Bangladesh Plans One Citizen, One ID System

Bangladesh’s ICT Division is moving to consolidate fragmented government databases under a proposed ‘One Citizen One ID’ system, develop a sovereign Bangla artificial intelligence model and strengthen national cybersecurity. The initiatives also include a trusted framework for secure data exchange among government agencies, shared GPU infrastructure, funding for entrepreneurs and a unified digital toll system for bridges and toll plazas nationwide.

The plans were outlined by ICT Secretary Dr Mohammad Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan at an exchange meeting with the executive committee of the Centre for Technology Journalism (CTJ), an organisation of technology journalists and academic professionals. The meeting was held on Monday, 2 November, at the ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka. ICT Division Joint Secretary Mohammad Mojibor Rahman was also present.

CTJ President and Samakal Assistant Editor Hasan Jakir, General Secretary and Jugantor Staff Correspondent Saif Ahmad, Vice-President Mizanur Rahman Sohel, Director (Organisational Affairs) Rezaul Karim Jaan, Bangladesh Pratidin Special Correspondent Kazi Sohag, Prothom Alo Staff Reporter Rahitul Islam and other CTJ members attended the meeting.

The ICT secretary said the government planned to integrate citizens’ separate databases, including national identity cards, passports, birth registration records and tax files, into a unified system. The move is intended to prevent data misuse and fraud.

He added that work was underway to establish a trusted interoperability framework to improve coordination among government agencies and ensure data security.

Highlighting efforts to protect the country’s cyberspace, the secretary said the Cyber Security Agency was being strengthened to make it more effective. Recruitment of 120 personnel was underway, with a significant proportion of the positions intended for technical specialists.

He also stressed the importance of data sovereignty in the age of artificial intelligence. To that end, the government plans to develop its own AI model and build shared GPU infrastructure.

The secretary further said that funding for entrepreneurs would be provided through a joint initiative involving Startup Bangladesh and the ICT Division. He also announced plans to introduce a ‘Unified Digital Toll System’ for all bridges and toll plazas across the country by December.

At the meeting, CTJ called for greater transparency and more citizen-friendly services in the ICT Division’s activities.

CTJ President Hasan Jakir warned against allowing any group to misuse public funds through low-quality training programmes presented as skills-development initiatives, as had allegedly happened in the past. He also urged the government to avoid projects and programmes that lead to wasteful spending.

CTJ General Secretary Saif Ahmad said data privacy and cybersecurity should receive the highest priority in implementing technology-sector policies. He also stressed that financial assistance provided through innovation initiatives and other projects must reach genuine entrepreneurs, without favouritism or nepotism.

CTJ presented several demands at the meeting. These included providing journalists with necessary information promptly for reporting, regularly arranging workshops to improve their skills in emerging technology sectors—including AI and cybersecurity—and ensuring CTJ representatives’ participation in important policy-making committees and meetings.

Describing CTJ’s observations and demands as timely for ensuring transparency and structural reform in the technology sector, ICT Secretary Dr Mohammad Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan said the division was committed to accountability.

He announced that the ICT Division would no longer provide training programmes without international certification, citing clear instructions from the Prime Minister. “There will be no more token training programmes,” he said.

The secretary added that transparency would also be ensured in spending on startups and innovation projects. He assured CTJ that the ICT Division would work with the organisation and provide necessary cooperation.

//DBTech/SME/MSI/MVNO//