Citizen Service Synergy: Workshop Unites Entrepreneurs to Strengthen Digital Governance

A day-long workshop was held to strengthen the implementation of the “Citizen Services Bangladesh” initiative, bringing together representatives and entrepreneurs from Citizen Service Centers, Digital Centers, and e-Post Centers across all 64 districts. The event took place on Thursday, November 13, at the Dak Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, organized by the ICT Division with the support of the Aspire to Innovate (a2i) Programme.

The workshop was presided over by ICT Division Secretary Shish Hayder Chowdhury. The event was attended by Postmaster General S. M. Shahab Uddin as special guest, along with Director (Mails) of the Directorate of Posts Kabir Ahmed, Joint Secretary (Digital Governance and Security Wing) of the ICT Division Md. Mojibur Rahman, and a2i Joint Project Director (Joint Secretary) Md. Rashidul Mannaf Kabir. The program was inaugurated by a2i Project Director (Joint Secretary) Md. Abdur Rafiq, while Abdullah Al Fahim, Head of Project Management at a2i, delivered the welcome address.

The workshop covered topics such as the objectives and scope of the Citizen Service Platform, the responsibilities of entrepreneurs, platform management and operation processes, live demonstrations of services including BMET and BRTA, e-government skills, branding of service centers, and customer service and behavioral skills. Participants also received hands-on training on digital security, cybersecurity, and safe use of basic and advanced digital tools. Organizers stated that these skills will help transform service centers into more modern, efficient, and citizen-friendly facilities.

In his presidential address, ICT Division Secretary Shish Hayder Chowdhury said, “Delays, expenses, and complexities in accessing government services remain major challenges in our country. In this context, entrepreneurs at Digital Centers, Citizen Service Centers, and e-Post Centers are working as frontline service warriors.” He added, “The entrepreneur-led service model is not only expanding accessibility but also ensuring quality and public trust through well-trained service providers.”

He further noted that the “Citizen Service Platform” was launched by Honorable Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, on May 26, 2025, to reflect people’s aspirations for hassle-free and easy access to public services. The platform enables citizens to access multiple services—including National ID, birth registration, passport, online GD, land services, trade license, ticketing, social protection, BRTA, agriculture, and healthcare—from a single portal. Currently, 465 services have been digitized, with more being gradually integrated into the platform.

a2i Project Director Md. Abdur Rafiq said, “We are working to ensure that citizens can complete the entire service process—from application to delivery—through one Citizen Service Center.” Abdullah Al Fahim added, “We are formulating a unified policy framework for entrepreneurs of Digital Centers, e-Post Centers, and Citizen Services Bangladesh, which will provide clear operational guidelines for their activities.”

Postmaster General S. M. Shahab Uddin remarked that, “Like the Postal Department’s motto ‘Service is Religion,’ entrepreneurs are serving citizens with dedication, which deserves appreciation.” Md. Mojibur Rahman observed that these service centers have significantly reduced the digital divide between urban and rural areas, making access to government services easier and more transparent.

Representing the entrepreneurs, Sabbir Ahmed from Raidaulatpur Union Digital Center in Sirajganj and Khondokar Kona Akhter from Ashulia e-Post Center in Dhaka shared their insights. They stated that they would share the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop with fellow entrepreneurs in their respective districts.

DBTech/JU/IH/OR