The government has taken effective initiatives to launch the long-awaited online payment gateway, PayPal, with the aim of creating extensive employment through the expansion of information technology in the country.
Simultaneously, a master plan has been adopted to provide ID cards to 2 lakh freelancers over the next five years and to train thousands of youths in high-tech fields.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman shared this information on Wednesday during a session of the National Parliament, in response to a written question from Md Abdul Aziz, Member of Parliament for Natore-4. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.
Tarique stated that various agencies and departments under the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division have undertaken diverse plans and activities to generate employment by expanding IT.
Under the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, 1,000 freelancers will be created through training over five years. During this period, ID cards will be distributed to 2 lakh freelancers; 7,500 freelancers have already received their cards as part of this ongoing process.
He further informed the House that the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority will provide training to 2,400 individuals in 2026 on advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Virtual Reality (VR).
To accelerate investment and employment, 83 services are currently being provided online, with plans to add 10 more new services within the next year.
Additionally, a committee has been formed to effectively manage Hi-Tech/Software Parks, ICT centres and to take effective steps to start PayPal operations in Bangladesh, fulfilling electoral pledges.
Tarique also noted that the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) would conduct Information Technology Engineers Examination (ITEE) training for approximately 1,000 undergraduates and graduates across 20 batches over the next five years.
The BCC has also initiated short-term training, one-year diplomas, and post-graduate diplomas for 5,020 job seekers and students in subjects including AI, Mobile App Development, Akmana Python Programming, Data Analytics, and Cyber Security.
Furthermore, programmes are underway to make approximately 700 people with special needs self-reliant through basic computer training.
Initiatives have also been taken to create job opportunities for around 700 women entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills through WIFI (Women in Frontier Initiative) training.
Currently, training for 300 students from 15 universities is ongoing under the April 2026 session of ITEE. Basic computer training for 40 people with special needs and WIFI skill development training for 20 women entrepreneurs have already been completed.
