Govt Eyes AI Skills, Digital Infrastructure, Electronics Manufacturing for Digital Growth

The Adviser to the Prime Minister on Post, Telecommunications, ICT, Science and Technology, Rehan Asif Asad, on Sunday unveiled the government's five key priorities for accelerating Bangladesh's digital transformation, calling for stable policies, stronger digital infrastructure, AI-ready skilled manpower and electronics manufacturing to boost investment and economic growth.

He made the remarks while addressing a policy dialogue titled “Accelerating Bangladesh's Digital Future: Policy Priorities for Innovation, Investment and ICT-Led Growth,” organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at The Westin Dhaka.

Earlier, AmCham President and Mastercard Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal thanked the government for ratifying the Personal Data Protection Act, saying it reflected many of AmCham's long-standing recommendations.

He also welcomed tax exemptions for freelancers and content creators, along with customs relief on computers, digital devices and semiconductor-related materials.

Kamal, however, urged the government to clarify the new digital permanent establishment rules, reconsider the higher turnover tax on internet service providers, and make international payments easier for technology companies and startups.

He said greater participation of foreign investors in policymaking would help build a more competitive, transparent and investment-friendly business environment.

The chief guest said the government's five priorities include a stable five-year tax framework, better mobile and broadband connectivity, digital public infrastructure under the “One Citizen, One ID, One Digital Wallet” initiative, AI-focused talent development, and support for electronics manufacturing.

He noted that Bangladesh's telecom sector still carries a much higher tax burden than the global average despite its rapid expansion.

The chief guest also cited a UN-ITU finding that every 10 per cent increase in broadband penetration can raise a country's GDP by 1 per cent, highlighting the importance of expanding quality internet access across the country.

The dialogue was moderated by Rubaba Dowla, Chair of the AmCham ICT Subcommittee and Country Managing Director for Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan at Oracle. Representatives from Citibank N.A., Cisco, HSBC, Mastercard, MetLife, Pathao, PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, ShopUp, Visa and other AmCham member companies raised issues related to digital payments, cloud policy, cybersecurity, AI skills, digital signatures, startup incentives and data governance.

Responding to the recommendations, the chief guest said RFID-based automated toll collection is now under trial. He confirmed that Bangladesh Bank has agreed to open Bangla QR for inward international payments as a first step and that the “One Citizen, One ID” platform will remain open to both local and international payment networks.

The event brought together members of the AmCham Executive Committee, ICT sector representatives and officials from the US Embassy.