Smart Villages: Need For Future Sustainable Rural Development Of Emerging Bangladesh

Abstract

Over recent decades, people from urban and rural areas are passing various social and economic changes and challenges. Some of these challenges can overcome through the lenses of information technology (IT) and digitalization process. The current era is augmented using technology (information and communication). This technology has proved its potential in various segments of development in urban and rural areas. The objective of the present article is to present the concept and different cases of Smart Village to get an idea for the development of Smart Village in the context of rural areas in Bangladesh. The basic concept of Smart Village will be the key point for the sustainable development in rural areas in developing world like Bangladesh for the up-liftment of livelihood of the rural masses and to take a ‘look ahead’ at scientific developments and technologies that might be influential over the next decades to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) and vision 2041 of Bangladesh. The influential stimulant behind the concept on “Smart Village” is that the technology should acts as a stimulus for development, enabling education and local business opportunities, improving health and welfare, enhancing democratic engagement and overall enhancement of rural village dwellers. The concept of “Smart Village” model is not the uniform for all areas and must be applied based on regional opportunities and challenges. With sustainable development and smart techniques, all the components of rural areas (economic, environment and social) will be upgraded, so people enjoy a high standard living.