Will Technology Lead Bangladesh to a Equitable Society?

Over the past decade, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides towards becoming a technology-driven nation. Through the combined efforts of government ministries, departments, local administrations, the private sector, and development partners, a tech-enabled administrative structure has emerged—one that has significantly advanced service delivery, transparency, and accountability. But an essential question arises: How humane is this transformation? How inclusive? And is this technology-led evolution truly laying the foundation for a just society?

If we view this transformation solely through the lens of technological capability or infrastructure development, we risk embracing a narrow perspective. Digital governance or "smart administration" is not merely about e-filing, one-stop services, or digital payments. At its core, it is about creating equal opportunities for all—especially for those who are marginalized, neglected, or at risk in society.

A New Chapter in Empowering Individuals

One of the most powerful aspects of this transformation is its ability to reach even the most marginalized individuals through technology. Consider Imran Hossain from Hizla upazila in Barishal—a visually impaired individual who had long struggled with mobile banking. When Imran raised concerns about digital accessibility, the Bangladesh Bank responded swiftly. Voice-guided instructions and screen reader features were added to mobile banking platforms. These changes didn't just benefit Imran—they opened the door to digital financial services for the entire disabled community across the country.

This was not merely a policy adjustment—it was the story of a citizen claiming his rights. In this case, digital governance was not a top-down directive, but a bottom-up change born out of public demand.

Likewise, in Chatmohar, Pabna, widow Jamila Khatun no longer waits for hours at the Union Parishad office. Through the local digital center, she can now receive her social safety allowance, pay her electricity bills, and even access legal advice—all from home. This is more than just technology at work—it is empowerment, freeing her from the grip of middlemen and restoring her sense of dignity.

Innovation with a Human Face

Various digital platforms developed through partnerships between the ICT Division, a2i, the Ministry of Local Government, and others—such as the National Information Portal, the 333 helpline, Mayer Dak (Mother’s Call), and the Agricultural Call Center—have enabled citizens to make informed decisions.

More importantly, technology is no longer perceived as something unfamiliar or foreign. It has become an integral part of daily life. Students, farmers, garment workers, persons with disabilities, and minority communities—all are now, in one way or another, connected to this digital ecosystem. The use of accessible language, regional dialects, and multimedia tools on digital platforms has made service delivery far more participatory and inclusive.

A groundbreaking example in this regard is the introduction of digital learning tools like the Multimedia Talking Book and the Accessible Dictionary. These resources are helping hearing- and visually-impaired students integrate into mainstream education. Beyond education, such tech-enabled inclusive services serve as indicators of a society's civility, humanity, and sense of justice.

SDG Tracking and Localization

Another significant aspect of digital governance is its role in promoting data-driven decision-making and public participation. In collaboration with the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and the General Economics Division, the SDG Tracker is now being used to monitor progress on various development indicators. This platform allows citizens, journalists, policymakers, and researchers to freely analyze data and engage in evidence-based evaluations.

Similarly, the "39+1" model of SDG localization is being implemented at the local level, translating national development goals into district, upazila, and union-level targets. This is more than just a strategic initiative—it grants local communities the right to define their own development pathways through meaningful participation.

The Reality of Invisible Barriers

Yet despite these achievements, digital inequality remains a major challenge in Bangladesh. While over 130 million people are internet users, access is not evenly distributed. Residents of rural, riverine, haor (wetland), and hilly regions still struggle with reliable connectivity.

Moreover, women in Bangladesh use the internet at significantly lower rates than men, often facing social barriers to technology use. According to the World Bank, only 34% of Bangladeshi women use mobile internet, compared to a South Asian average of nearly 48%. This digital divide is not merely a technical issue—it reflects structural inequality that could hinder broader transformation.

Technology as Culture

If we are to realize a genuine vision of transformation, we must look beyond technology as just a tool of innovation and embrace it as a social and ethical culture. A culture in which the state no longer views its citizens merely as service recipients, but respects them as rights-bearing partners.

So, what kind of society do we envision through the lens of technology? The answer must be clear: a just, equitable, and dignified society where no one is left behind—neither by birth, nor by geography, nor by poverty.

To achieve this vision, we need a collective effort—of technology, policy, social dialogue, and human awareness. The vision for transformation is not just a state declaration; it is a shared national resolve. Its success lies in ensuring that every citizen feels a part of this journey, benefits from it, and possesses the power to help drive it forward.

Today’s Bangladesh is crafting the blueprint for such a hopeful and inclusive society—one that advances through technology, grounded in justice, dignity, and equality.