Bangladesh has taken a major step toward advancing its digital future by partnering with Estoniaโa world leader in digital governance. This collaboration was announced just four days ago, on June 4, 2025, during a Belarus-Romania-style economic meeting in Dhaka. Both countries have agreed to work together on software development, e-governance tools, and digital training programs. Estoniaโs digital systems like X-Road and Est feed have been praised globally for transforming how governments serve citizens. Bangladesh will now study these models to build its own digital infrastructure, with a focus on areas such as automation, secure data sharing, and online public services. A strong component of this partnership is its focus on education and skill building. As part of the agreement, Estonian and Bangladeshi experts will work with universities and IT training centers in Bangladesh. They aim to train students and educators in advanced areas like cybersecurity, software design, and e-governance solutions. The collaboration is expected to benefit both new learners and software professionals in Bangladesh. Technical institutes across the country will gain access to Estoniaโs digital tools and teaching techniques. This ensures students are not only skilled at coding but also grounded in real-world applications that strengthen public services and civic engagement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs from both countries and delegates from business groups like chambers of commerce attended the meeting. They emphasized that this cooperation isnโt just a government decisionโitโs a nationwide effortinvolving institutions, private companies, and educators. A key highlight is the plan to launch joint tech labs and digital pilot projects by early 2026. These labs will allow students and local developers to test small-scale software systems for sectors such as rural health and education management, based on Estoniaโs user-friendly model. This alliance supports Bangladeshโs โDigital Bangladeshโ vision by integrating technology into everyday life and public institutions. It also aligns with the country’s later stage development goals, where digital skills will be essential for future workplaces. By working with Estonia, Bangladesh can skip common pitfalls and move rapidly toward a trusted, transparent, and efficient digital system. Meanwhile, students and young tech professionals will gain exposure to top international standards and tools.
