Study / Research ID: DCD_ICT_S_BDTitle: Data Collection and Dissemination of ICT Statistics: The Bangladesh ExperienceMonth: Year: NOT SURE (2002 or 2003)Sponsor: Reported by: Sector/Focus: An overview of government initiatives to facilitate the spread of ICT in the country; the status of ICT statistics data collection in Bangladesh; the status of the government agency responsible for collection of ICT statistics and its dissemination.

Methodology

Secondary sources include Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Bangladesh Telephone & Telegraph Board (BTTB), MoSICT (GoB).

Overview

The report started with the authors taking into account events that emphasize the importance of ICT and the generation and dissemination of ICT statistics. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: Section 2 provides an overview of government initiatives to facilitate the spread of ICT in the country. Section 3 focuses on status of ICT statistics data collection in Bangladesh Section 4 presents the status of the government agency responsible for collection of ICT statistics and its dissemination. Section 5 presents few concluding observations.

Findings

The government has undertaken a number of initiatives - policies, programs, projects and regulations to create a vibrant ICT sector and to ensure access of all sections of the population in all regions of the country to the new technology.

There has not been any attempt in the country to undertake a comprehensive survey to collect information on the use of ICT at the household and individual levels. However, the growing importance of this sector stresses the need to have such a survey. The paper goes on to discuss how BBS would be preparing the questionnaire in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.

BBS had already included 4 questions on ICT in a previous survey which revealed some important statistics.

A major study titled “Comprehensive Study of e-Government Initiatives in Bangladesh- 2003” covering areas of existing ICT infrastructure, inventory of ICT resources, nature of use of ICTs, training schemes and maintenance mechanisms in government offices across the country. The major findings from this study has been

included in this paper along with the status of IT trained manpower in the government and the hindrances to e-Government.

The paper discusses in details about Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the National statistical organization (NSO) of Bangladesh. It outlines the functions of BBS in relation to ICT, the main Computing Resources (hardware, software and human resources) of Computer Wing of BBS.

Comments

The paper served its purpose quite well. But it could have taken a more active role and gone for some primary information, rather than solely depending on secondary sources.

This paper is an enlightening one when it comes to enhancing our knowledge regarding BBS.

It was a bit short-sightedness of the author to exclude the private statistics organizations from the study.

Study / Research ID: BD_QEU_MAR2007Title: Bangladesh Quarterly Economic Update Month: MarchYear: 2007Sponsor: Asian Development Bank (ADB)Reported by: The Economics Unit of the Bangladesh Resident Mission, Asian Development Bank (ADB)Sector/Focus:

MethodologyThe report only makes use of secondary information.

Overview

Findings

The global market for information technology enabled services (ITES) including BPO is estimated at $1,000 billion in 2007 and it is growing at a rate of about 30%.

Asia has been a major destination for BPO with India, Philippines, and PRC being the large players. Bangladesh has always been a straggler.

BPO services can take many forms, they are well defined, and their successful completion can be easily measured.

Bangladesh largely lags the major BPO exporters mainly because of limited capacity of firms, unskilled human resources, and poor infrastructure.

BPO services growth in the vendor countries has been propelled by a combination of factors, including improvements in ICT and the skills base of workers.

India is often cited as the leading BPO destination. It has been helped by low labor costs, skilled English speaking workforce, business-friendly ICT environment, and favorable time zone differences with the client countries.

High population, cultural affinity with the major markets, and advanced telecommunications infrastructure are the key factors driving the robust BPO growth in the Philippines.

Bangladesh can initially start by transforming its low cost workforce into a valuable asset through adequate training and professional development. Vendors currently offering basic functions can gradually gather more experience and aim to offer advanced data processing services and more comprehensive solutions. To offer high value-added services, Bangladeshi vendors need to establish a strong international reputation and brand equity.

Several issues need to be addressed at the firm and macro levels to adequately respond to the constraints facing Bangladesh.

As the industry becomes increasingly competitive, it will demando A better trained workforce and skillso Improved quality of serviceso Significantly high professional skillso Excellent communication and basic knowledge about the client country’s

culture To better capitalize on existing opportunities, Bangladesh needs to:

o focus on offering high value-added functions, rather than striving to increase earnings only through greater volume;

o boost their capacity and workforce skills, define business plans, and develop marketing strategies;

o have regulatory support in place to accelerate outsourcing services growth in the country;

o offer a stable political environment as political risk is an important factor in decisions to move work.

Comments

The report can act as an eye opener for all the thinkers and investors in Bangladesh. It lacks a greater Bangladesh perspective on an objective viewpoint. There should

have been some examples or more concrete suggestions rather than subjective comments as to how Bangladesh can transform into an important BPO vendor.