Bangladesh aims to create one million jobs in the digital sector over the next five years and establish itself as a regional hub for information technology and artificial intelligence (AI), Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam has said.
He made the remarks while addressing the Bangladesh TechConnect 2026 conference as the chief guest on Tuesday, October 27, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre. The event was jointly organised by the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Huawei.
The minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and guided by the “Bangladesh First” policy, was committed to building a modern, technology-driven and knowledge-based country.
Achieving that goal requires reliable, secure, high-speed and affordable digital connectivity across every region of the country, he said. This would involve developing modern telecommunications infrastructure, expanding digital skills, attracting investment and encouraging domestic innovation.
Emphasising cooperation between the public and private sectors, Anam said joint efforts by the government, local industries and international technology partners could help build an inclusive and competitive digital economy. Digital infrastructure and affordable smartphones Dr Md Kamruzzaman, secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, said Bangladesh TechConnect had evolved into a national platform bringing together representatives from government, industry, educational institutions, development partners and the media.
The conference provides an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between policymakers and industry stakeholders, he said, adding that digital infrastructure was no longer a luxury but a key foundation for building a prosperous, investment-driven and knowledge-based economy.
Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, said the government was focusing not only on network development but also on affordable smartphones to ensure that marginalised communities could participate in the digital system.
As part of that effort, initiatives were being taken to manufacture smartphones domestically at prices ranging from Tk 4,000 to Tk 5,000, he said.
Bhuiyan said the government had identified five strategic priorities to accelerate the country's digital transformation: a strong legal and policy framework, reliable connectivity, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and domestic manufacturing.
Work on a national AI policy had also begun, and the government hoped to complete it within the next three to four months, he added. Huawei pledges support for digital growth Jason Wu, Huawei's president for South Asia, said the company was committed to working with the government and industry partners to develop Bangladesh's digital infrastructure and expand the use of technology.
By drawing on its capabilities in connectivity, cloud computing and AI, Huawei aims to strengthen the capabilities of local businesses, support the development of new services and contribute to Bangladesh's long-term digital growth, he said.
Saida Afroz, joint secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, presented the keynote paper at the conference.
Three panel discussions were also held, focusing on future technologies and connectivity, the role of technology in improving industrial efficiency, and global AI trends, their impact and Bangladesh's preparedness. Focus on 5G, AI and industrial productivity The panel discussions highlighted the development of 5G and connectivity infrastructure, technology-driven improvements in industrial efficiency, and Bangladesh's readiness to adopt AI.
Participants also discussed the commercial potential of 5G, fixed wireless access and enterprise connectivity in sectors including ready-made garments, ports, agriculture and healthcare.
Speakers examined how cloud computing, automation, AI-powered security systems and smart technologies could increase productivity, reduce operating costs and improve public services.
They also stressed the importance of reliable cloud infrastructure, data readiness, skilled workers and supportive policies to ensure effective AI adoption in banking, manufacturing, transportation, supply chains and government services.
The conference's technology exhibition showcased solutions related to digital transformation, smart government, smart education, digital power, smartphone technology and AI.
High-level roundtable discussions were also held on digital power; AI and enterprise; and the digital economy and employment.
Government officials, policymakers, representatives of regulatory agencies, senior corporate executives, technology experts, entrepreneurs, academics and development partners attended the conference.
