People attend the NYC Uncubed tech recruiting
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 17: People attend the NYC Uncubed tech recruiting event on May 17, 2013 in New York City. 1,100 people were expected to attend the unconventional employment event featuring 50 New York City based startups offering skills classes, ping pong, and beer and wine. Around 1,000 tech companies now operate in the city with the industry having grown by 30 percent since 2005. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Bangladesh has set a clear five-year target to generate one million new jobs in the digital sector as part of a wider effort to turn the country into a competitive hub for information technology and artificial intelligence in South Asia. The announcement came from Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam during the opening of Bangladesh TechConnect 2026, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

The jobs goal is framed within the government's "Bangladesh First" policy under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Minister Anam stressed that digital infrastructure must move beyond basic access and start delivering measurable gains in productivity, employment and economic value. He highlighted three core priorities: building inclusive and resilient broadband networks, converting connectivity into real economic output, and treating artificial intelligence as both a major opportunity and a responsibility that requires careful oversight.

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Officials from the Information and Communication Technology Division outlined five strategic pillars to support the target. These include a strong legal and policy foundation, reliable nationwide connectivity, development of digital public infrastructure, focused progress on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity. Work on a national AI policy has already started, with completion expected within the next three to four months. Plans for a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Act are also advancing as part of the regulatory framework for emerging technologies.

Speakers at the conference, organised jointly by the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Huawei, pointed to practical gaps that still limit progress. Entry-level smartphones currently cost around Tk 9,000 to Tk 10,000, a level that remains out of reach for many households compared with basic feature phones. Experts called for more investment in data centres, fibre-connected mobile towers, disaster-resilient backup systems and Bangla-language digital services so that connectivity can reach underserved communities and small entrepreneurs. Huawei South Asia President Jason Wu confirmed the company's willingness to partner on infrastructure, skills development and technology adoption across local industries.

Panel discussions explored how next-generation connectivity, including 5G and fixed wireless access, could support key sectors such as ready-made garments, ports, agriculture and healthcare. Participants also emphasised the need for a larger skilled workforce capable of applying AI tools in everyday business and public services. While nearly the entire population is covered by 4G networks, further capacity upgrades will be required to handle growing data traffic linked to AI applications.

The one-million-job target reflects a broader push to move Bangladesh beyond traditional export sectors and create higher-value employment for its large young population. Success will depend on consistent investment in networks, affordable devices, local talent development and clear rules for AI use. TechConnect 2026 signalled that digital jobs, AI readiness and infrastructure upgrades are now central to the country's medium-term economic strategy rather than secondary objectives.

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