When we say Smart Bangladesh, Smart Economy, Smart Citizens, Smart Government, Smart Society, it is very encouraging. However, connectivity, digital lifestyle and use of technology are inextricably linked with it. If we cannot extend the facilities available in Dhaka to the marginalized people, then inequality in the society will continue to increase.
Those who are privileged will progress more and those who are backward will be left further behind. We need to connect people to smartphones faster and focus on making smartphones easily accessible. We have to think what tax policy the government can adopt to reduce prices.
The operators themselves offer smartphones on installments with postpaid connections worldwide. But this model does not work in Bangladesh where 95 percent of connections are prepaid. There could be a system where operators, phone manufacturers, mobile financial service providers and banks can come together to provide smartphones to people on installments.