ED: Putting the focus on tech

The future is all about tech and Bangladesh, in that regard, cannot afford to be left behind.

True, 2020 has been a difficult year, but one thing Covid-19 has done is force us to not only realize the importance of access to computers and digital services for all, but digital literacy as well. Even the most state-of-art device will not prove useful in the hands of someone who does not know how to use it.

It is encouraging to see companies like eGeneration take seriously the challenge of taking Bangladesh to the next step in one of the largest avenues of tech -- software. The firm is the first software technology company in Bangladesh to go for an IPO, and this would mean big things for the field.

There is tremendous potential for other companies to do the same -- gradually. Bangladesh is full of young and driven tech entrepreneurs, software engineers, and those with ideas that can radically transform our tech scene and push us into the future. All they need is our encouragement.

Sadly, the business environment in Bangladesh is still not a particularly friendly one. With so much red tape and corruption in bureaucracy and admission, entrepreneurs can hardly be blamed for not wanting to wade into the world of business.

Innovative thinking is also not encouraged on a policy level. When basic internet freedoms are subject to unpredictable changes -- we have seen the government block sites like Facebook and Youtube in the past -- tech-minds in Bangladesh are easily discouraged, preferring to move abroad for better opportunities.

It is time, then, to ramp up efforts to retain the tech talent in the country, and embrace innovation, not just in our words, but in our policies.