November 5, 2024, 12:08 pm


Staff Correspondent

Published:
2024-10-13 19:38:53 BdST

Tech entrepreneurs urge interim gov'tBan foreign software for local industry to flourish


Bangladeshi software entrepreneurs have urged the interim government to impose a ban on foreign software solutions to help the local industry thrive.

There should be clear guidelines for the local software industry. The country has lost millions of dollars due to unregulated foreign development and donor agencies. There needs to be a compliance framework to promote Bangladeshi software.

Fida Haq, coordinator of the Technology Industry Policy Advocacy Platform (TIPAP), said this during a meeting.

Haq, who is also the co-chairman of the fintech and digital payment standing committee at BASIS, emphasised the importance of releasing funds for large-scale government projects to curb corruption.

The discussion, organised by TIPAP at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the capital, brought together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s technology sector, focusing on the adoption of best practices.

Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), attended as the chief guest, while Mahmud Hossain, commissioner of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), served as the special guest.

The event was moderated by TIPAP coordinators Fahim Mashroor and Fida Haq, with TallyKhata Chief Executive Officer Shahadat Khan delivering the keynote presentation.

Fahim Mashroor expressed frustration regarding the lack of support for online freelancers, despite their contribution to earning foreign currency.

“Freelancers are supposed to receive a 4% incentive, but they are not getting it. Online gambling is more widespread in villages than Yaba, and mobile financial services are supporting it."

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