The national budget reflects the government's commitment towards Digital Bangladesh, but possibly falls short with respect to giving a clear direction about the approach it will take to realise the goal. Its commitment is indicated by the fact that the total allocation for ICT-related components has substantially increased from last year.
The options to overcome the odds to bring about a revolutionary change in rural lifestyle in terms of internet use, telemedicine help and e-education are quite a few and some of them could be addressed through budgetary measures.
The Awami League led ruling government had pledged to turn the country as a Digital Bangladesh during there election campaign in last year. ICT is the main tool of the government to fulfill their commitment of changing the old days and bringing new in that place. They have lots of opportunities to do in this field.
As per the proposed budget for fiscal 2009-10, the ICT and telecommunication sector will receive a total allocation of Tk 563 crore, which was Tk 265 crore in the revised budget for fiscal 2008-09.
We are gratified to note the government's announcement that it is moving ahead with a plan to automate the operations of the Dhaka Custom House (DCH) and that this is merely the first step in an ambitious plan to computerise the entire governmental apparatus during this government's five-year tenure.
There can be no doubt that automating the customs systems is long overdue and will have myriad benefits to importers and exporters, which one hopes will ultimately be passed on to the consumer in the form of lower prices.
Read more: Bangladesh: Dhaka Custom House automation project