French Envoy Hails Bangladesh’s Digital Centers as ‘Human-Centric and Inclusive’
French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, has lauded a2i’s Digital Centers as “human-centric, inclusive, and efficient” during his visit to the Soddy Pushkoroni Union Digital Center in Rangpur Sadar. “Bringing government and private services to rural citizens is not only a wonderful initiative but also a true practice of social justice. France supports such initiatives and will continue to do so in the future,” he said.
The visit, held on Monday, June 27, was jointly organized by UNDP Bangladesh and the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and implemented by a2i in collaboration with district and upazila administrations. The program highlighted how Digital Centers across both urban wards and remote unions are transforming service delivery for citizens.
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Stefan Liller remarked, “Digital Centers have placed citizens at the heart of governance. By simplifying processes, expanding digital accessibility nationwide, and empowering local entrepreneurs, these centers are saving time and costs while strengthening public trust in services.”
The high-level delegation included AKM Sohel, UN Unit Chief (Additional Secretary); Anowarul Haque, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Mohammad Sufiul Azam, Head of Communications, a2i; Ashok Biswas, Digital Center Lead; and Md Abdul Kaium, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh, among others.
During the visit, live demonstrations of services were showcased through the Digital Center Management Platform, including agent banking, Hajj registration, police clearance, land-related services, and BMET card issuance.
Among the service recipients was Goyna Bala, a person with disabilities, who said, “Earlier, I had to depend on others for even small banking tasks. Here, the service providers guide me respectfully, and the work gets done in just a few minutes. I don’t need to go to the city anymore. I’ve gained both dignity and self-reliance.”
Another client, Md Rafiqul Islam, completed his Hajj registration on the spot, while Md Kibria availed multiple services at once. The event also featured presentations on the center’s progress, an interactive discussion with service recipients and local representatives, and a cultural performance.
Originally launched as Union Information and Service Centers, a2i’s Digital Center initiative has expanded into municipalities and city corporation wards. Over 9,500 centers are now operational nationwide, with new services being added regularly.
To promote financial inclusion, more than 4,800 centers currently offer agent and mobile banking services. Through the ekSheba entrepreneur platform, local entrepreneurs deliver over 390 services — including land, national ID, utility, licensing, travel, and registration services. Dedicated help desks for expatriate workers are also active, while Skills Fusion Centers provide ICT, computer, and vocational training for youth to enhance employability.
Building on this success, the Digital Center model has recently been replicated in the Bangsamoro region of the Philippines.
