Can we have a Department of Government Efficiency? (And would it even work?)

Imagine a government department dedicated solely to making other government departments more efficient! 

Sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, the United States recently launched the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—yes, the same acronym as the meme cryptocurrency—tasked with streamlining bureaucratic processes and cutting unnecessary costs.

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, government offices continue to function like an intricately woven, slow-moving web of files, approvals, and the eternal "Sir isn't at his desk right now; come back later."

Should we follow the US and create our own Ministry of Efficiency (MoE)? Or would it just become another department in the queue for inefficiency?

What is DOGE doing?

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was launched under an executive order by Donald Trump in January 2025. Its goal? Modernising federal technology, cutting red tape, and ensuring the government runs like a well-oiled machine—or at least one that doesn't crash as often as government websites do.

Some of its key initiatives of DOGE include auditing and deactivating unused government purchase cards, reducing unnecessary spending, restructuring agencies like the Social Security Administration to eliminate redundant bureaucracy, and overhauling outdated software across government departments to increase productivity.

That all sounds promising. But there's a catch. Reports suggest that DOGE has been trying to access sensitive information from different agencies, raising concerns over transparency. Some fear that instead of making the government efficient, it may centralise more power in the hands of a few. 

Would this work in Bangladesh?

The idea of government efficiency in Bangladesh is as ambitious as ironic. Our government has historically preferred expanding departments rather than streamlining them. When a problem arises, we don't usually fix it—we create a new committee, a subcommittee, or, if necessary, an entirely new department to "look into the matter."

So, while an efficiency-focused ministry sounds excellent on paper, let's consider the realities:

Bureaucracy runs deep: Files here move slower than Dhaka traffic. Creating a new efficiency department might add one more layer of approvals rather than remove them.

Digital initiatives exist already: Bangladesh has been pushing for digitalisation through Smart Bangladesh 2041 to streamline government services. But anyone who has tried using an online government portal knows it often involves multiple browser refreshes, a call to an "IT expert cousin," and finally, a trip to the nearest government office anyway.

Efficiency isn't just about a department: The real issue isn't the lack of an efficient ministry; it's the mindset. If government offices still require a "bokhshish" (bribe) to move a file forward, no department can magically fix that.

What can Bangladesh learn from DOGE?

While the establishment of a Ministry of Efficiency (MoE) may not serve as a definitive solution, there are several insightful lessons we can draw from the US model:

Enhancing digital infrastructure— It is imperative to design robust government websites that can withstand surges in traffic, particularly during peak times such as online ticket sales for public transport. This reliability not only ensures accessibility but also fosters public trust in the digital services provided by the government.

Strengthening anti-corruption initiatives— Implementing stringent anti-corruption measures is essential in curbing unnecessary expenditures and eradicating the misuse of government resources. This approach will promote transparency and accountability, ultimately leading to more judicious use of public funds.

Creating a centralised public service platform— Imagine a streamlined, single digital window where citizens can conveniently manage administrative tasks. From tax payments to accessing land records, this comprehensive platform would eliminate citizens' need to navigate multiple offices, thus saving time and reducing frustration while enhancing overall civic engagement.

Should we have a ministry of efficiency?

The idea of an efficiency-focused government body is appealing. But, in Bangladesh, it could become another bureaucratic maze. Instead of creating a new department, we may try to fix the inefficiencies within existing ones.

After all, if a government office requires five different approvals just to "approve" an efficiency initiative, we might be missing the point entirely.

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examines the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.