The book uses data from 2025-2026 to show real progress and future steps, making it a useful guide for anyone interested in the country’s digital shift.

This review gives it 4 out of 5 stars for its clear facts and targets, though it could include more real-life examples to engage readers better.​

Summary of content

The book starts by looking at Bangladesh’s freelancing success. By 2025-2026, there will be about 650,000 active freelancers, with some counts up to 850,000. This makes Bangladesh the second largest freelancing country after India. These workers, mostly young people under 35, earn 500 to 650 million dollars a year through sites like Upwork and Fiverr. Cheap mobile data, 4G networks, and services like bKash have helped make this happen. Ahmad explains how this has turned educated youth into earners who beat local wages, such as those in garment factories.​

Next, he covers the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041, built on four main pillars. Smart Citizen means everyone gets digital skills, AI tools, and bank access. Smart Government targets fully paperless services, digital IDs for all, and AI to help decisions. Smart Economy wants ICT to make up 20% of GDP, up from 2-3% now, with IT exports reaching 5 to 10 billion dollars. Smart Society brings tech to health with telemedicine, farming with IoT sensors and drones, and warnings for disasters. The book links this to the ICT Master Plan 2041, which lists over 40 big projects. These include rolling out 5G across the country, building government cloud centres, and training millions in AI and data skills. The plan splits into phases: foundations by 2031, scaling to 2036, and full rollout by 2041.​

Later parts talk about key groups like the ICT Division, which leads strategy, and BASIS, which speaks for IT firms. Ahmad also covers partnerships between government and private companies, such as deals for data centres and phone towers. He ends with ways to grow exports, moving from basic tasks like data entry to high-value work in software products and cyber security.​

Strengths

Ahmad does a good job of keeping things simple and backed by numbers. For example, IT exports hit 724.6 million dollars in 2024-25, and he shows tables comparing today’s state to 2041 goals. One table lists digital ID coverage at 120 million people now, aiming for everyone with mobile versions later. This makes big ideas easy to follow. He points out wins, like youth choosing freelance work that pays far more than local jobs, and real problems, such as unstable income—half earn under 300 dollars a month—and AI taking routine tasks.​

The book feels spot on for 2026. With 5G tests starting and budgets adding AI funds, Ahmad’s ideas match current needs. He suggests fixes that make sense: 8% cash bonuses for exports, more training through BASIS, and a national body to sort out overlaps between agencies. Sections on partnerships give clear examples, like private firms building cloud storage with government support. For freelancers or IT company owners, the paths to better pay—such as shifting to AI tools or managed services—offer direct advice.​

Short chapters and bold quotes keep it readable. Ahmad writes in plain terms, focusing on steps forward rather than just problems. This helps readers see how small changes, like better rural internet, can lead to big gains in jobs and money coming into the country.​

Final thoughts

The book relies a lot on numbers and plans, which can feel dry at times. There are many stats on earnings or growth rates, but few stories about actual people. For instance, it mentions rural freelancers facing power cuts, but does not share a case of someone overcoming it. This makes it more like a report than an engaging read.​

Some goals look very bold without full backup plans. Reaching 20% GDP from ICT needs huge effort, but risks like floods damaging networks or funding shortfalls get less space. The focus stays on government and big firms, with less on how average workers can join in day to day. At 455,000 characters, it covers a lot but skips pictures or graphs beyond basic tables, which could help show trends like freelancer growth over time.​

This book fits students studying ICT policies, workers in tech firms, government staff, and anyone keen on Bangladesh’s future. If you freelance or run a small IT business, the export tips and skill ideas will help. It suits Dhaka office workers or rural starters looking to earn online. 

In short, read it if you want a no-nonsense look at building a stronger digital Bangladesh. It skips fluff for substance, guiding the country from today’s gains to 2041 targets. Well worth the time as tech plans take shape in 2026

Find the book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GLFPNT4J