Bangladesh IT and BPO Industry Overview
Under its "Smart Bangladesh 2041" vision, Bangladesh is developing the ICT industry as its next-generation growth engine. As of 2025, ICT exports stand at approximately $2 billion, the IT workforce exceeds 1.2 million, and Bangladeshi IT freelancers rank second globally on platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr.
The government has designated and is developing 39 Hi-Tech Parks nationwide, offering aggressive incentives to IT companies including up to 15 years of corporate tax exemption, income tax exemption on software export earnings, and customs duty waivers on equipment imports. With labor costs 40% lower than India, an abundant English-speaking IT workforce, and a 7-hour time difference from Korea, Bangladesh's appeal as a BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) hub is growing rapidly.
Major Hi-Tech Parks Overview
The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) manages 39 Hi-Tech Parks nationwide, providing specialized infrastructure and incentives for IT, software, BPO, and ITES companies. Approximately 15 parks are currently operational, with the remainder under development.
| Hi-Tech Park | Location | Area | Tenants | Specialization | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janata Tower STP | Dhaka Karwan Bazar | Building-type | 45 companies | SW Dev / BPO | Operational |
| Kaliakoir HTP | Gazipur | 232 acres | 35 companies | SW / HW / R&D | Phase 1 operational |
| Jessore STP | Jessore | Building-type | 20 companies | BPO / IT Education | Operational |
| Sylhet Electronic City | Sylhet | 100 acres | 15 companies | Electronics / IoT | Under construction |
| Mohakhali ISTP | Dhaka Mohakhali | Building-type | 25 companies | Startups / Fintech | Operational |
| Rajshahi IT Park | Rajshahi | 50 acres | 10 companies | AgriTech / SW | Phase 1 operational |
| Bangabandhu HTP | Gazipur | 355 acres | Under construction | Semiconductor / AI | In development |
| Chittagong STP | Chittagong | Building-type | 18 companies | BPO / Logistics IT | Operational |
Bangladesh vs. India vs. Philippines: IT Industry Comparison
In the global IT outsourcing market, Bangladesh is attracting attention as the "next IT hub" after India and the Philippines. Comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each country, Bangladesh holds its greatest competitive advantage in cost competitiveness.
IT Investment Incentives
The government of Bangladesh provides its most generous tax incentives to the IT and software industry. Income from software development and IT service exports is fully exempt from income tax until 2030, and additional incentives apply to enterprises located within Hi-Tech Parks.
Hi-Tech Park Entry Procedure
Market Entry Opportunities for Korean IT Companies
The Bangladesh IT market offers a wide range of entry opportunities for Korean companies. The technology capabilities and market demand of both countries are particularly well-aligned in fintech, edutech, smart factory, and AI data processing sectors.
Bangladesh's IT and BPO market resembles India's landscape of 20 years ago — an early-stage growth market. The convergence of low labor costs, an abundant young IT workforce, and aggressive government incentives points to explosive growth over the coming decade. Korean IT companies can effectively leverage their technological edge in fintech, smart factory, and AI sectors through a first-mover strategy. Actively engaging with the KOTRA Dhaka Trade Office and BHTPA's tenant support services represents the essential first step.