Transforming Dhaka into a Smart City

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) is one of the two municipal corporations in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. As an autonomous local government body, it provides civic services to the residents. Recently, ZTE Technologies interviewed Khan Md. Rezaul Karim, secretary of Dhaka South City Corporation. He shared with us the current status of smart city in Bangladesh, the challenges to deploy smart city in Bangladesh and plans for smart city construction. He also talked about his expectations for ZTE.

 
What is the current status of smart city in Bangladesh?

Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared the vision Digital Bangladesh with the direct supervision of the Hon'ble ICT affairs advisor to the Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. Sajeeb Wajed Joy. It is an integral part of the government's Vision 2021—which promises a prosperous and equitable middle-income Bangladesh by its golden jubilee of independence. Bangladesh is striving to establish Digital Bangladesh, and all the cities have to convert to smart cities. In terms of smart city, we are learning experience from other smart city cases and our partners, and we are adopting the smart city technologies, which can make life easier for our citizens.
Currently, Dhaka South City Corporation is committed to transforming Dhaka into a smart city. It means there will be improvements to our services, such as solid waste management, road-footpath-median, street lights, markets, traffic signals, parks, play grounds, graveyards-cemeteries, community centers, gymnasium, library, mosquito control, food & sanitation, EPI & disinfection activities, city beautification activities. What's more, we are going to introduce some advanced technologies into all aspects of the city.
However, the growing population and transportation in Dhaka are major challenges for us, which make it difficult to build a smart city. Now, we are concerned about the traffic condition and are taking steps to reduce private transport.

As I know, there is a project named "Modernization of Rural and Urban Lives in Bangladesh through ICT", which is being implemented by Bangladesh's ICT Division. Could you expand on the importance of that project?

As we know, urbanization in Bangladesh is a growing phenomenon. Bangladesh has a population of about 110 million within a small area of 148,500 sq. kilometers. Approximately 25 percent of Bangladesh's current population lives in urban areas. Of the urban population, more than half lives in the eight metropolitan cities/divisions: Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, etc.
In my view, there are two reasons for urbanization. The first reason is that in Bangladesh, the agriculture sector is no longer able to absorb the surplus labor force entering the economy every year, so people have to seek employment outside agriculture. The second one is about employment opportunities existing in the major cities. Most of the industrial enterprises and businesses are concentrated in the large cities.
Modernization of Rural and Urban Lives in Bangladesh through ICT is one of our major projects. It is surely very important. The aim of it is to reduce poverty and improve our lives, and ICT is increasingly recognized as a powerful instrument for promoting sustainable governance. In a word, we believe this project will make a change in Bangladesh, and we have taken some measures to improve infrastructure, health care sector, education and transportation.

Are there any challenges for deploying smart city in Bangladesh?

Yes, we face a number of specific challenges, but I think the major challenges are the following three.
The first challenge is financial mobilization. Smart city is not just about technology, but also about power, water, transportation, solid waste management and sewerage. It's a long-term project that will need huge financial support. However, like many cities, Dhaka has less budget and fewer resources to meet the growing needs of its large population. The Dhaka government won't be able to satisfy the finance requirements, so we have to take some measures to spur investment from other sectors.
The second challenge is poor infrastructure. The infrastructural development of Dhaka has lagged behind, and the condition of our infrastructure, such as streets, drainage system, IT facilities, health care systems and education facilities, is unsatisfying. A highly advanced infrastructure is necessary for creating smart city. We will try to build infra projects in the future.
The third challenge is about people's mindset. Creating a smart city is not only about creating the physical infrastructure—roads, clean water, power, and transport, but also about changing people's mindset. Some people are hesitating to accept modernization or smart city, so we need to do more publicity and make our people focus on this project. We have to make people believe that smart cities can create jobs, use resources wisely and develop the living standard of people.

In your view, what are the characteristics of a smart city?

Well, there are some differences from country to country, and civilization to civilization. For me, a smart city means an urban center which is safe, environmentally green and efficient. All utility services, such as power, water, electricity and transportation, are managed and maintained very well by using advanced technologies and networks. What's more, the products and services are integrated with computerized systems. Technology is changing the traditional ways of city development.
In my view, the characteristics of a smart city are: First, it needs a broadband infrastructure, which is widely available and affordable to all, including developed and undeveloped areas. Second, reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy, promote interactions and ensure security. Third, apply smart solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in order to make them better. Fourth, preserve and develop open spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces, to improve the quality of life of citizens. Fifth, promote a variety of transport options.

What are your future plans to build smart cities in your country?

We plan to transform Dhaka into a smart city in 2017. First, we would like to introduce smart city solutions and smart office management system to the government. Second, we are going to establish a service center with a digital service. This is our priority, and I think ZTE is very helpful to us. Third, we will seek more cooperation from our partners. In my opinion, a long-term cooperation in the field of ICT between Dhaka and Chinese companies, like ZTE, would provide a solid foundation for us to build a smart city.

How do you comment on ZTE's smart city solutions?

I think ZTE's smart city solution is the best. As a leader in the establishment of smart city, ZTE is not only an important participant but also a promoter in global smart city construction. I was impressed by ZTE's industry-leading Smart Yinchuan solution. We want to learn the technologies and experience from ZTE, and transplant the successful case of Yinchuan to the Dhaka city.

What are your expectations for ZTE in the future?

ZTE has more than 30 years of experience in network construction. We expect ZTE to support us in terms of network policies, network standards and network deployment. Currently, ICT is a key enabler for the growth of the economy, and it is one of the most promising sectors. By virtue of ZTE's technologies and solutions, we hope to promote the ICT sector in Bangladesh.
Actually, we have signed an agreement with ZTE for a major project. I hope ZTE can implement this project smoothly. In the future, I believe that ZTE will play a pivotal role in building smart cities in Bangladesh. We would like to cooperate with ZTE more closely and achieve our goals together.