Technology for All, Transformation for All

At the dawn of a new century, a new Bangladesh is emerging, one shaped by the synergy of technology and humanity, where no one is left behind or excluded. It was with this inclusive vision that the journey toward a Digital Bangladesh began. Today, that journey has taken a bold step forward into what can be called a ‘Two Decade of Transformation.’ This transformation is not just about technological advancement but about using technology to enrich human lives. At its core lies the aspiration for inclusive development and sustainable social progress.

In Bangladesh, e-governance is more than just the digital management of services, it is a reimagining of governance itself, where digital systems ensure fair access to public services. Special emphasis has been placed on including persons with disabilities and marginalized communities in this process. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) United Nations, which call for a just and equitable society, the Government of Bangladesh is committed to building a humane and technology-driven state. To bring this vision to life, initiatives like the Accessible Dictionary, Multimedia Talking Books, the Disability Innovation Lab, and specialized digital service centers have been introduced.

The real impact of these technologies is best understood through lived experiences. Take Abdul Karim, a farmer from Charghat in Rajshahi. In the past, he had to visit agricultural offices every season, submit documents, and navigate bureaucratic hurdles just to apply for farming incentives. Long queues, paperwork errors, and absent officials cost him both time and money. Now, he can easily apply online through his Union Digital Center. He receives real-time updates on his phone, knows when and where things are progressing, and gets the assistance he needs, on time, without paying a single extra penny or relying on middlemen.

Similarly, Rehana, a student from Brahmanpara in Cumilla, reminds us of the human side of digital services. While filling out her higher secondary school exam form, she noticed a spelling error in her name in the school records. In the past, correcting such mistakes required repeated visits to the education board and days of waiting. Now, her school can update records online via the digital education platform, and Rehana received her corrected documents within days. This timely service saved her academic dreams from being derailed.

These stories make it clear: poverty or disability is no longer a barrier to opportunity when technology is used effectively. Bangladesh’s e-governance journey is about delivering the benefits of digital technology to every doorstep. It’s not just about development, it’s about justice, where every citizen becomes an equal stakeholder in state services.

A significant shift has also occurred in how progress is measured. To track advancement toward the SDGs, the government launched the ‘SDG Tracker’, a digital platform that makes national data publicly accessible. Policymakers, researchers, and citizens can now better understand where progress is being made and where further work is needed. Supported by a2i (Aspire to Innovate), the tracker has earned praise at the international level for its transparency and usability.

However, alongside these achievements, a major challenge remains: digital inequality. Until every citizen has access to the internet and digital services, the dream of transformation cannot be fully realized. According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the number of internet users has increased, but remains low in proportion. The World Bank reports that only 39 out of every 100 people in Bangladesh use the internet, compared to a South Asian average of 42% and a 56% average in lower-middle-income countries.

Bridging this digital divide calls for innovative planning. The slogan ‘Digital Bangladesh’ becomes meaningful only when digital inclusion is guaranteed. For this reason, the government has launched programs like Digital Financial Inclusion and Agent Banking to expand financial access. Special service desks have been introduced at digital centers to support persons with disabilities.

For citizens with disabilities, technology such as accessible dictionaries and talking books is not only an educational tool but also a means of empowerment in all areas of life. The Disability Innovation Lab is also driving change by creating practical, innovative solutions to improve quality of life. These initiatives sketch the blueprint of a new Bangladesh, one where everyone’s potential is recognized and nurtured.

Localization is critical to the implementation of the SDGs. That’s why, in 2017, the Government of Bangladesh adopted the ‘39+1 Model’ for SDG implementation at the upazila level, a model now known globally as the ‘Bangladesh Model’. This framework enables review and planning of development progress at every level, from national to sub-district.

More than an administrative tool, this is a democratic process involving citizens, local representatives, service providers, and policymakers alike. By rooting development in data and transparency, this approach strengthens accountability and bolsters democracy.

In the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this decade-long transformation plan is undeniably ambitious. But to succeed, it must address the digital divide, ensure affordable and accessible internet for all, and prioritize the needs of marginalized communities in policymaking. Only then will development be truly sustainable, when it is inclusive of everyone.

Bangladesh's steps in this transformation journey have already gained international recognition. Now is the time to make this journey more dynamic, more inclusive, and more human-centered. Technology becomes a true engine of progress only when it serves every individual equally. Let this Decade of Transformation stand as a beacon of equity, humanity, and progress for all.