Dr Md Abdur Razzaque, professor and chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Dhaka, has urged the government to pair its ICT budget ambitions with full and transparent action plans.
The veteran academic highlighted the unrealistic nature of the five-year target to raise ICT’s GDP contribution to 10 per cent, the need for accountable disbursement of the Tk500 crore startup fund, and the importance of removing duties on laptops and computers to connect students with the global knowledge economy.
In an interview with TIMES of Bangladesh, Dr Razzaque also stressed the urgency of reducing mobile internet costs, expanding rural connectivity, and building technically skilled graduates who can meet global demand in emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and quantum computing.
The budget for the science and information technology sector this year places special emphasis on creating employment opportunities for young people. How do you view this initiative?
The idea of creating employment in the digital space for young people is timely. Globally, there is now a sharp shortage of technology professionals.
Bangladesh has a large youth population, and if this workforce can be skilled in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, cloud computing and blockchain, there will be significant employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
The country has a considerable number of higher education institutions, including public and private universities.
However, the main challenge is that a quality learning environment has not yet fully developed. This requires better laboratories, incentives to retain talented teachers, and stronger support for research.
The biggest concern is brain drain, as skilled professionals are increasingly leaving the country. A shift away from nepotism and an obedience-based culture towards an industry-linked research ecosystem is essential.
Is the target of increasing ICT’s GDP contribution to 10% in five years realistic?
Achieving this target within five years is challenging, though not impossible.
Those who set the goal likely analysed relevant data, but a comprehensive action plan has not yet been made public.
It is important to clearly define inputs, expected outputs, implementation processes and stakeholder involvement.
Paper-based planning or commitments alone will not be sufficient. Targets must be realistic and aligned with actual capacity.
High mobile internet taxes continue to keep data prices elevated — your view?
Reducing the cost of mobile internet is necessary, as connectivity must be expanded further, especially in rural areas where internet access remains weak.
If internet and electricity can be reliably extended down to union level, people will be able to build their own businesses.
The state should not try to provide everything directly; instead, it should create an enabling environment so that individuals can become entrepreneurs using the resources provided.
How effective will the proposed Tk500 crore startup fund be?
Its effectiveness will depend on a clear implementation plan. Past experience shows that funds are often allocated without a strong framework for optimal utilisation.
This time, the same mistake should be avoided. Instead of releasing the entire amount at once, disbursement should be made in phases based on quarterly progress reports.
Outcomes must be measurable, and an evaluation committee involving government officials, university experts and industry representatives should oversee the process.
It is also important to ensure that the fund supports emerging and applied technologies rather than already saturated sectors.
Will removing duties on laptops and computers impact students and employment?
This is a very positive step. If computers become more accessible to students, they will be able to stay continuously connected to global knowledge systems.
However, awareness must also be strengthened. Programs on artificial intelligence, social media literacy and cybersecurity should be introduced from district to upazila levels.
Restriction alone is not enough — the focus should be on building responsible and ethical digital citizens.
