The concept of Digital Bangladesh was coined during the last national election when political parties emphasised ICT-based economic and social development in their election manifestos. Various analyses reveal that the success of the elected party can be largely attributed to two factors: the pledge to try war criminals and the announcement of an economic programme leading towards Digital Bangladesh by 2021. The government is now trying to shape up how Digital Bangladesh should look and working on a national strategy. [8]
Globally, ICTs have enormous potential to transform societies. ICTs offer flexibility of time and space, a way out of isolation, and access to knowledge resources. Therefore Digital Bangladesh, if implemented correctly, could have a far reaching impact to many disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. Equally Bangladesh as a country is in a time of flux, with gender assumptions changing as a part of broader process of economic transition and social shifts. Within the context of such change, Digital Bangladesh, still in its early stages of design, could be used as powerful tool to create gender sensitive opportunities in business, education, citizenship and government.
ICTs transformative attributes are a valuable resource for women in developing countries who often suffer from limited availability of time, social isolation, and lack of access to knowledge and resources.[10] "Engendering ICTs" is the process of identifying and removing gender disparities in the access to, and use of, ICTs, as well as adapting ICTs to the special needs, constraints, and opportunities of women. [5]
The effective inclusion and empowerment of women through ICTs will not occur if the approaches and technologies used are not gender sensitive. Creating equal opportunities and sustainable economic growth for women requires improved understanding and awareness of the challenges that women face. [5]
