12 challenges hinder software exports from Bangladesh

Ibrahim Khalil Jewel: Bangladesh is a developing country, which has made significant progress in the information technology (IT) sector in recent years. With a growing pool of talented professionals, the country has the potential to become a leading software exporter in the region. However, despite this potential, there are several challenges that need to be overcome in order to successfully export software from Bangladesh.
The software market size of Bangladesh is currently estimated to be around US$ 1 billion, with a yearly growth rate of around 20%.
Market insiders say that the export size of Bangladesh’s software industry is estimated to be around US$ 250 million to US$ 300 million per year. This figure is expected to grow in the coming years, as the country continues to develop its IT industry and gain recognition for the quality of its software products and services.
Bangladesh mainly exports software services, including software development, web development, and IT consulting. The country’s software exports are primarily focused on markets in North America and Europe, although there is also a growing demand for Bangladeshi software solutions in Asia and the Middle East.
Bangladesh primarily exports software services to countries in North America and Europe. Some of the key markets for Bangladeshi software exports include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada.
In addition to these developed markets, there is also a growing demand for Bangladeshi software solutions in developing countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East. The increasing demand for software services in these regions offers a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to further expand its software exports.
It is important to note that while the majority of Bangladesh’s software exports are focused on the North American and European markets, the country is also making efforts to diversify its software exports and tap into new markets. The government has taken steps to promote the IT industry and increase the country’s visibility in the global software market, which will help to attract more international customers and increase the export size of the software industry.
The software industry in Bangladesh mainly focuses on software development, web development, and IT consulting. Some of the key industries that are driving the growth of the software market in Bangladesh include finance, retail, healthcare, and telecommunications.
The main challenges faced by software exporters in Bangladesh are:
Lack of infrastructure and resources: One of the biggest challenges facing software exporters in Bangladesh is the lack of infrastructure and resources. This includes inadequate access to technology, limited internet connectivity, and insufficient funding for software development projects. In order to overcome this challenge, the government needs to invest in infrastructure development and provide financial support to the IT sector.
Additionally, private companies should invest in technology and human resources to help the IT industry grow and become more competitive in the global market.
Lack of standardization: Another challenge faced by software exporters in Bangladesh is the lack of standardization. This includes a lack of standardization in software development processes, documentation, and testing. This can lead to difficulties in software compatibility, maintenance, and quality control. To overcome this challenge, the IT industry needs to adopt international standards and best practices in software development. Additionally, software development companies should invest in training programs to help their employees improve their skills and adopt best practices.
Limited market access: Limited market access is another challenge faced by software exporters in Bangladesh. This includes difficulties in penetrating new markets, promoting products, and establishing distribution channels. To overcome this challenge, software development companies need to focus on building a strong brand image and investing in marketing and promotion activities. Additionally, the government needs to negotiate trade agreements with other countries to provide software exporters with better market access.
Lack of specialized skills: Another challenge faced by software exporters in Bangladesh is the lack of specialized skills. This includes a shortage of software developers with expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT). To overcome this challenge, the IT industry needs to invest in training programs to help employees develop the necessary skills. Additionally, software development companies should collaborate with universities and colleges to establish programs that provide students with hands-on training in emerging technologies.
Inadequate legal framework: The inadequate legal framework is another challenge faced by software exporters in Bangladesh. This includes a lack of intellectual property protection, difficulty in resolving disputes, and limited access to funding. To overcome this challenge, the government needs to establish a strong legal framework that provides software exporters with the protection they need. Additionally, software development companies should invest in legal expertise to help them navigate the legal system and resolve disputes effectively.
Lack of innovation: Lack of innovation is another challenge faced by software exporters in Bangladesh. This includes a lack of investment in research and development, limited access to cutting-edge technology, and a lack of creativity and originality. To overcome this challenge, software development companies need to invest in innovation and research and development. Additionally, the government needs to provide financial support for innovation and encourage collaboration between academia and the private sector.
Skilled workforce: There is a shortage of highly skilled IT professionals in Bangladesh, which makes it difficult for software companies to find the talent they need to grow their businesses.
Language barriers: Many software developers in Bangladesh speak limited English, which can make it difficult for them to communicate effectively with clients in other countries.
Intellectual property protection: There are still concerns about intellectual property protection in Bangladesh, which can make it difficult for software companies to protect their products and ensure they are not pirated.
Lack of funding: Software companies in Bangladesh often struggle to secure funding, which makes it difficult for them to grow and expand their businesses.
Competition: There is a growing number of software development companies in Bangladesh, which makes it more challenging for individual companies to differentiate themselves and stand out in the marketplace.
Cultural differences: Cultural differences between Bangladesh and other countries can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and difficulties in communication, which can negatively impact software exports.
Despite the challenges faced by software exporters in Bangladesh, the country has the potential to become a leading software exporter in the region. However, in order to achieve this goal, the government and the private sector need to work together to overcome the challenges and provide the necessary resources and support to the IT industry. By overcoming these obstacles, Bangladesh will be able to realize its potential and become a leading player in the global software export market.