Bangladesh's rapidly expanding IT industry is facing significant skills gap and leadership challenges, according to top local technology executives.

Industry-academic collaboration, improved training, and strategic policies are now essential to addressing these challenges, they said.

The tech experts made these comments at the daylong IT Leadership Community Day 2025, organised by the IT Leadership Community of Bangladesh (ITLC) in Dhaka recently.

The event brought together over 100 IT leaders from corporations, industries, and multinational companies, according to a statement.

Moderated by Sarker Mahatab Masud, project manager of BRAC's enterprise resource planning, the event featured discussions on innovation and leadership in Bangladesh's technology sector.

Md Nurul Hoque, senior vice president of ITLC and head of IT at Orion Group, along with secretary general Md Tanvir Ahamed Sarkar, head of IT at The Daily Star, delivered the opening remarks, outlining ITLC's mission and vision.

A panel discussion on the future of technology leadership in Bangladesh featured top IT executives, including ITLC founder president Md Fokrul Islam, head of IT & MIS at HATIM Group.

Discussions highlighted the low participation of women in IT leadership, stressing the need for mentorship and support.

Personal success stories showcased resilience and innovation in overcoming industry barriers.

Industry leaders emphasised the importance of corporate initiatives, government support, and fostering entrepreneurship to position Bangladesh as a competitive player in the global market.

They called for strategic investments in education, collaboration, and international exposure to strengthen the country's tech landscape.