Digital Drive Deepens: Data, Devices, and Disaster Readiness Advance Governance
Various ministries and divisions of the government have undertaken multifaceted digital initiatives by integrating information technology to modernize public services and ensure administrative transparency. In particular, efforts are underway to bring transformative changes to the communication system, agriculture, and social security sectors through the use of technology. At the same time, alongside the application of technology to tackle post-disaster situations, including natural disasters and earthquakes, a digital draft list of 145,000 volunteers has been prepared.
This information was presented by Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman at a press briefing held on Wednesday, 15 April, at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the Bangladesh Secretariat, where progress on various government activities was discussed.
Dr. Jahed said that efforts to enhance the government’s disaster response capacity and strengthen support in the agriculture sector are being carried out simultaneously. To reduce risks from earthquakes and other disasters, emphasis is being placed on increasing coordination among relevant agencies, hazard mapping, raising public awareness, and prioritizing budget allocations in these sectors. Strict implementation of building codes in construction has been directed. In addition, reconstruction of vulnerable infrastructure and expansion of monitoring systems are being pursued. These measures were adopted at a meeting held under the leadership of the Prime Minister, and the government is treating the matter with utmost importance.
Highlighting the initiatives, the adviser noted that such integrated digital activities are ensuring transparency across sectors while improving the quality of life for the general population.
Referring to statistics of the initiatives, he stated that the Posts and Telecommunications Division has already introduced free Wi-Fi services at Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar railway stations, as well as at Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi, and Saidpur airports. Within the next 15 days, the process has been completed to extend this service to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and the international airports in Chattogram and Sylhet. Furthermore, to ensure high-speed internet access on moving trains, trial ‘Starlink’ connectivity has been established on four key routes, including Dhaka–Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar.
Under the broadband Wi-Fi project aimed at underserved populations in haor, baor, and remote areas, 311 Wi-Fi hotspots have been installed within 10 days, and 356 km of optical fiber has been handed over to mobile operators.
At the same time, the Postal Department is advancing the introduction of a ‘Track and Tracing’ system in its mail management and the establishment of 14 ‘Fulfilment Centers’ for e-commerce product delivery.
To restore discipline in the fuel management system, which has drawn global attention, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation has launched a QR code-based ‘Fuel Pass’ app, where more than 70,000 motorcycle riders have already completed registration. From 12 April, it has also been mandated that fuel collection at seven designated pumps must be carried out through this app.
Referring to the Krishi Card project launched on 14 April, Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman said that to extend technological benefits to the grassroots level, the Ministry of Agriculture is creating a digital database containing 130 types of information for nearly 800,000 farmers across 15 upazilas. The Krishi Card was formally inaugurated on Pahela Baishakh. Through this card, landless and small farmers will receive an annual incentive of Tk 2,500 and gain easier access to agricultural loans. Similarly, the Ministry of Social Welfare is providing monthly assistance of Tk 2,500 to 37,814 female-headed families through Family Cards.
In addition, keeping the ‘16122’ number active 24/7 for land services and introducing digital registration for water vessels have further simplified access to citizen services. This wave of technological advancement has also reached the judiciary. The recently passed ‘Women and Children Repression Prevention (Amendment) Act 2026’ places special emphasis on digital evidence and technology-driven investigation systems, which are expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
The use of technology has also increased significantly in the fisheries and livestock sectors, where a digital database of 114 hatcheries has been created and regular digital monitoring activities are being conducted in 300 fish feed factories.
The press conference was conducted by Chief Information Officer Yakub Ali.
DBTech/IH/EK/OR
