The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector is poised to potentially outshine the garment industry in terms of foreign export earnings by the year 2041. Bangladesh is currently experiencing a promising demographic phase, with a highly talented and capable young generation that holds the potential to achieve remarkable feats given the right skills and conducive environment.
At the closing ceremony of a two-day BPO conference organized by Bangladesh Association of Contact Center and Outsourcing (BACCO) Post and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar said this on Sunday.
The conference, presided over by ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak and attended by BTRC Chairman Shyam Sundar Sikder and Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh, discussed the potential of the BPO sector and ways to overcome challenges to unlock its growth.
The minister emphasized the importance of digital transformation in education to cultivate smart human resources among the young population. He acknowledged the significant success of commercial organizations in the country and underscored the need for communication-skilled human resources in the BPO sector, suggesting that training could bridge the gap.
He encouraged technology trade bodies to step up and provide proper training to develop digital skills in the workforce required for their respective institutions. Highlighting the achievements of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Digital Bangladesh program over the past 14.5 years, Jabbar mentioned the remarkable progress in internet accessibility and usage. The cost of internet per Mbps has significantly reduced, and the number of internet users has increased exponentially. He revealed that 98 percent of the country’s areas are now covered by the 4G mobile network. Speaking at the event, ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak discussed the successful launch of the 999 service and the planned training of 25,000 women in entrepreneurship for inclusive development.
BTRC Chairman Shyam Sundar Sikder assured attendees that efforts are underway to simplify the BPO licensing process, removing the obstacles of filling multiple forms. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Tapan Kanti Ghosh, expressed the Ministry's commitment to provide policy support for the expansion of the IT industry, aiming to harness the potential of skilled manpower and tap into Europe's service sector opportunities.
BACCO President Waheed Sharif extended gratitude to all participants and announced the successful conclusion of the conference.
Throughout the BPO Conference, a total of 16 departmental level seminars were held across the country, with workshops organized in 30 educational institutions for the youth. The event saw active participation, with approximately 60 lakh netizens engaging through social media platforms.
