a2i Advances Citizen-Centric Digital Governance Initiatives
Aspire to Innovate (a2i) under the Information and Communication Technology Division is playing a significant role in implementing the government’s priority programmes through technology-driven and citizen-centric initiatives.
Through its involvement in various national initiatives such as the Family Card and e-Health Card, a2i has made government services more integrated, efficient, and accessible. সংশ্লিষ্ট stakeholders note that the platforms and experience developed by a2i are directly supporting the government’s manifesto goals, including transparency, accountability, reduction of corruption, job creation, digital healthcare, and the establishment of a cash-light economy.
Various digital platforms developed by a2i—such as MyGov, National Helpline 333, the National Portal, and the e-File (e-Nothi) system—have made public service delivery more accessible and transparent. At the same time, initiatives like service simplification, report management, and digital centers are helping reduce citizen suffering.
a2i officials said there are plans to launch a manifesto tracker to monitor the progress of election commitments. Additionally, the 333 helpline and the EkPay platform have been prepared to expand services related to Family Card, Health Card, and Farmer Card.
Speaking on the matter, a2i Project Director (Additional Secretary) Md. Abdur Rafiq said, “a2i is not merely a technology support entity for implementing the government’s priority programmes; rather, it serves as a vital bridge connecting policy formulation, innovation, citizen-centric service design, data-driven decision-making, citizen experience, and tangible outcomes. Through its involvement in key national initiatives like the Family Card and e-Health Card, a2i’s programmes are already creating positive impacts across governance, employment, justice, healthcare, financial inclusion, and innovation.”
It is learned that through the use of a2i-developed platforms, the initiative has made notable contributions to building a transparent and accountable administration by delivering Government-to-Government (G2G) and Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services. The MyGov platform allows citizens to apply for services online, track application progress, receive notifications, and make payments where required. Meanwhile, National Helpline 333 delivers information, complaint handling, and referrals to citizens who cannot directly use digital platforms. The National Portal framework enhances transparency by presenting government service information in a unified manner, while the e-File system ensures that every stage of official file processing and decision-making is digitally traceable, reducing delays and hidden barriers.
Service simplification initiatives are also playing a key role by reducing procedural steps, eliminating unnecessary documentation, and minimizing time and inconvenience for citizens. The report management system strengthens accountability through regular results-based reporting. Additionally, Digital Centers, Expatriate Centers, and Skills Fusion Centers are ensuring digital service support, safe migration information, and skill development training for remote populations, migrant workers, and youth. Public Service Innovation is fostering a culture of new ways of working within government offices, enabling rapid problem-solving, piloting innovative ideas, and scaling successful initiatives.
a2i Head of Program Management Abdullah Al Fahim stated that there are plans to develop an election manifesto tracker to monitor the progress of the government’s 180-day action plan. Through this platform, the Honorable Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, and policymakers will be able to track progress and make informed decisions. He added that National Helpline 333 and the EkPay payment gateway have been prepared to deliver services related to Family Card, Health Card, and Farmer Card. Plans are also underway to launch Rural Digital Centers at the ward level to bring services closer to citizens.
He further noted that as part of the digital transformation of government services, a2i has been working with private-sector vendors on system development. However, due to longstanding limitations in terms of reference, ownership of source codes often remained with vendors, leading to dependency or “vendor lock-in.” Through sustained efforts and coordination, a2i has now overcome this challenge. In collaboration with the ICT Division, similar limitations in other government digital systems are also being addressed, making it easier to update, develop, and expand these services.
Meanwhile, a2i Chief Technology Advisor Mohammad Masudur Rahman highlighted that a2i’s role in providing technological support and system integration for digital health and social protection programmes is already evident. He said a2i has been actively involved in all stages—from conceptualization to system development—of Family Card and e-Health initiatives. In particular, a2i has played a crucial role in data management, digital verification systems, and the development of an integrated social registry.
a2i’s contributions to employment, skills, and education are also significant. To realize the government’s “skills to jobs” vision, a structured framework is being developed through the National Intelligence for Skills, Education, Employment (NISE) platform to support future-oriented skill development. Through the Muktopaath platform, training and certification in cybersecurity, BPO, AI-data, semiconductors, and Industry 4.0 are being provided to prepare youth for the global job market. According to the plan, at least 5,000 young people will receive training in future technologies through the NISE platform to facilitate direct and indirect employment opportunities.
a2i also noted that initiatives are underway to promote software and innovation exports to international markets, alongside skill development through the NISE and Muktopaath platforms.
It has been learned that to build a digital economy, there are plans to connect the EkPay platform with international payment gateways, which will create opportunities for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Observers also noted that a2i’s contributions to making the judiciary more citizen-friendly are commendable. Initiatives such as e-Court, e-Cause List, Judicial Portal, and MyCourt mobile app are making it easier to access case information, receive hearing schedules, and obtain court rules, forms, and guidelines in one place. These tools are also delivering real-time case updates via mobile devices, enhancing access to justice. a2i is also focusing on improving user experience, building capacity among court officials, ensuring data and cybersecurity, and introducing dashboards for accountability.
a2i’s initiatives related to data, dashboards, and results-based decision-making are also highly significant. The National Dashboard will provide visibility into service delivery time, disposal rates, complaint resolution, and district-level performance; the SDG Tracker will align government outcomes with Sustainable Development Goals; the Global Index will help set targets to improve the country’s international rankings; and Open Government Data will enhance transparency, research, citizen oversight, and public trust. At the same time, data governance and leadership frameworks will strengthen institutional capacity regarding data ownership, usage, and secure sharing.
In the transport sector, a2i’s D-Toll initiative has already set an effective example. Automated toll payments at toll plazas are reducing queues, saving time, lowering cash transactions, and increasing transparency in toll collection. This is also helping reduce traffic congestion and fuel consumption. Plans are underway to expand the initiative through EkPay-based unified payments, transaction logs and audit trails, simplified registration, recharge and notification systems, complaint resolution via the 333 call center, and real-time indicators on the National Dashboard.
Relevant stakeholders believe that a2i has established itself as an effective partner in making public services simple, transparent, and inclusive through technology, and continues to play a vital role in the country’s digital transformation.
DBTech/SPH/EK/OR
