Implication of ICT Policy to the Agriculture and Rural Development: Opportunities and Challenges for the Case of Bangladesh

In this knowledge based society, the debate on ICT has permanently shifted from 'why' ICT for development, to 'how' comprehensive and holistic ICT policies can unleash human potential and enhance people's capabilities to improve their lives. Recognizing this untapped potential and development strategies incorporating ICT are being increasingly promoted and launched across the developing countries. While the potential advantages of ICT for development are enormous in developed countries, national policies of developing countries are yet to adequately reflect truly comprehensive and integrated strategies for harnessing and exploiting this potential. This paper presents an analysis of National ICT policy of Bangladesh. Through the examination of ICT policy, in particular in the field of agriculture and rural development and analysis of applied policies and strategies implemented in these area, this paper identifies challenges and opportunities which provides lessons for policy-makers and practitioners involved in the field. This analysis reveals that the policy is inadequate to impact positively on the agriculture and rural development of Bangladesh. The policy places little emphasis on the integration and infusion of ICT in the country's agriculture and rural development. Policy implications and suggestions are offered to ensure maximum use of ICT potentials in the country's agriculture and rural development.