The Future of Software Development in Bangladesh

In this digital age, software has become the lifeblood that powers our daily lives - from mobile apps that connect us globally to sophisticated web platforms that simplify our tasks. And Bangladesh, with its vibrant software development industry, is the country on rise in the global stage.

The software industry in Bangladesh is like a gateway to opportunity. It is a gateway for companies in Bangladesh to access global markets, and it is a gateway for global companies to access Bangladesh's talented workforce. And with a young and growing population, a strong economy, and a strategic location, the country is well-positioned to become a major hub for software development in the years to come.

As a software developer, I am always keeping an eye out for new trends and developments in the scene! So in this blog, from my own experiences of working in the industry, I will provide a thorough analysis of what is held in the future for us, while taking the fundamentals and growth prospects of software in the digital economy of Bangladesh into consideration. But before that, let us first walk through the basics of the scene –

 

What is Software Development?

Software development is like building a house. 

And just like a house needs a blueprint, software needs a plan. Developers use code instead of bricks to build software, making sure that each piece fits together perfectly to create a strong and reliable end product, in other words, your house.

 

Importance of Software Development in Bangladesh

The importance of software development in this market cannot be overstated. It is imperative for a business to have a web presence in order to become successful in Bangladesh. Factually speaking, the sector makes a significant contribution to the country’s annual GDP every year.  Currently, there are over 800 registered software companies and around 30,000 professionals working in the software sector. The industry is so big that you will need a guide to choose a software development company in Bangladesh. This makes the industry one of the top graduate employment sectors in Bangladesh, and is projected to see a rise in young entrepreneurs who are building sustainable businesses around it.

However, what really sets Bangladesh apart is its focus on the global software market. While many countries primarily concentrate on their local software industry, Bangladesh has witnessed consistent growth in the international software market. This strategic approach plays a very important role in propelling the country’s economy and technological advancement forward, positioning Bangladesh on the path to becoming a developed nation.

As someone who is interested in the future of software development, you might be curious about the current state of this industry. Well, as of today, there are over 4500 software and ICT companies in the country, employing more than 300,000 skilled professionals. These companies collectively produce software worth over US $1.18 billion for the local market, making Bangladesh a growing hub for software development in the region.

There are several major software development companies in Bangladesh to keep an eye on, right at this moment! As the demand for software development services continues to grow, these companies are poised to play an even bigger role in shaping the industry’s future in Bangladesh.

Best Software Company in Bangladesh

Source: Dcastalia

However, the industry still faces age-old challenges like a lack of infrastructure, limited market access, a shortage of skilled workers, and language barriers. They further struggle with subject matters like intellectual property protection, inadequate funding, and competition from other companies. Despite these challenges, the software development industry in Bangladesh is on the rise and poised for growth in the future.

2

The Future of Software Development in Bangladesh

As we look to the future of software development in Bangladesh, there are several exciting opportunities on the horizon. Just like a tree that continues to grow and branch out, the software industry in Bangladesh is expanding rapidly!

But before diving deeper into what these opportunities mean for its future, let’s first take a look at the Software Development Categories that will be dominating the future themselves –

Categories and Career Opportunities
  • Hybrid Application Development:

    combining web-based technologies with native app containers for maintaining cross-platform compatibility

    React Native: framework with native code compilation, offering limited code reusability between mobile platforms and React web

    Ionic: framework utilizing web views and allowing web-based source code encapsulation

    Cordova: framework where single-page applications run within a mobile web browser

    Xamarin: Microsoft’s framework enabling app development in C# and providing access to the .NET ecosystem

    Flutter: dynamic language framework combining faster development cycles with JIT compilation

  • Data Science:

    analyzing and interpreting data to gain insights and make predictions

    Artificial Intelligence (AI): developing systems that can learn, reason, and make decisions like humans

    Machine Learning: using algorithms and statistical models to allow computer systems to learn and improve from experience

    Deep Learning: a subset of machine learning that involves using neural networks to solve complex problems

    Supervised Learning: training machine learning models using labeled data to make predictions

    Unsupervised Learning: training machine learning models using unlabeled data to find patterns and insights

  • Cloud Computing:

    using remote servers to store, manage, and process data and applications

  • Dev Ops:

    combining software development and IT operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of software delivery

    Continuous Integration (CI): automating the process of building, testing, and integrating code changes into a software system

    Continuous Deployment (CD): automating the process of deploying software changes to production environments

  • Web Application Development: 

    creating websites and web-based apps that users can interact with

    Front-End Development: designing and building the part of a website that users can interact with

    Back-End Development: building and maintaining the behind-the-scenes functionality of a website or web-based app

    Full-Stack Development: developing both the front-end and back-end of a website or web-based app

    Database Development: building and managing databases that store and organize information for websites and web-based apps

    API Development: creating interfaces that allow different software systems to communicate with each other

  • Mobile Application Development:

    creating apps for mobile devices e.g. smartphones and tablets

    Native App Development: developing apps for specific mobile platforms e.g. iOS or Android

    Cross-platform Development: developing apps that can work across multiple mobile platforms

    Hybrid Development: developing apps that combine elements of native and cross-platform development

  • Desktop Software Development: 

    developing software applications that run on desktop operating systems

    Windows Development: developing software for the Microsoft Windows operating system

    macOS Development: developing software for Apple’s macOS operating system

    Linux Development: developing software for Linux-based operating systems

Future Trends and Predictions

Now let’s get onto the main discussion of today’s topic! As the software development industry in Bangladesh continues to evolve and grow, it is important to stay ahead in the game alongside being prepared for the upcoming trends and patterns in the industry. In this segment, I have tried to predict what the future holds for the software industry in Bangladesh based on a thorough analysis of all factors at play –

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
    AI and machine learning are set to revolutionize the software development industry in Bangladesh. By automating processes of building, testing, and integrating code, these technologies will free up software developers to focus on more complex and strategic tasks that require greater skill. So for you, it will be like having a tireless assistant that can take care of the routine tasks, while you focus on the big picture!
  • DevOps
    DevOps methodologies are the engines that will drive software development in Bangladesh into the future. Like gears in a well-oiled machine, these practices will enable businesses to –
    i) respond more quickly to changing market conditions
    ii) delivering incremental updates that keep pace with customer needs.
  • Cloud Computing
    With DevOps, companies can accelerate their software development processes, resulting in faster and higher-quality software releases that meet customer demands. Cloud computing is like having a supercomputer in your pocket, and it’s only getting more powerful. As a future trend in software development, cloud computing will become increasingly popular, with cloud-based technologies becoming the norm. Software developers in Bangladesh will need to adapt to this trend, using cloud-based technical approaches and tools to stay competitive in the industry.
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
    As the use of IoT devices and related technologies becomes more widespread, the demand for these devices and their applications will increase. This means that software developers will need to have a better understanding of IoT technologies to stay competitive in the industry and meet the evolving needs of their clients.

    In simple words, think of it like a puzzle – as more and more pieces (IoT devices) are added, software developers need to know how to fit them together seamlessly!
  • Blockchain Technology
    Blockchain technology is expected to be a major trend in the future of software development in Bangladesh. In the field of software development, blockchain provides secure and transparent storage for data and information. And by utilizing this distributed ledger capabilities, developers can create an unalterable record of transactions and changes – improving transparency, security, and accuracy.
Outsourcing Software Development

Software outsourcing in Bangladesh is becoming popular and has paved to be an attractive destination for offshore software development. According to the data published by Oxford Internet Institute, Bangladesh currently ranks as the second largest provider of offshore software development services. Companies mainly are able to keep their labor costs low while benefiting from the large pool of emerging young talent, making it ideal for companies to outsource software

Besides, the government’s plan to strategically strengthen the future of this sector by further establishing special economic zones and providing other government incentives, will undoubtedly fuel the growth of the software development industry in Bangladesh.

Software Development in Bangladesh

Source: Oxford Internet Institute

4

Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who has been in the game long enough – software development in Bangladesh is not going anywhere! Because –

  • Firstly, there’s a growing demand for software developers in the country, which is only expected to continue in the coming years. 
  • Secondly, the rise of software as a service (SaaS) companies in Bangladesh presents new opportunities for developers to work on innovative projects like custom software for eCommerce, etc. 
  • And finally, with increased outsourcing opportunities, software developers in Bangladesh can collaborate with companies from around the world to deliver high-quality solutions.

 

So in short, software developers who are prioritizing learning and adapting to up-and-coming technologies such as DevOps or Blockchain will be better prepared to meet the demands of the future!

 

5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What steps is the Bangladesh government taking to support the growth of the software development industry?

    Bangladesh government is actively establishing special economic zones, providing tax incentives, and promoting collaboration between academia and industry.
  • What are some of the major challenges faced by software developers in Bangladesh currently?

    Some major challenges include lack of infrastructure, limited market access, concerns regarding intellectual property protection, etc.
  • What are some of the potential risks associated with outsourcing software development work to Bangladesh?

    Potential risks include communication challenges, quality control issues, intellectual property concerns, and cultural differences.
  • How are emerging technologies such as AI and IoT impacting the software development industry in Bangladesh?

    Emerging technologies are transforming the industry by driving innovation, creating new opportunities, and increasing demand for professionals with expertise.
  • What skills are most in demand in the software development industry in Bangladesh currently?

    Skills in mobile app development, web development, cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity are currently in high demand.
  • Get the latest insights from the industry leading agency