Future of IT in Bangladesh

Information Technology ( IT ) has changed the world in modern days. IT is the special use of computers to store, extract, transmit and manipulate data or information. IT is considered as a subset of Information And Communication Technology. Humans have been storing, extracting, transmitting and manipulating data or information as a written format since Mesopotamia. Modern day technologies have upgraded the system and made unlimited storage. 

Over the last 7 years, the offshore IT market of Bangladesh has grown at a good rate. In fact Bangladesh has already become one of the best places for IT players in recent years. With the ability to operate at least 20-30% lower cost than any other countries of South Asia, Bangladesh gives a large entry-level workforce. 

The IT industry in Bangladesh helps the national economy a lot. This industry not only helps the national economy but also creates a prestigious position in the global market. The domestic market size was US$ 0.9-1.1 billion in 2017. But in 2020 the size is US$ 2.3-2.6 billion and the income is increasing. As a result the government of Bangladesh has given their interest in this sector already. Bangladesh has a large population and they are really interested to work in this sector. On the other hand, the cost of working in Bangladesh is really less than other Asian countries like India, Philippines, Pakistan etc. So the present state of IT industry in Bangladesh is really good. 

An IT based company wants a lot of things and Bangladesh is completing those wants. Supply of electricity is the first basic wants of a company. Bangladesh is producing as much as electricity. So there will be no load shedding in future. Then Bangladesh is connected with SEA-ME-WE 6 fibre cable. So the internet speed is good enough and increasing day by day. An IT company  needs that type of internet speed. 

Bangladesh is a country where anyone can build a business and carry on that. People easily get attached with those products. An IT company produces software, cloud computers, databases etc and people of Bangladesh always accept them properly. So the foreign investors are finding interest in investing in the IT sectors of Bangladesh. As we can see, the future is really bright for the IT sector. 

Moreover the government will make 100% corporate tax exemption till 2024 and 80% VAT exemption on rentals and utilities. The Bangladesh government is setting up 25 high-tech parks and software parks across the country.  The decision ‘50% personal income tax reduction for foreign employees for 3 years’ has given a wide range for the foreigners to work with this country’s people. 

Every year a lot of students are completing their graduation, post-graduation degree and trying their best to get a job. Unfortunately there are not enough job opportunities in Bangladesh. In this case the IT sector  is creating a big space. In an IT company an employer doesn’t need to be physically present. So he/she can work from a long distance. 

Bangladesh is mainly focused in the USA and the UK based IT sectors. Now the situation is changing and other rich European countries are also beneficial for the future of Bangladesh. So Bangladeshi IT companies are searching for the future market for Bangladesh in those countries.  

Bangladesh has limited liabilities but if the people utilizes these properly, the situation will improve. Bangladesh has the potential to play multiple roles in the service delivery portfolios of global companies. Bangladesh can be called a hub for the regional market. As the domestic market is poised  with remarkable growth, the government as well as private sectors will invest a lot in the IT industry in future. So the future of this industry is really on top of the mark. 

Bangladesh offers a compelling blend of quality talent at a lower cost with a risk profile much lower than commonly perceived. The proposition is further accentuated with sensible government support to boost foreign investments. Bangladesh has positioned herself as a strong contender for companies appraising locations for the next wave of cost arbitrage.  There are certain challenges regarding infrastructure, talent adjustability and data protection. However the government and industry have adopted bold measures to assuage their impact and create a harmonious ecosystem for the growth of the IT sector. It is important for companies to consider  Bangladesh to understand the nature of risks that exist and how they compare with other peer emerging locations in order to make an informed decision based on the ability to manage or mitigate such risks.    

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