Bangladesh has invested heavily in purpose-built technology infrastructure to support its growing IT sector. The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA), established in 2010 under the ICT Division, is mandated to develop and operate technology parks across the country. These parks provide IT companies with subsidized infrastructure, reliable power, high-speed internet, and a simplified regulatory environment. Here is a comprehensive overview of the key technology parks and their features.

Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City, Kaliakoir

The flagship project of the BHTPA, Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City sits on 232 acres in Kaliakoir, Gazipur — approximately 40 km north of central Dhaka. The campus is designed to be a self-contained technology township with:

  • Multiple dedicated IT buildings with ready-to-use office space
  • A 100 MW dedicated power substation with redundant supply
  • Underground fiber optic network connected to international submarine cables
  • Residential apartments, dormitories, and hotel facilities
  • Commercial areas including retail, banking, and food services
  • A convention center and training facilities

The park offers companies subsidized rent starting at approximately BDT 400 per square foot annually — significantly below commercial rates in Dhaka's business districts (BDT 800-1,500). Companies operating in the park also benefit from a 10-year tax holiday on income generated within the zone.

Several prominent companies have established operations in Kaliakoir, including Samsung R&D Bangladesh and various domestic software firms. The park aims to house 20,000+ IT professionals at full capacity.

Janata Tower Software Technology Park, Dhaka

Located in the heart of Dhaka's Agargaon area, Janata Tower was one of the first government-supported technology facilities and has served as an incubator and office space for software companies since the early 2010s. While smaller and older than Kaliakoir, its central Dhaka location makes it attractive for companies that need proximity to domestic clients and the Dhaka talent pool.

The facility provides shared infrastructure including meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and backup power. It has been a starting point for many Bangladeshi software companies that later scaled into their own offices.

Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park, Jessore

The Jessore park was one of the first successful decentralized technology facilities, demonstrating that IT operations can function effectively outside Dhaka. Located in southwestern Bangladesh, it has attracted companies serving both domestic and international clients. The park benefits from relatively lower operating costs than Dhaka and access to graduates from nearby universities.

Other Operational and Planned Parks

Sylhet IT Park

Located in the northeastern city of Sylhet, this park targets the significant Bangladeshi diaspora in the United Kingdom. Many British-Bangladeshis have roots in the Sylhet region, and the park is positioned to attract investment and business connections from this community.

Rajshahi IT Park

Serving the northern region, the Rajshahi park leverages the talent pipeline from Rajshahi University and the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). It focuses on software development, IT-enabled services, and business process outsourcing.

Mohakhali IT Village, Dhaka

A newer development in the Mohakhali commercial area of Dhaka, this facility targets mid-to-large technology companies seeking premium office space with IT-specific infrastructure in a central location.

Infrastructure Standards Across Parks

BHTPA has established minimum infrastructure standards for all hi-tech parks:

  • Power: Dedicated substations with diesel generator backup ensuring 99.9% uptime
  • Internet: Minimum 10 Gbps aggregate bandwidth per park with redundant fiber paths
  • Physical security: 24/7 manned security, CCTV surveillance, biometric access control
  • Fire safety: International-standard fire detection and suppression systems
  • Environmental controls: Central or split HVAC systems for all office spaces

Incentives for Park Tenants

Companies operating within BHTPA parks receive a comprehensive incentive package:

  • Income tax exemption for up to 10 years
  • Duty-free import of capital machinery and equipment
  • Simplified foreign exchange regulations for export remittances
  • Work permit facilitation for foreign employees and consultants
  • Subsidized rental rates (40-60% below market in equivalent Dhaka locations)

These incentives are designed to reduce the total cost of operations and make Bangladesh competitive with India's STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) scheme and Vietnam's technology zone programs.

How IT Parks Support Industry Growth

The hi-tech park initiative addresses several structural constraints that previously limited Bangladesh's IT sector: unreliable power supply, inadequate internet bandwidth, and fragmented office infrastructure. By concentrating these resources in purpose-built facilities, the government provides a viable operating environment that meets international client expectations. Companies like Nexis Limited, which develop enterprise products and deliver custom software services, benefit from this improved infrastructure ecosystem whether operating within parks or in the broader commercial landscape that the parks have helped elevate. For inquiries about technology partnerships, contact Nexis Limited.