DIGITAL transformation has become a significant factor in driving societal change and economic prosperity in an increasingly linked world. Bangladesh has also caught on the phenomenon. Digitisation has changed society in Bangladesh over a decade years. Bangladesh’s entry into the digital era has landed it into the digital economy, expected to reach $23 trillion in value by 2025. Bangladesh is now the third-largest supplier of online labour as a result of the change which has opened up avenues for the expanding workforce. Young people have found a source of income in freelancing that crosses geographical limits.

The opportunity to participate in the global market has improved the standards of living. Its rise as a major participant in the online labour market has strengthened its standing in the international arena as digital connection solidifies as the foundation of modern economies. One of the biggest effects of digitisation has been the way it has sparked efficiency and creativity in a variety of areas. Digital platforms have become essential in altering conventional processes and services delivery throughout industries, from agriculture to health care and from education to governance.

Platforms like Krishaker Digital Thikana, Krishaker Janala, and e-Mutation, for instance, have expedited agricultural procedure to provide farmers with a greater market access and lower corruption in the industry. The initiatives play a critical role in fulfilling development objectives. Compared with the pre-digital state, the government’s digitisation and services simplification efforts saved 73 per cent of time, 68 per cent in cost and 85 per cent visits of recipients.

Beyond its boundaries, Bangladesh functions as the secretariat for the South-South Network for Public Service Innovation, growing the network’s membership to more than 44 countries, bilateral and multilateral agencies and development organisations, that has created hundreds of matchmaking opportunities to facilitate the transfer of technologies. Bangladesh participates in regional projects such as the SAARC Digital Initiative, aiming to promote cooperation and digital integration among member nations. Bangladesh is also a significant element of China’s Belt and Road Initiative’s Digital Silk Road, which aims to create digital networks and infrastructure throughout Asia, Africa and Europe.

The development of Bangladesh’s connectivity and cooperation with its South Asian neighbours and growing markets depends heavily on the regional alliances. The capacity for global interaction has increased as digital bridges are constructed, providing opportunities for economic development.

Bangladesh faces the impending possibility of lagging behind nations with better digital capabilities and infrastructure despite the considerable advancements in digitisation. It must strike a careful balance between keeping up with global trends and guaranteeing a fair access to digital resources for all of its residents as technology develops at an unprecedented rate. The competitiveness might suffer as a result, but it it is crucial for authorities to give digital infrastructure and skills development top priority.

Bangladesh must exercise caution when pursuing its strategic goals in the online world given the constantly changing nature of international relations. The country finds itself at a crossroads of complicated geopolitical dynamics because of divergent views and goals among major international entities such as China, India and the United States. It continues to be difficult to strike a balance between these strategic goals. Bangladesh’s place in the digital world will be shaped by its capacity to negotiate this complex web of international interactions.

While digitisation creates opportunity, it also makes Bangladesh vulnerable to several risks. Among the urgent issues are cyberattacks, data breaches, false information and the digital divide. When hackers stole $81 million from Bangladesh’s central bank account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in 2016, the country suffered a serious setback, which highlighted its vulnerability to cybercrimes.

In addition, Bangladesh struggles with poor internet access, low levels of digital literacy and problems with online safety, especially in rural areas. Enhancing cybersecurity and bridging the digital gaps are vital requirements for a long-term digital development.

Till January 2023, Bangladesh has created two million job opportunities for its youth in the ICT sector in the process of digitisation despite several challenges. The country has a network of 2,000 digital services portals and about 130 million active internet users, allowing it to serve around 10 million crore users each month.

The economic environment has been transformed by digitisation, but it has also had a significant influence on the cultural legacy. Digital platforms act as caretakers of the priceless assets, giving literature, music, art and architecture a new lease of life. It is now easy and more widespread than ever before to preserve and promote Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.

Digitisation has spawned fresh ways of participating in and expressing cultural expressions in addition to helping to preserve a legacy. Online platforms, digital art, social networking and e-commerce have prepared places for artistic expression and business opportunities. While the advancements present promising opportunities, they also bring with them problems that must be solved to create a healthy digital society, including social comparison, addiction and cyberbullying.

Bangladesh is poised to undergo a digital transition that might change how it interacts with the rest of the world. Advantages of digitisation are numerous, ranging from economic empowerment to cross-cultural cooperation. The country must, however, overcome obstacles including falling behind technologically, juggling strategic objectives and dealing with threats and weaknesses.

Bangladesh has the chance to use technology to advance onto the international scene while retaining its unique cultural history as it embraces the digital era. Coordinated efforts, financial commitments, and a thorough knowledge of the digital ecosystem are necessary to accomplish this. Bangladesh also has the chance to take the lead both within the region and globally in a world where the digital gap is closing.