Bangladesh Smart City 2020 Overview
Bangladesh faces severe urban challenges — in transportation, water supply, energy, and waste management — driven by the world's highest population density (1,265 people/km²) and rapid urbanization (3%+ per year). Dhaka, home to 21 million people, ranks among the world's most congested cities, and the government has developed a smart city master plan to address urban challenges through ICT-driven solutions. Smart city-related investment in 2020 stood at approximately USD 500 million.
Dhaka Smart City Master Plan
RAJUK (Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha, Capital Development Authority) has developed a smart city master plan aligned with the Dhaka Structure Plan 2016–2035, organized around three pillars: smart transportation, smart utilities, and smart governance. Dhaka Metro Rail (MRT-6) is under construction targeting a 2022 opening, with Japan's JICA providing core infrastructure support.
| Project | Sector | Investment | Funder | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRT-6 (Metro Rail) | Transport | USD 2.8B | JICA | Under construction (2022 target) |
| BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) | Transport | USD 260M | ADB | Under construction |
| WASA Digital | Water | USD 300M | ADB, WB | Pilot |
| DESCO Smart Grid | Power | USD 150M | JICA | Pilot operation |
| DNCC Waste Management | Environment | USD 100M | WB | Planning |
| Intelligent Transport System | ITS | USD 50M | Korean ODA under review | Planning |
Smart Infrastructure Status
Pilot projects are underway across smart transportation (ITS), smart power (AMI), smart water (SCADA), and smart building domains. Korea's smart city experience — specifically Sejong, Songdo, and Pangyo — is being referenced as a model for Bangladesh's own development.
Korean Smart City Technology Market Entry
Korea has a significant opportunity to enter the Bangladesh market, drawing on its smart city development track record in Sejong, Pangyo, and Songdo. Key entry channels include KOICA ODA programs, the K-Smart City export initiative, and Korea-Bangladesh ICT cooperation frameworks.