According to the Bank’s website, the objective of this project is to expand and improve the use of inclusive and resilient broadband internet and digital services, and enhanced capacity of individuals and businesses to engage in the digital economy.

The proposed Project is one of a Series of Projects (SOPs) that will implement the Global Challenge Program (GCP) on Accelerating Digitalization in SAR. In line with the pillars of the GCP, the proposed Project will: (1) increase affordable broadband access and adoption through policy and regulatory reforms to enable private capital and strengthen disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, even in adverse conditions (2) enhance digital public infrastructure to leverage the fundamental improvements in connectivity and generate user demand by increasing the scale of digital service delivery(3) Develop advanced digital skills program for youth and particularly for women and empower gig economy and digital business as part of digital empowerment initiatives.

The environmental risk rating is assessed as ‘moderate’ which may be reviewed at appraisal. The project activities will finance the construction of an open access fiber network that can be accessed from rural cell towers, schools, post offices, and other key locations. Also, establishment of AI infrastructure activities include purchasing of hardware. Thus, infrastructure investments made, including the deployment of fiber and cell-sites, are likely to have environmental impacts that will need to be proactively managed such as: e-waste/waste management and disposal; health and safety risks to the community and workers during installation and maintenance relate to health and safety disruptions to access to properties and businesses; dust and noise, soil erosion, water use management; road safety and traffic interruptions because of the deployment of fiber optic cables in rural areas.

Social risk is assessed as moderate. The Project is aiming to expand affordable broadband connectivity in Bangladesh including in underserved areas, making it accessible. It also aims at strengthening disaster and climate resilient infrastructures by the construction of an open access fiber network. This will involve land leasing on existing residential, institutional, and commercial structures. There is also possibility of temporary disruptions to business and livelihood opportunities during civil works. Sub component 1.2 may involve financial intermediaries (FIs) as well. Key anticipated social risks for the project are: (1) land lease, although likely to be small in all cases; (2) temporary disruptions of livelihood and business during laying down of fiber optics networks; (3) stakeholder engagement; (4) cyber security risks, data privacy risks, the digital divide and access to information and (5) inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized groups/peoples including IPs.

IDA Credit: 299.25 million

Borrower/Recipient: 0.75 million

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (Grant Amount): 100.00 million

World Bank

Jerome Bezzina
Senior Digital Development Specialist

Borrower/Client/Recipient

People's Republic of Bangladesh

Implementing Agencies

ICT Division
Zunaid Ahmed PALAK
Minister of State
palak@ictd.gov.bd

ACCESS TO INFORMATION

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ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Inspection Panel is the independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by a World Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Inspection Panel, they may investigate to assess whether the World Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can contact the Inspection Panel or submit a complaint by emailing ipanel@worldbank.org. Information on how to file a complaint and a complaint request form are available at: https://www.inspectionpanel.org/how-to-file-complaint