Entire country to be brought under digitisation soon

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the entire country will be brought under complete digitalisation as soon as possible to deliver banking and financial services to the people's doorsteps, simplify access to services, increase transparency, and save costs and time.
He said every citizen, including the commoners, businessmen, farmers, and labourers must be involved in this inclusive development process.
Mr Chowdhury made these remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at the "Innovation Showcasing 2025-26" programme organised by the Financial Institutions Division at Bangladesh secretariat.
The minister noted that the primary goal of digital technology is to ensure simplification of services and transparency.
"The budget we have prepared includes people from all walks of life--even artisans, artists, and singers. There is no alternative to technology for making this inclusive journey towards progress a success," he said.
He said the government has undertaken a massive action plan to directly involve the citizens in political, social, and economic activities.
The minister also emphasised on exchange of experiences in the technology sector. He said a high-level government team is now visiting Estonia, one of the world's leading countries in information technology, to study their technological excellence and the models they follow.
He instructed the government officials to apply the international best practices in the country's financial sector without wasting any time.
Mr Chowdhury asked the officials of banks and financial institutions as to what percentage of their total customers are getting digital services now.
He further said the branch officials must be proactive in habituating customers to online services and informing them of the benefits of digital services.
The coverage and outreach of digital services across banks, insurance, and the capital market has to be enhanced, he added.
"It must be ensured that citizens can get access to services effortlessly from home or while travelling in a rickshaw or car," he said.
He went on: "The country's actual productivity can be increased by saving the people's valuable time and travel costs and by reducing harassment."
Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek presided over the event, which was attended by senior officials of the division, representatives from Bangladesh Bank, and top officials from different banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions.

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