Title: Narratives on Digital Bangladesh: Shared Meanings, Shared Concerns
Authors: Jude Genilo, Shamsul Islam, Marium Akther
Pages: 21 pp.
Source: CPRsouth
Date (published): 15/12/2009
Date (accessed): 21/12/2009
Type of information: conference paper
Language: English
On-line access: yes (pdf)
Abstract:
(CPRsouth4: Speaking Truth to Power, Conference, 7 - 8 December 2009, Negombo, Sri Lanka)
One of the campaign promises of the interim Awami League government was a “Digital Bangladesh” by 2021. What the phrase exactly meant remained unclear. Political speeches offered little clues amid the jargon. Hence, some political analysts think that the government simply wanted a political slogan that associated them with modern and progressive thinking. Such was done to win over the educated and young voters, who demanded from the government a strategic emphasis on using Information and Communication Technologies. In using such a catchy slogan, however, the government placed “Digital Bangladesh” on the public agenda. Academic conferences, roundtable discussions and media stories have been executed in its name. This paper looked at the emerging narratives concerning “Digital Bangladesh” to provide some direction to the current government regarding popular consensus - particularly the shared meanings and shared concerns taking shape. It sought to answer the question: What are the understandings of Digital Bangladesh by the various sectors of society – government, business, media, academe, information technology and civil society? The paper used a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design using the research methods of document examination, interviews and discourse analysis.

From the data, the paper illustrated that there were still no clear definitions, goals and roadmaps on Digital Bangladesh. However, there existed a consensus regarding its beneficiaries, scope, components and feasibility. The study recommended that government continue with and expand the dialogue on Digital Bangladesh, particularly in areas where there have been no clear shared meanings. Government should likewise take off from emerging consensus and address the shared concerns, especially in designing future policies.

See also:
Presentation pdf
Policy Brief pdf