CA directs ministries to ensure at least 2 online-based govt services 

To ensure easy and hassle-free citizen services, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed all ministries and divisions to make at least two government services available online.

This directive was issued via a letter signed by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

According to the letter, the chief adviser issued the directive to reflect the public's expectation of easy and corruption-free access to government services and to deliver such services to marginalised populations at their doorstep.

He also directed divisions, offices, directorates and agencies under the relevant ministries and divisions to gradually introduce new online services. 

In this context, those have been requested to promptly send in their plans and concepts for implementing at least two online-based services.

Obtaining government services in Bangladesh is often complicated and time-consuming for the general public. 

People frequently face long waits at government offices, unnecessary paperwork, and, at times, corruption. 

'Set up co-working spaces in public, pvt offices'

The letter further urged to take steps to set up "co-working spaces" for entrepreneurs in various public and private offices. 

It also said as part of transforming Bangladesh into a modern, tech-based, citizen-friendly nation, a public-facing initiative titled "Citizen Services Bangladesh (Sheba)" was launched to ensure simple and hassle-free service delivery.

Several preparatory steps have been recommended for implementing this initiative fully. 

These include approval of a new service brand with minimal-cost licences for independent entrepreneurs and launching training programmes aimed at creating new entrepreneurs.

Following the model of Union Digital Centers, it has been suggested that kiosk activities be introduced at local offices of different ministries/divisions, post offices, and at ward levels for service delivery.

In addition, it has been asked to consider face verification/fingerprint devices in kiosks for citizen verification, and to prepare for setting up IT-based Training Centers and Circus Outlet Centers at the Union level.

Necessary measures are to be taken for monitoring and technical support – via dialling 333, call centres, web support – and effective implementation of the 333 helpline for grievance and redressal systems has also been advised.