Highlights
The government is working to fully digitalise Bangladesh as quickly as possible to improve access to banking and financial services, enhance transparency and reduce the time and costs involved in receiving public services, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (6 July).
Speaking as the chief guest at the "Innovation Showcasing 2025-26" programme organised by the Financial Institutions Division, the minister said every citizen - including businesses, farmers and workers - must be brought into the country's digital transformation so that the benefits of technology reach all segments of society, reads a press release.
He said the primary objective of digital technology is to simplify service delivery while ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Referring to the FY27 national budget, Khosru said the government had sought to make development more inclusive by incorporating people from all walks of life, including artisans, artists and singers, adding that technology would play a key role in achieving that objective.
He also said the government has undertaken a broader initiative to increase citizens' participation in political, social and economic activities through the wider use of digital technology.
Highlighting international best practices, the finance minister said a high-level government delegation is currently visiting Estonia to study the country's digital governance and technological advancement.
The delegation includes the ICT adviser, Bangladesh Bank Governor Mostaqur Rahman and other senior government officials, reports UNB.
Khosru urged policymakers and financial institutions not to delay adopting proven international practices that could strengthen Bangladesh's financial sector.
Addressing officials of banks and financial institutions, he said the innovations showcased at the event were encouraging but stressed that continuous improvement would be necessary to achieve the country's digital transformation goals.
He called on banks and insurance companies to assess how many of their customers currently use digital services and take measures to expand that coverage.
The minister also urged branch officials to encourage customers to adopt online services instead of relying on conventional banking methods. Financial institutions should actively inform customers about available digital services through effective communication, he added.
He further emphasised expanding digital services across banks, insurance companies and capital market institutions so that people can access financial services easily from home or while travelling.
Reducing unnecessary travel, costs and harassment for citizens would save time and ultimately improve national productivity, he said.
According to information presented at the event, 329 public services provided by 25 offices and agencies under the Financial Institutions Division have so far been digitalised.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury / Digital Financial Services
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