The government of Bangladesh has allocated Tk 1.5 trillion for the development of digital infrastructure in the country, with a focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, according to the national budget for FY 2026-27. This investment is expected to boost the country’s digital ecosystem, with officials saying it will broaden economic participation. The budget signals a bold policy shift, elevating the information and communication technology sector into its top 10 strategic national priorities. According to officials, this move aims to link identity, payments, and government services through a unified digital framework.
Project Overview
Bangladesh has been exploring new avenues for cooperation in infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, including a recent AI-ICT & Infra Roadshow 2026 in Dhaka, where it discussed potential partnerships with South Korea. The country is also set to deploy Starlink, a digital services platform, in partnership with Veon, which has seen a 19% rise in core profit driven by higher demand for digital services.
Key Objectives
- Develop a unified digital framework to link identity, payments, and government services
- Boost the country’s digital ecosystem through investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation
- Elevate the information and communication technology sector into the top 10 strategic national priorities
Status & Implementation
According to officials, the implementation of the digital agenda is underway, with a focus on expanding economic participation through digital ID and wallets. The deployment of Starlink in Bangladesh is also expected to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure. However, officials said that the success of these initiatives will depend on the ability to address potential risks and challenges, including cybersecurity threats.
Strategic Context
The development of Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure is part of a broader regional strategy, with countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka exploring the possibility of a South Asian Economic and Mobility Union (SAEMU). According to experts, this bloc could strengthen the strategic logic for regional cooperation, driven by geopolitical risk and the need for shared prosperity. As Bangladesh invests in its digital infrastructure, it is likely to play a key role in this regional initiative, with officials saying that the country’s digital ecosystem will be a key driver of economic growth and development.
Related Coverage
Read more from trusted sources:
- Bangladesh-Korea roadshow focuses on AI, infrastructure (duckduckgo news)
- Bangladesh positions digital ID and wallets as economic infrastructure (duckduckgo news)
- The FY2026-27 digital agenda (duckduckgo news)
- Veon’s core profit rises on digital services as it prepares Starlink deployment in Bangladesh (reuters)
- The Vision for SAEMU: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka’s Path to Shared Prosperity (duckduckgo news)
