Tk2,500 crore saved after probe into irregularities in ICT projects: Taiyeb

Investigations into irregularities and corruption in various projects under the information and communication technology (ICT) sector have led to the closure of some projects and a reduction in expenditures, saving around Tk2,500 crore, said Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT.

He also said that the newly formulated Personal Data Protection Ordinance 2025 incorporates an accountability framework to ensure the privacy of personal information and the rights of citizens.

Speaking to reporters at a programme held today (12 October) at the ICT Division's conference room in Agargaon, Dhaka, Taiyeb said, "Irregularities were found in several ICT projects taken during the previous Awami League government. Through reviewing and downsizing these projects and cancelling unnecessary components, we have been able to save about Tk2,500 crore."

In response to a question, he said, "The gaming app project based on the life and ideals of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had been misused for personal benefit. The interim government terminated the project immediately after taking office."

The special assistant further said, "A whitepaper committee is now working under the ICT Division. Inter-ministerial investigations have been conducted. Separate committees have also been formed to review the Access to Information (a2i) project and allocations made for the Hi-Tech Park. Committees are active at the divisional, ministerial, and national levels. With the chief adviser's approval, two independent whitepaper teams have been formed — one for the ICT sector and another for the telecom sector."

ICT Division Secretary Shish Hayder Chowdhury said at the event, "After the interim government took office, a 13-member committee was formed to investigate all ICT-related projects. The committee froze projects worth around Tk6,900 crore. Frozen doesn't mean cancelled — they have been placed under close observation and are being thoroughly reviewed."

He gave an example: "An ICT incubation centre in Natore town remains unused. In many places, buildings were constructed and project funds withdrawn, but activities never began. In Singra, Natore, there is hardware in place but no one to operate it. Initiatives are being taken to engage training institutes in such facilities."

The secretary added, "Since this government came to power, the ICT Division has not taken up any new projects. Instead, savings have been ensured through reassessment and restructuring of earlier ones."

Accountability framework in Personal Data Protection Ordinance

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said that a quasi-judicial council has been included within the authority to ensure accountability. 

"The authority itself will be accountable to this council," he said while responding to journalists' questions.

He further said, "Citizens who believe their personal data has been misused can file for arbitration with the quasi-judicial council in addition to going to court, as it is a high-powered framework."

The event discussed the policy-level approval of the Personal Data Protection Ordinance 2025, National Data Management Ordinance 2025, and Cyber Security (Amendment) Ordinance 2025.

Taiyeb said, "Our goal is to ensure the confidentiality and security of citizens' data while establishing accountability in administrative structures and the digital ecosystem. This law aims to guarantee both security and responsibility for all parties — government and private institutions alike."

"If there are any errors in the new law, we will revise them as necessary. We have long fought for freedom of expression, so we are open to any criticism. This is a national issue, and national interest has been given the highest priority," he added.

Taiyeb also expressed hope that the ordinance would soon be published in the government gazette.

New structure and six special wings

The special assistant to the chief adviser said that a Data Protection Authority would be formed to implement the proposed ordinance, comprising six specialised wings. 

These wings will be responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to the National Cloud Policy, National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy, National Software Policy, and Enterprise Culture, among others.

"We have designed the structure to include experts from outside the government as well," he said. "The position of executive chairman of the authority may be filled by a qualified individual from the private sector. Members of Parliament with expertise in data governance or data science can also be co-opted into the council."

He added, "We have not limited accountability only within the government. Instead, we have built an inclusive framework where citizens, administration, and the private sector all play a part."

Policies on digital security and software usage

During the session, Taiyeb said that as part of the new framework, the government would also introduce policies and limits regarding the use of pirated software in public offices.

"There will be directives on what type of software each office can use to ensure cybersecurity," he said. "Working in digital space now means shared responsibility. Citizens, the government, and institutions must work together to implement this security framework."

The event was also attended by ICT Division Secretary Shish Hayder Chowdhury, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and the ICT Division.