Located in the division of Jessore, Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park, also referred to as Jessore IT Park, is a flagship initiative of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to decentralize the booming ICT sector of the country. This high-tech facility is strategically located in Jessore District to help promote innovation, draw investment, and generate employment in the south-western part of the country.
Historical Background
The establishment of Jessore IT Park is in line with the government’s goal to turn Bangladesh into a digital economy. In a bid to spread technological advancements outside Dhaka, the government began constructing this IT park in February 2013 at a cost of about Tk305 crore. On December 10, 2017, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the park and it is a historical milestone in that arena.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Jessore IT Park provides all necessary facilities:
Multi-Tenant Building (MTB): A 15-storey building with 232,000 sq ft area to house more than one IT company.
Dormitory Building – 12 stories, providing accommodation to professionals and trainees with a three-star standard.
Convention Center: A modern space for holding conferences, seminars, and workshops, fostering knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
Power/Connectivity: The park has its own 33 KVA power sub-station to provide UTM and fiber optic internet connectivity to ensure data transfer at high speed.
Supporting Facilities: The park provides underground parking, a state-of-the-art gym, a cafeteria and an amphitheater to further contribute to a conducive professional atmosphere.
Developing a Strategy to Invest and Employ
Local as well as international IT companies have successfully been attracted in the park. Space had been allotted to 40 companies, two of them from Japan, at the time of its opening. The park is expected to employ around 5,000 direct employees, adding a considerable boost to the local economy. The floor has been transformed into a platform for young entrepreneurs to work free of charge for their startup companies.
Environmental Considerations
Jessore it park was developed considering environmental impact. A comprehensive environmental assessment was conducted to identify potential effects during the construction and operational phases. Various measures were put in place to minimize adverse effects, including the management of air quality during construction, and the construction of waste management systems for the operation. The design of the park also features earthquake-resistant structures, highlighting an emphasis on safety and sustainability.
Strategic Significance
The Jessore IT Park is well-located to serve the ten districts of the division of Khulna. The idea behind the park is to help decentralize technology development in the country, to reduce the concentration of IT activity in Dhaka and bring regional balance. This also coincides with the government vision to establish a knowledge-based economy and achieve the ICT export targets set for the country.
Future Prospects
The Jessore IT Park: A Beacon of Progress in ICT Development in Bangladesh It would play a crucial role in positioning Bangladesh as a key player in the global ICT arena with its world-class facilities and strategic initiatives to attract investment. The park’s contribution to the nation’s economic growth will be further supplemented by our continued support for startups alongside a focus on research and development.
So, the Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park, Jessore is a milestone in the process of blooming the digital Bangladesh. The park demonstrates how strategic investment in the ICT sector can be a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and regional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When was Jessore IT Park inaugurated?
Ans: December 10, 2017
2. What are the main facilities at Jessore IT Park?
Ans: Facilities include a 15-storey Multi-Tenant Building, a 12-storey dormitory, a convention center, high-speed internet, underground parking, a gym And a cafeteria.
3. How many companies are operating in Jessore IT Park?
Ans: 40+ companies
4. What is the expected employment impact of Jessore IT Park?
Ans: 5,000 direct jobs
5. What is the strategic significance of Jessore IT Park?
Ans: It aims to decentralize IT development, reduce Dhaka’s dominance in the sector, and promote regional balance across the Khulna division’s ten districts.
