|| TechConnect 2026 highlights AI, connectivity and digital infrastructure as drivers of economic growthDesk Report: Bangladesh aims to create one million jobs in the digital sector over the next five years as the government looks to accelerate economic growth through artificial intelligence (AI), stronger connectivity and technology-driven industrial development.The ambitious target was announced at Bangladesh TechConnect 2026, a technology-focused event held in Dhaka on Tuesday, bringing together more than 500 policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academics, technology experts and development partners to explore how digital transformation can strengthen the country's economy.Jointly organised by the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Huawei, the event was held under the theme “Bangladesh First”, with discussions focusing on investment, innovation, industrial efficiency and the development of a knowledge-based economy.Faqir Mahbub Anam, MP, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology, inaugurated the event in the presence of senior government officials and Huawei representatives.The minister said the government was committed to building a prosperous, knowledge-based economy by developing resilient digital infrastructure, positioning Bangladesh as a hub for information technology and AI, and expanding employment opportunities in the digital sector.He also acknowledged Huawei's contribution to the country's telecommunications and AI sectors, expressing interest in continued cooperation to accelerate digital development.The job creation target comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to diversify its economy, attract investment, improve productivity and create employment opportunities for its growing workforce. Experts at the event discussed how technology could help businesses reduce costs, improve services and compete more effectively in domestic and international markets.Dr Md Kamruzzaman, ndc, secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, said TechConnect had developed into a national platform for bringing together government, industry, academia and development partners.He stressed that digital infrastructure should not be viewed as a luxury but as an essential foundation for a prosperous, investment-driven and knowledge-based economy.Reliable internet connectivity, modern telecommunications networks and accessible digital services are increasingly important for businesses, educational institutions, healthcare providers and government agencies. Improved infrastructure could also help businesses outside major cities access wider markets and adopt modern technologies.Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, outlined five strategic pillars for Bangladesh's digital transformation: a strong legal and policy framework, reliable connectivity, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and domestic manufacturing.He said the government had started work on formulating a national AI policy and hoped to develop it within the next three to four months.A comprehensive policy framework could help establish guidelines for the responsible use of AI, encourage investment and support the development of local technological capabilities. Cybersecurity and data protection will also be important as more businesses and public institutions adopt digital services.Jason Wu, president of Huawei South Asia Region, said the company was committed to working with the government and industry partners to advance digital infrastructure and technology adoption in Bangladesh.He said Huawei's capabilities in connectivity, cloud computing and AI could help local industries improve efficiency, develop new services and contribute to the country's long-term digital growth.Three panel discussions examined future technologies and connectivity, technology's role in improving industrial efficiency, and global AI trends and Bangladesh's readiness to adopt the technology.The discussions explored the commercial potential of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and enterprise connectivity in sectors including ready-made garment manufacturing, ports, agriculture and healthcare.Participants also examined how cloud computing, automation, AI-powered security systems and smart technologies could improve productivity, reduce operating expenses and strengthen public service delivery.For Bangladesh's export-oriented industries, particularly the garment sector, technology adoption could help streamline production, improve supply-chain management and increase operational efficiency. In agriculture, digital tools could support better access to market information and services, while healthcare providers could benefit from improved connectivity and technology-enabled services.However, wider adoption of AI will depend on reliable infrastructure, adequate data, skilled workers and supportive policies. Businesses will also need to assess the costs of adopting new technologies and ensure that workers receive appropriate training.The discussions highlighted the importance of preparing the workforce for changing employment requirements as automation and AI become more widely used across industries.Alongside the panel sessions, a technology exhibition showcased solutions in enterprise digitalisation, smart government, smart education, digital power, smartphones and AI applications.Executive roundtables on Digital Power, AI and Enterprise, and Digital Economy and Jobs provided opportunities for representatives from different sectors to exchange ideas and explore future cooperation.The event underscored the growing importance of digital technology in Bangladesh's economic development. Turning the discussions into tangible results, however, will depend on effective policy implementation, sustained investment, wider access to reliable connectivity and the development of a skilled workforce.If these priorities are addressed, digital transformation could help Bangladesh improve industrial competitiveness, attract investment, expand access to public services and create new employment opportunities.The government's target of one million digital-sector jobs over the next five years will therefore depend not only on technological progress but also on how effectively businesses, educational institutions and public agencies work together to build an inclusive digital economy.