Panel Session 05

Bangladesh into Future: Unlocking Digital Potential

Friday, Apr 18, 2025 from 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM

About This Session

​Bangladesh is rapidly emerging as a digital powerhouse, with its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector projected to reach a market volume of $22.02 billion by 2028, reflecting an annual growth rate of 8.86% from 2025 to 2028. This digital surge is complemented by a rapidly expanding internet user base, with over 125 million mobile phone subscriptions as of 2024, according to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). ​

The government’s ambitious target to boost ICT exports from $1.8 billion to $5 billion by 2029 underscores the sector’s potential. Notably, projections suggest that the ICT sector could contribute up to 37.1% of the country’s GDP by 2040, positioning it as a central pillar of economic growth. ​

The panel discussion on “Bangladesh into Future: Unlocking Digital Potential” will delve into the multifaceted aspects of this digital transformation. Participants will explore the integration of digital technologies across various sectors, emphasizing how such integration can drive efficiency, innovation, and economic resilience. The discourse will also highlight the burgeoning investment opportunities within Bangladesh’s digital economy, identifying key areas ripe for foreign collaboration and partnership.​

Attendees can anticipate gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current digital landscape in Bangladesh, including insights into government initiatives, private sector innovations, and the overall trajectory of the ICT sector. The panel aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, offering a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for sustainable growth and the role of international partnerships in this journey.​

Speakers

Akash Dobber

CEO,
BJIT NL

Matthias Hansch

Managing Director,
Brain Station 23, Germany

Mir Shahrukh Islam

Managing Director & CEO,
Bondstein

A.H.M. Ahasan

Vice Chairman & CEO,
Export Promotion Bureau (EPB)

André van Ommeren​

Managing Director International Development, RVO

Joost Oorthuizen​

CEO, 
Invest International 

Judith Arends​

Managing Director, Centre for the Promotion of Imports (CBI)

Mathilde Miedema​

Program Director, Innovation for Development, TNO

H. E. M. Riaz Hamidullah

Ambassador, Bangladesh to The Kingdom of The Netherlands 

Sohel Sadat

Chairman & Managing Director,
Shin Shin Group