This document discusses strategies for building an industry-ready IT workforce for Bangladesh's "Digital Bangladesh" initiative. It identifies several challenges, including gaps between skills demanded by industry and supplied by academia. It proposes several initiatives to address these challenges, such as the IPSAEP program to assess and train unemployed and employed IT graduates to meet industry needs. Overall, the document emphasizes the need for clear HRD targets and greater collaboration between industry, academia and government to develop a skilled IT workforce.

1. Digital
Bangladesh
How Can We build Industry
Ready HR for IT?
March 20, 2009
Fokhruz Zaman, BASIS

2. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh2
EVOLUTION
TODO List
1. Clearly Define HRD Targets in ICT for Digital Bangladesh
2. Work with Industry and Academia, stop the “blame game”
3. Focus on few priority ICT Sub-Sectors, like GDS, BPO,
Mobile Apps, etc..
4. Build employable ICT Professionals, Look beyond the ICT
Graduates : Implement IPSAEP Successfully
5. Build competent ICT Technicians, Look below the “typical
graduate professional line” : Revise the TVET with ICT
6. Stop “brain drain” : Keep highly-skilled experienced ICT
Professionals, Bring NRB ICT talents back home
7. Build HRD Centers of Excellence in ICT

3. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh3
EVOLUTION
Topics
• “Digital Bangladesh” as we “see” it !
• ICT Industry in Bangladesh
• HRD – The Learning Model
• The “Demand vs Supply” Gap Dilemma !
• HRD Initiatives in the ICT Industry
• Way Forward

4. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh4
EVOLUTION
• PM’s ICT Task Force in 2000
• ICT declared as thrust sector in 2001 with MoSICT Ministry
• ICT Policy 2002
• WSIS Declaration in 2005
• ICT Act 2006
• Right to Information Ordinance in 2008
• Revised ICT Policy 2008
• ‘Information Society/Knowledge economy’ talks/articles all along
• ‘Digital Bangladesh’ promise in AL election manifesto
Mostly rhetoric in the past
‘Important’ agenda buried under short-term urgencies
Possible
Evolution ?

5. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh5
ICT Policy 2008
Vision
• Expand and diversify the use of ICTs to establish a
– transparent, responsive and accountable government;
– develop skilled human resources;
– enhance social equity;
– ensure cost-effective delivery of citizen-services through
public-private partnerships;
– support the national goal of becoming a middle-income
country within ten years and join the ranks of the
developed countries of the world within thirty years.

6. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh6
Objectives of
ICT Policy
Shared
Vision
Social
Equity
Support
to ICTs
IntegrityHealthcare
Productivity
Employment
Creation
Environment,
Climate and
Disaster
Management
Education &
Research Strengthening
Exports
Universal
Access
Ensure social equity, gender parity, equal opportunity and equitable
participation in nation-building through access to ICTs for all,
including persons with disabilities and special needs
Achieve higher productivity across all economic
sectors including agriculture and small, medium
and micro enterprises through the use of ICTs
Achieve transparency, accountability,
responsiveness and higher efficiency in
the delivery of citizen-services
Enlarge the pool of
world-class ICT
professionals to cater to
the local and overseas
employment
opportunities
Ensure a thriving software, ITES & IT
development and manufacturing industry to
meet domestic & global demands and thereby
increase foreign exchange earnings, attract
foreign direct investments and reduce
dependence on imports
Expand the reach and
quality of education to
all parts of the country
and segments of the
population using ICTs,
ensure computer
literacy at all levels of
education & public
service and facilitate
creation of intellectual
property & adoption of
ICTs through
appropriate R&D
Ensure
access for
everyone
Develop appropriate support
infrastructure including power
and regulatory framework for
effective adoption and use of
ICTs throughout the country
Ensure quality healthcare to
all citizens by innovative
application of ICTs
Promote environmental preservation by
adopting environment-friendly green
technologies, protect citizens from
adverse nature through responsive
disaster management technologies, and
ensure safe disposal of toxic waste
resulting from use of ICTs

7. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh7
BD ICT Industry
• Came a long way in last 20 years
• 7 – 8 million PC Users, 4 – 5 million Internet Connection including
mobile phones
• 10 Gbps Submarine connectivity
• 15,000+ SW Professionals in 400+ SW cos
• BDT 30 Billion (approx) local ICT Industry
• 20 International JVs / ODCs formed
• ICT Services to USA, Japan, Denmark, Netherlands, UK, Australia,
South Africa, Middle-East and ASEAN countries
• USD 25 Million (approx) in Exports
• EU listed BD among Top 20 ICT outsourcing countries
• Annually 5,000+ ICT students from approx 200 Universities & Institutes

8. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh8
Why ICT Industry
for us ?
• To leverage the abundant human capital and
demographic advantage of BD
• To reap “more VALUE for our effort”
• To leapfrog to become middle-income country
• To cope with the “global knowledge economy”
• To solve our specific problems
• To put our footprint globally

9. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh9
ICT Industry
Benefits
• Higher monetary value for equal amount of effort
– So better workers’ life than only RMG (US$ 200 vs US$30 per
month)
• Less competition
– in the “global knowledge economy” than the “traditional
manufacturing economy”
• Fewer hassles
– since more sophisticated, more discerning and better
educated consumers and businesses than the traditional RMG
sector

10. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh10
HRD in ICT – How ?
• What is Our Game Plan …?
– To produce sufficient HRs to play …
– In the selected Knowledge / ICT Industry segments
• Where do we want to go in next … Years…?
– Our Clear Vision
– Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely (SMART)
Objectives

11. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh11
HRD – Bloom’s
Taxonomy – Cognitive
Model
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge

12. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh12
Bloom’s
Cognitive Verbs
1. Knowledge: Tell, List, Describe, Relate, Locate, Write, Find, State, Name
2. Comprehension: Explain, Interpret, Outline, Discuss, Distinguish,
Predict, Restate, Translate, Compare, Describe
3. Application: Solve, Show, Use, Illustrate, Construct, Complete, Examine,
Classify
4. Analysis: Analyze, Distinguish, Examine, Compare, Contrast,
Investigate, Categorize, Identify, Explain, Separate
5. Synthesis: Create, Invent, Compose, Predict, Plan, Construct, Design,
Imagine, Propose, Devise, Formulate
6. Evaluation: Judge, Select, Choose, Decide, Justify, Debate, Verify,
Argue, Recommend, Assess, Discuss, Rate, Prioritize, Determine

13. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh13
HR Skills Gap - 1
• “Hard Skills” Gap on specific Knowledge Areas:
– Programming, Database / SQL, Graphic Design,
English, Mathematics etc..
• “Soft Skills” Gap for:
– Thinking / Communicating,
– Discipline / Time management, and
– TEAM Collaborations, etc…

14. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh14
HR Skills Gap - 2
• First Two Levels : “Knowledge” and
“Comprehension”
– is a MUST from Academic Education
– Which is often SADLY Missing …
• 3rd
& 4th
Levels : “Application” & “Analysis”
– Can be achieved with PROPER Academia +
Industry Collaboration
• 5th
and 6th
Levels: “Synthesis” & “Evaluation”
– Intro from Academic Education
– Achieved through Practice and Continuing Education

15. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh15
HR Skills Gap – Myths
& “Blame Game”
• Our ICT Industry is “incompetent”… 
– Doesn’t know how to handle fresh ICT Grads
– Academia is teaching high level things which Industry can’t absorb
– Escapes duties and Finds fun in blaming ICT Academia
• Our ICT Academia is “arrogant”… 
– “Can do anything” attitude; whereas no Industry experience
– Industry is fighting for survival with ever changing global ICT with no
academia support, because academia does not update courses
– Escapes duties and Finds fun in blaming the ICT Industry
• Our Government is not serious in HRD for ICT… 
– ICT as a “Thrust Sector” .. Only rhetoric and some tax holiday …
– Lacks SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely)
Objectives in HRD in both Industry and Academia

16. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh16
HR Skills : Demand
Side – 1
• Huge Global Demands
• Rather the world is crying for talents in almost
all Knowledge Industries…
– Even in this gloomy economic global crisis … 
• Local Demand is also on the rise …
• Right skills set not easily found  …

17. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh17
HR Skills : Demand
Side – 2
• More than 15,000 SW professionals in 400
registered software companies
• Avg HR growth in Software and ITS more than
30% annually
• Biotech / Pharma; ITES; Financial Services’ HR
growth are also in similar range
• HR Supply side still not adequate to meet the
demands

18. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh18
HR Skills : Supply
Side – 1
• Approx 5,000 ICT Graduates annually in BD
• Approx 200,000 Graduates annually in BD
• Approx 400,000 students pass HSC annually
– Science enrollment below 20% 
• Approx 900,000 students pass SSC annually
• Quality of HR Supply
– Very Weak in English, Math, and Concepts

19. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh19
HR Skills –
Supply Side – 2
• Knowledge Utilization : The Missing Link
• Poor Educational Infrastructure
• Inadequate Educational National Policy and
Implementations
• GIGO phenomenon in abundance
– Very Weak in English, Math, and Concepts
• 40% Poor population fails to continue in
education
– Physical Labor Opportunity cost not affordable 

20. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh20
TVET Pyramid for
ICT ?
Professional
Mid Mgr /
Sub-Asst Engr
Highly Skilled Worker /
Supervisor
Skilled Worker
Semi Skilled Worker

21. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh21
4 ICT Jobs for TVET
• ILO and ICT Industry Reps brainstormed and
suggested following 4 ICT Jobs for the TVET
Program:
– Graphic Designer
– IT Support Technician
– Web Designer
– Testing Technician

22. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh22
SE Tracks
• 5 Software Engineering Tracks
– Project Management
– System Analysis
– Software Design
– SQA & Testing
– Software Documentation

23. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh23
Sample ICT Roles
• Project Manager
• System Analyst
• Software Designer / Architect
• Software Engineer / Developer / Programmer
• SQA Engineer
• Software Tester
• Software Document Writer
• Server / Security Expert, System Admin
• Graphic Designer
• Flash Expert
• QA Manager
• Web Developer
• Desktop Publisher, etc ….

24. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh24
HRD in Industry
Typical Steps:
1. Company hires fresh ICT Grads
2. Attaches them with seniors
3. Holds orientation sessions
4. Gives small sample jobs
5. (optional) Sends to Technical Training (BCC,
BASIS, BCS, ISPAB, etc…)
6. Seniors mentor the juniors on the Job
7. Company evaluates performance

25. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh25
Why IPSAEP ?
IPSAEP => ICT Professionals Skills Assessment
and Enhancement Program
 Create opportunities for the otherwise unemployable ICT
and other competent graduates (both home & abroad)
 Bring back confidence into the CSE / ICT courses in the
Universities
 Benchmark the ICT Industry HR Demands
 Benchmark the local universities’ ICT graduates
 Satisfy the Industry Demand

26. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh26
IPSAEP Mission
 Help our local ICT Industry to meet their growing needs
for competent ICT Professionals
 Improve the quality of prospective ICT Professionals for
better career path
 Be responsible to large pool of competent fresh graduates
willing to become ICT Professionals, local ICT firms, local
universities & colleges, and other relevant stakeholders
 Prudent operations to become self-sustainable within 5
years
 Committed to succeed to contribute to national economic
growth

27. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh27
IPSAEP Future
 Be self-sufficient within 5 years of Operation
 Assess, Train and place approx 2500 ICT & other
competent graduates into job in first 2 years
 Assess, Train and place approx 15,000 ICT
Professionals in 5 years
 A Globally Renowned Institute by 2015

28. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh28
IPSAEP Core
Values
 Customer Delight -> Focus on the Customers’
ultimate delight, and all else will follow !!
 Respect for Individuals -> One Individual can
change the World !
 Integrity everywhere -> Honest, Transparent, &
Integral Business eventually wins!
 Meritocracy in all Actions -> Only Merit prevails

29. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh29
IPSAEP Overall
Strategy
 Build & Grow to a financially sustainable level
within five years
 Differentiate through High Quality Assessment
and Enhancement Programs
 Replicate success through the Universities /
Institutes
 Liaison with Global Training & Consulting
Players after local success

30. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh30
IPSAEP
Objectives
 To assess and train ICT Human Resources
 To identify and categorize specialization in ICT
Profession
 To study Local and International Job market
 To develop curriculum and content depending
on job market requirement
 To Conduct Test/Assessment
 To conduct skill development program for
professional enhancements
 To ensure quality of need-based professionals

31. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh31
IPSAEP Intakes
 Academic Qualification:
Minimum 16 Years Education
4-Years Bachelor Degree
3-Years Bachelor with honors + 1 Year Master
Degree
2-Years Bachelor + 2-Years Master Degree
 Target Group:
Unemployed Graduates
Employed Graduates

32. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh 32

33. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh 33

34. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh34
• Exam grading system reform at SSC/HSC
level for making ‘level playing field’ for Science
students
• Improve the quality of math and science
teachers
• Mandate Higher Mathematics for secondary
science students
• Introduce e-Learning to address the problem of
dearth of teachers in Math and English
Declining Science
Students in SSC, HSC

35. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh35
• Special Scholarship
– Provide 100% govt. Scholarship / financial support in ICT Study
for students getting CGPA 5 in both the secondary and higher
secondary levels
– Provide special scholarship for ICT education for 10 meritorious
students from every Upazila
• Provide long term Education Loan
– with minimum 4 yr. grace period and maximum 4% interest rate
for ICT and other Technical education
Higher Education
Affordability Issue

36. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh36
• Establish at least one public University of Science and
Technology in every district of the country. Industry should
be tied up from the beginning to ensure relevance of
curriculum and quality of teaching.
• Introduce ICT undergraduate program at the district level
colleges under National University (at least one college at
every district).
• Private Universities and Institutes should be encouraged for
offering Science/IT programs (UGC guidance for certain
percentage of Science/Technology students)
Education & Training
Institutes’ Capacity
Issue

37. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh37
• Periodic ranking of IT and other Science program of private
and public universities by a competent body (including
academia and industry) approved by UGC/MoED
• Relevant Industry should be institutionally involved in
curriculum development and supervision of quality/relevance
of training of the graduates
• Industry bodies should be supported by the Govt. for
establishing training facility for making the fresh graduates
‘industry ready’.
• Govt. should mandate the ICT / Knowledge Industry for
continuous professional development for the knowledge
workers
Education & Training
Quality and
Relevance Issue

38. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh38
• Encourage industry to collaborate with universities to carry
out their mid to long term research activities. Adopt need
based research projects with Industry, Academia and Govt.
partnership
• Provide incentives (financial, tax etc.) to industry to invest
more in product development through R&D activities
• Support Universities to link all the electronic libraries to the
global hierarchical research networks (e.g. BDREN)
R&D Issues

39. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh39
Way Forward
• Serious Resource mobilization around Digital
Bangladesh strategy
• Serious thoughts and actions in HRD for ICT
Industry
• Government, Academia and Industry MUST
Work together to build Global Quality ICT HR
for Common National Goals !!!

40. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh40
EVOLUTION
TODO List
1. Clearly Define HRD Targets in ICT for Digital Bangladesh
2. Work with Industry and Academia, stop the “blame game”
3. Focus on few priority ICT Sub-Sectors, like GDS, BPO,
Mobile Apps, etc..
4. Build employable ICT Professionals, Look beyond the ICT
Graduates : Implement IPSAEP Successfully
5. Build competent ICT Technicians, Look below the “typical
graduate professional line” : Revise the TVET with ICT
6. Stop “brain drain” : Keep highly-skilled experienced ICT
Professionals, Bring NRB ICT talents back home
7. Build HRD Centers of Excellence in ICT

41. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh41
Refs / Credits
• Bangladesh ICT Policy 2008 (proposed)
• BASIS Archive
• ITC-led BD ITES Strategy Paper
• Internet
• Mr. Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor, A2I Program, PMO
/ UNDP

42. 20.March.2009 HRD in ICT for Digital Bangladesh42
THANK YOU
VERY MUCH 