marital status
(Lester, 2019). For instance, GSMA 2020 data
shows gender differences in mobile phone use and
internet use, as well as differences in internet access
between married and single people. Regional
inequalities in digital access and proficiency have
been found, with rural households having more
access and proficiency (Kormos & Wisdom, 2023),
which may create a potential barrier to the
implementation of Smart Bangladesh.
2. Lack of Uninterrupted Power Supply
We know well that Bangladesh has made
tremendous progress in the last decade in power
supply management throughout the country. Each
of the distinct parts of the country has been
enlightened by the power of electricity, but after the
drastic effects of the pandemic, Bangladesh is
gradually losing its capacity to provide an
uninterrupted power supply. In particular, due to a
lack of continuous electrical problems (Akhter &
Ahmed, 2022), productivity has fallen, and the
Internet hasn't always been available to everyone
(Al-Amin, 2022). That may be one of the major
challenges to achieving smart Bangladesh.
3. Poor Access to Affordable and Reliable
Broadband Internet
We have already discussed that a strong
internet connection (like 5G) is the precondition to
attaining the vision of Smart Bangladesh. But it is
really a matter of sorrow for us that we are still
unable to provide 100% strong and reliable internet
or broadband internet connectivity which is
considered the greatest challenge in the fourth
industrial period. While various nations around the
world are working on 6G, we are still unable to use
5G technology (Dey, 2022). IT infrastructure and
connectivity are well established in the capital and
main divisional cities, but rural, haors, chars, and
hill districts lag behind (Dijk, 2019). In recent
statistics, it has been identified that internet speeds
are slow and that 37% of respondents lack access to
the internet throughout the country which indicates
that we still belong to a poor internet edge (Soomro
et al., 2020).
4. High Cost of the Internet and Poor Access to
Digital Devices
The high cost of the internet and poor access to
digital devices are also considered influential
factors behind implementing Smart Bangladesh.
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
184
Although Bangladesh has already made significant
progress in terms of accessing digital devices, it is
not adequate to attain the vision of Smart
Bangladesh. In recent statistics, it has been found
that in terms of using affordable internet and device
access, we still lag behind other South Asian
countries, including India, Pakistan, and Nepal
(Afrin, 2022). Therefore, we should fix this issue as
early as possible.
5. Lack of Skilled Manpower
Although we have made tremendous progress
in the field of HDI (Human Development Index),
we have not ensured 100% digital literacy for the
mass population. At the same time, we know well
that skilled manpower is the prime precondition to
transforming our country into a smart Bangladesh,
but surprisingly, we have not confirmed it. In this
case, recent statistics reveal that only 35% of the
general population in Bangladesh is digitally literate
(Lester, 2019), but 65% of the mass population is
still behind in digital literacy, which is considered a
significant barrier to implementing Smart
Bangladesh.
6. Economic Recession
Although Bangladesh has achieved economic
growth comparable to that of the rest of the world,
the sudden outbreak of the global pandemic has
increased the economic recession significantly. At
the same time, due to the overriding drought,
flooding, and terrible poverty issues, our economic
progress has been drastically impacted (Akter,
2022), which may have a drastic impact on attaining
Smart Bangladesh.
7. Cyber Threats and Security Issues
Bangladesh has indeed made praiseworthy
progress in the field of providing internet services at
all levels. At the same time, using the internet at all
levels is also alarming news to us due to our
concern about cyber security. Cybercrime is a major
concern in Bangladesh due to poor cyber security
policies. The condition of the country's cyber
security is insecure, and the rules and guidelines in
existence are insufficient to tackle the increasing
threat (Babu, 2023) which may create an influential
barrier in terms of reaching the vision of Smart
Bangladesh.
8. Lack of Simplifying of Digitalizing Services
The conversion of the manual to electronic
services has a predetermined, transient purpose.
However, there aren't many indications—if any—
that the service process has been streamlined. In
that case, switching from a manual to an electronic
service could make it harder and less effective for
disadvantaged groups of society instead of
providing benefits from smart Bangladesh (Joseph,
2001). Therefore, this is another potential challenge
in transforming a digital Bangladesh into a Smart
Bangladesh.
9. Lack of Public Awareness
Even though the government has started a
number of ICT integration projects, only a tiny
percentage of people—including those with low
incomes—use the internet on their mobile phones
for restricted access. Illiteracy and a lack of digital
literacy make up this unit. Besides, people who live
in rural areas and are illiterate are less likely to be
helped or mentored in using digital services for their
economic advancement (Kos-Labedowicz, 2017)
which may pose severe challenges in implementing
the vision of smart Bangladesh.
CONCLUSION
This study attempts to highlight the journey
from digital Bangladesh to smart Bangladesh and
explore how it is different from the journey of
digital Bangladesh. This study indicates that the
implementation of the initiatives of Smart
Bangladesh will have an impact on all spheres of
the public sector; it will not only focus on the
service receiver perspective but also have an impact
on the simplification of service delivery processes
from the service provider perspective, which helps
to ensure decentralization and good governance in
the governance process. To fully realize the
potential benefits of smart Bangladesh, the
challenges to achieving smart Bangladesh should be
reduced. Even though the government has started a
number of ICT integration projects, rural areas, and
illiterate individuals are less likely to receive
support and mentorship for digital services. As a
result, most people, especially those who are not
using digital technology, are not familiar with the
initiatives of Smart Bangladesh. In this case, first of
all, for successful implementation of the initiatives,
it is necessary to involve all people in this process.
So, the digital divide should be reduced, which
could remain in various forms like gender, access to
digital devices, location, income, and marital status.
Research should be focused on this issue. Without
International Journal of Qualitative Research, 3 (2), 178-187
185
the involvement of every person in regard to
majority, minority, ethnicity, rural, urban, low-,
middle, or high-income people, etc., we cannot fully
take advantage of the prospects of smart
Bangladesh. So, in this regard, it is necessary to
provide access to digital technology for everyone
and provide training facilities about how to use it.
Secondly, it is necessary to provide affordable and
reliable broadband internet connections at the
lowest cost so that everyone can access and use
them without any difficulty. In this case, to ensure
the high speed of the internet connection, it is
necessary to provide an adequate power supply. In
the current crisis of the electrical power supply, it is
necessary to focus on alternative sources of power
that help meet the demand for the power supply.
Thirdly, though Bangladesh has made progress in
internet services, concerns about cyber security
remain. Poor policies and insecure cybersecurity
make it difficult to tackle cybercrime and achieve
Smart Bangladesh's vision. So, policymakers and
the government should make and apply proper
policies so that people can use digital technologies
without any kinds of difficulties. Fourthly, there is a
need for publicity about the initiatives of Smart
Bangladesh, how they will be implemented, and
proper instructions about how people will
participate in those initiatives. This requires
publication all over the country. Finally, there
should be a clear outline about who will do which
kinds of work and how that will help to reduce the
conflict of work and the wastage of resources,
which ultimately play an effective role in the
implementation of initiatives in line with the vision
of Smart Bangladesh.
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