Photo: Collected
A project financed by the European Union (EU) was launched on Monday to accelerate e-Government and improve public services in the Bangladesh. The project titled "E-ffective Governance:
Accelerating e-Government and Digital Public Services in Bangladesh" was officially kicked off at an event in a city hotel. The project started in November 2024 in partnership with the Cabinet Division and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division.
It is being implemented by the e-Governance Academy of Estonia and the British Council and financed by the European Union. The inception phase of the project will end in April next.
The project, involving € 9.7 million, will be implemented from May 2025 to October 2027 following its inception phase (November 1024 to April 2025).
The main objectives of this project include to improve the digital interaction, coordination and communication between government ministries, agencies and departments, to improve the quality of public services and their delivery for all, and to strengthen the capacities of public sector employees for improved organisational performance and public service delivery.
The project will contribute to transparent and accountable governance through more effective, efficient and inclusive e-government and digital public services and accompany the country in its digital transformation journey.
Head of Development Cooperation EU Delegation to Bangladesh Michal Krejza said digital transformation is also a priority for the EU outside its borders. "The EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific gives digital governance a prominent role in how our partnership with Bangladesh and other countries in the region is shaped and evolving."
In response to the Bangladeshi Government's call to leverage digitalisation for transforming the State, society, and the economy, the EU has collaborated closely with the Cabinet Division and the ICT Division, he added.
"This partnership has been guided by assessed needs, tailored support, and, most importantly, a shared commitment to our common goal, namely to enhance transparency, integrity, and accountability in public service delivery through e-governance," said Michal Krejza.
He said digitalisation has a true transformative power to reform public administration, modernise service delivery, and improve good governance.
ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Coordinator and Reforms Secretary of the Cabinet Division Md Mahmudul Hossain, Policy Advisor for ICT
Coordination and Reform at ICT Division Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Head of Digital Architecture Competence Centre at the e-Government Academy (EGA) Arvo Ott, e-Governance Team Leader at the British Council Bangladesh Arsen Stepanyan, Resident Team Leader at the e-Governance Academy Piret Kuhlbars and Director of Programmes at the British Council Bangladesh David Knox spoke on the occasion.
Messenger/JRTarek
