An assessment study of e-Governance in Bangladesha2i.pmo.gov.bd/.../11/12-e-Governance-Horizon-Scan-Report-2007.pdf · An assessment study of e-Governance in Bangladesh ... funded

An assessment study of e-Governance in Bangladesh

Prepared by

Access to Information (A2I) Programme

Chief Adviser’s Office Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

e- Governance is the

public sector’s use of

information and

communication

technologies with the aim

of improving information

and service delivery,

encouraging citizen

participation in the

decision-making process

and making government

more accountable,

transparent and effective.

The horizon scan report of

Access to Information

Programme (A2I) was an

attempt to represent a

comprehensive picture of

the current ICT status to

foster the e-Governance

process in Bangladesh.

Horizon Scan Report 2007

ii

Copyright © Access to Information (A2I) programme

Updated on December, 2007


iii

Summary of Access to Information (A2I)

Programme

e-Governance is a strategic issue that relates to redesigning the national

administrative process at the policy-making level to make the Government more

transparent, efficient, and service-oriented. It requires high level leadership and

participation from all stakeholders.

The Chief Adviser’s Office (the then Prime Minister’s Office), established

an ICT Task Force with representatives from all major ICT stakeholders –

including the private sector and industry. The office also undertook a publicly

funded project named ‘Support to ICT Task Force’ (SICT) to implement Pilot ICT

project. The SICT project deals with implementation of various pilot ICT projects

utilizing public funds, various other government organizations continue to

undertake parallel initiatives mainly utilizing funding from development

partners.

The outcomes of such rather scattered initiatives have resulted in the

creation of many e-governance applications within the government system.

However, absence of coordination meant most of these initiatives are

incompatible with each other and lack complementarities in building a nation

wide e-governance platform. Thus there was a felt need to establish a

coordinating agency to spearhead e-governance efforts and to expedite execution

and improve coordination among initiatives of different organs of the

government. A committee was formed to strategize establishment of an enabling

environment and develop a plan of action to spearhead implementation of e-

governance in the country. Based on a series of national and regional

consultations, the committee made three strategic recommendations in their

report submitted to the PMO in 5 June 2006. One of the strategic

recommendations of the plan was to establishment of an ‘e-Governance Cell or

Entity’ within PMO to lead and provide coordination support to all e-governance

initiatives taken at various levels of the government.

As a follow up action of this recommendation an e-Governance Cell was

housed within PMO/Chief Adviser’s Office. It was also recommended in the ‘Plan

of Action’ to undertake an umbrella programme, with UNDP Bangladesh as the


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lead development partner, that will provide technical and knowledge advisory

assistance in the formulation and implementation of e-governance projects –

including the facilitation of resource mobilization from both government and

development partners sources.

The Programme A2I was being designed as a follow up of the third

recommendation of the ‘e-Governance Plan of Action’. A2I programme aimed at

ensuring the appropriateness of new initiatives and programmes for ICT for

development within the context of national priorities. At the same time, this

programme will support the development of new projects and programmes for

ICT for development within the context of national priorities. At the same time,

this programme will support the development of new projects and programmes

for ICT for development and provide technical assistances for monitoring and

evaluation of these projects. This programme will also

• Identify, prioritize and mainstream ICT into the national

development policies and to assist in the development of national

e-Governance vision and strategy that can harness digital

opportunities for development in consultation with the

stakeholders; and

• Identify emerging opportunities for ICT for development initiatives

and programmes in support of national priorities in the context of

national e –Governance vision.

The journey for establishing e-governance system in Bangladesh faced

challenges that can be summarized by three A’s: Access, Awareness and

Applications. Being a developing country, it was always a challenge for the

country to finance capital intensive endeavours like access backbones and

communication infrastructure. Also, newer ICT tools remained beyond the

purchasing power of most Bangladeshis.

With the proliferation of mobile, while the communication infrastructure

challenge is somewhat resolved, the issues of awareness among the public

servants and citizen are still low. Such awareness (or lack of it) among middle

and senior public officials remained a particular of concern in the context of

establishing e-governance.


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Finally, there are only a few applications that are available to address

specific application needs of the civil services and other branches of the

government. Lack of software applications as well as lack of relevant digital

content remained one of the major obstacles towards attaining greater buy-ins

form government stakeholders.

Apart form the three major issues that are described above, lack of policy

level coordination and often fragmented mandate of various government

agencies represent another set of challenges in effective use of ICTs in better

public administration and efficient citizen service delivery.

The scope of Access to Information (A2I) programme is the provision of

knowledge advisory services and technical assistance to the e-Governance cell,

which is mandated to provide leadership in developing the national e-

Governance vision, and to spearhead and coordinate the national efforts in

achieving the vision. The programme’s scope also includes strengthening the

capacity of key government ICT championships-individuals or organizations- by

enhancing their ICT skills in promoting the transfer of knowledge on

project/programme management best practices.


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Acknowledgement VIII

Preface XV

Glossary of terms XVI

Executive Summary XVII

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Country profile of Bangladesh 1

1.2 Background 6

1.3 Methodology 9

1.4 Scope 12

1.5 Limitations 13

2. CITIZENS EXPECTATIONS

2.1 An overview of citizens’ needs, problems and their

recommendations

15

2.2 An overall picture of the status of the ICT infrastructure in

surveyed areas

21

3. SUPPORTING POLICIES

Governing authority in ICT sector 26

4. INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICE SECTOR

4.1 Infrastructure & Connectivity issue 42

4.1.1 Telecommunication 43

4.1.2 Data connectivity 46

4.1.3 Television network 50

4.1.4 Radio 52

4.1.5 Post 53

4.1.6 Tele center & cyber café 53

4.1.7 Power sector 55

4.2 Service Sector

4.2.1 Government sector

4.2.1.1 ICT Status of different ministries/divisions 60

4.2.1.2 Support to ICT Task Force (SICT) Programme 62

4.2.1.3 Success & failure samples of Government ICT projects 69

4.2.1.4 ICT initiatives in Annual Development Programme 71

4.2.1.5 Website status of Government 73

4.2.2 Private Sector

4.2.2.1 Banking sector 78


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4.2.2.2 Bangladesh IT & ITES Sector 86

4.3 Recommendations in infrastructure & Service sector

5. HUMAN RESOURCES READINESS FOR ICT ADOPTION

5.1. Access to ICT learning 89

5.2. Research and Development 92

5.3. Content 95

5.4. Free and Open Source Software 97

5.5. Localization 100

5.6. Recommendations 105

6. THE WAY FORWARD 111

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE 1: The detail report of citizen survey

ANNEXURE 2:Summary of ICT Status in ministries

ANNEXURE 3: Name & Status of SICT project

ANNEXURE 4: ICT Initiatives of the Bangladesh Government in Annual

Development Programme (ADP)

ANNEXURE 5: Scope for ICT initiatives of Bank in Bangladesh

ANNEXURE 6: Questionnaire

ANNEXURE 7: List of Tables

ANNEXURE 8: List of Figures

ANNEXURE 9: Research Team


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Acknowledgement

The Horizon Scan Report, an outcome of comprehensive effort of Horizon Scan

team, has been successfully published. The scan of ICT status of Bangladesh

would not have been possible without the cordial support and cooperation of the

various Government and non Government stakeholders. We would like to convey

our gratitude especially to the different ministries and agencies of the

Government as well as to the public and private banks and institutions. Our

appreciation also goes to the survey team who tried to reflect the view of citizens

throughout the country which have enlightened our Report.

At last, we would like to acknowledge the amiable and instrumental

contribution of the following people. Without their support the Report would

have remained incomplete.

Our Stakeholders

(a) Technical Committee Members of A2I Programme

• Mr. Ehsanul Hoque, Convener of TC of A2I Programme, DG (Admin),

Chief Adviser’s Office

• Mr. Shamsul Alam Khan, Joint Secretary, M/O Science and ICT,

Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka.

• Mr. ATM Monirul Alam, General Manager, Upazilla Telecom Region,

Mohakhali Transmission Building, BTTB, Dhaka.

• Mr. Abdul Khaleque, Director (Admin), Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Kazi Enamul Hassan, Director-8, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Md. Enamul Kabir, Secretary, Bangladesh Computer Council, Dhaka.

• Mr. ANM Mustafizur Rahman, System Analyst, CPTU, Planning

Commission, Dhaka.

• Mr. Md. Rabiul Islam, Systems Analyst, Chief Adviser’s Office, Dhaka.

• Mr. A A Munir Hasan, Programme Implementation Specialist, A2I, Chief

Adviser’s Office, Dhaka.

• Mr. KAM Morshed, Assistant Country Director, MDGs & e-Development

Cluster, UNDP.


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*** Special Invitee of Technical Committee

• Mr. Aftab Ahmed, APS 1 to Chief Adviser Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Mostafizur Rahman, Director-2, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Rafiqul Khan, Director-15, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Md Ziaul Hoque, Assignment Officer, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s

Office.

• Mr. Md Aminul Islam, Protocol Officer, A2I Programme,Chief Adviser’s

Office.

(b) e-Gov cell members

• Mr. Ehsanul Hoque, convener of TC of A2I Programme, DG (Admin.) Chief

Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Kazi Enamul Hasan, Director-8, Chief Advisor’s Office.

• Mr. M. Azharul Huq, Director-1, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Md. Rabiul Islam, System Analyst, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Engr. Mahabub Sarwar, National Project Director & Member Secretary,

PIC, A2I Prgramme, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Assignment Officer, A2I Programme, Chief

Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Md Aminul Islam, Protocol Officer, A2I Programme,Chief Adviser’s

Office.

(c) ICT Focal Points

• Mr. Md. Shamsul Alam Khan, Joint Secretary, M/O Science and

Information & Communication Technology.

• Mr. Abu Reza Khan, Executive Member, Board of Investment.

• Mr. Shafiz Uddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Communications.

• Mr. Md. Ali Mostafa Chowdhury, Joint Secreatry, Ministry of Local

Government, Rural Development & Co-Operatives.

• Mr. Mainul Hasan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Social Welfare.

• Mr. Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information.

• Mr. Md. Ibadat Ali, NDC, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence.

• Mr. Md. Khalilur Rahman Siddiqui, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries

& Levestock.

• Mr. F.M.M Jalal Uddin Al-Quaderi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Primary &

Mass Education.

• Mr. Md. Mostofa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Industries.


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• Mr. Md. Abdur Rashid, Joint Secretary, President’s Offfice.

• Mr. Begum Mushfeka Iqfat, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women &

Children affairs.

• Mr. M. Shahidul Haque, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Law, Justice &

Parliamentary Affairs.

• Mr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth & Sports.

• Dr. Md Ruhul Amin Sarkar, Joint Secretary, IRD, Ministry of Finance.

• Mr. Gazi Mizanur Rahman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Post &

Telecommunication.

• Mr. Chowdhury Md. Ziaul Haque, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Religion.

• Ms. Ayesha Begum, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Public works.

• Ms. Rowshan Ara Begum, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Chittagong Hill

Tracks Affairs.

• Mr. Abdul Bari Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food & Disaster

Management.

• Mr. Mohammed Jakaria, Additional Secretary, Election Commission

Secretariat.

• Mr. Md. Shahabuddin, Joint Secretary, Bangladesh Parliament

Secretariat.

• Mr. Miah Abdullah Mamun, Deputy Secretary, Planning Dept, Ministry of

Planning.

• Mr. Qamar Muni, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forest & Environment.

• Md. Fazlul Haq, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textile & Jute.

• Mr.Aiyubur Rahman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family

Welfare.

• Mr.Md. Mazibur Rahman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Mr. Md. Imdadul Haque, Joint Secretary, Dept of Mineral Resources

Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

• Mr. Md. Waheed Hossain, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Power, Ministry of

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources.

• Mr. Golam Murtaza, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Shipping.

• Mr. M.A.K. Mahmud, Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Mr. Mazbaul Alam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation & Tourism.

• Mr. Pius Costa, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Land.

• Mr. Md. Mahbubul Alam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources.

• Ms. Shuraia Begum, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs.


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• Mr. Humayun Kabir Khan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Liberation War

Affairs.

(d) IT experts in Govt. ministries/divisions/agencies

• Mr. Mohammad Asadul Haque, Programmer, CPTU, IMED, Ministry of

Planning.

• Mr. Md. Abdur Rob, Assistant Chief, Ministry of Textile and Jute.

• Ms. Sharmin Afroz, System Analyst, Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

• Mr. Md. Zulfiqur Rahman, Progammer, Ministry of Health and Family

welfare.

• Mr. Md. Salahuddin Sarker, Programmer, Cabinet Division.

• Mr. Md. Rabiul Islam, System Analyst, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Anuj Kumar Roy, Progammer, Directorate of Primary Education.

• Mr. Md. Siddiqur Rahman, Programmer, Supreme Court.

• Ms. Kazi Sayeda Momtaz, Progrmmer, MIS, RHD, Dhaka.

• Mr. Md. Olid – Bin-Asad, Programmer, Ministry of Food and Disaster

Management.

• Mr. Md. Nashir Uddin, System Analyst, Office of the Controller General of

Accounts.

• Mr. Md. Abu Baten Talukder, System Analyst, Finance Division, Ministry

of Information.

• Mr. Eng, Md. Atiar Rahman, Office of the Controller General of Accounts.

• Mr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Programmer, Office of the Controller General

of Accounts.

• Mr. Mohammad Nurus Samad, System Anlyst/Administrator, CID.

• Mr. Md. Nazrul Islam, System Analyst, BBS.

• Mr. Eng. Md. Golam Sarwar, Programmer, BCC.

• Mr. Mohammad Abdus Sobhan, Programmer, ERD, Ministry pf Finance.

• Mr. Geias Uddin Ahmed Bhuyen, Programmer, Chief Adviser’s Office.

• Mr. Md. Akter Ali, Senior System Analyst, Police Head Quarters.

• Mr. Md. Mofakkharul Islam, System Analyst, Ministry of Education.

• Mr. Md. Shafiqul Alam, Programmer, Local Government Division,

Ministry of Local Government, Rural development & Co-operatives.

• Mr. Khan Md. Elias, Senior System Analyst, Bangladesh Parliament

Secretariat.


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• Mr. S. M. Shahid, Programmer, Compulsory Primary Education,

Implementation and Monitoring unit, Ministry of Primary & Mass

Education.

• Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Special Branch, Bangladesh Police.

• Mr. Md. Shakhawat Hossain Bhuiyan, Assistant Programmer, ERD,

Ministry of Finance.

• Mr. Mohammad Shafiqur Rahman, Senior System Analyst, NBR.

• Mr. Md. Siddiqur Rahman, Programmer, Supreme Court.

• Mr. M. M. Nuruzzaman, System Analyst, Dept. of Narcotics Control.

• Mr. Mahbubur Rahman, Ministry of Water Resources.

• Mr. Mohammad Asadul Haque, Programmer, CPTU, IMED, Ministry of

Planning.

• Mr. Md. Mosharraf Hossain, Programmer, Office of the Controller General

of Accounts.

• Mr. Md. Abu Baten Talukder, System Analyst, Finance Division, Ministry

of Information.

• Mr. S. M. Shahid, Programmer, Compulsory Primary Education,

Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Minsitry of Primary & Mass

Education.

• Mr. Md. Mofazzal Hossain, System Manager, BANBEIS, Ministry of

Education.

• Mr. Anuj Kumar Roy, Progammer, Directorate of Primary Education.

• Mr. Md. Shamsur Rahman, Computer System Analyst, Roads and

Highways Dept.

• Mr. Md. Musleh Uddin, Senior System Analyst, Ministry of

Establishment.

• Mr. Khan Md. Elias, Senior System Analyst, Bangladesh Parliament

Secretariat.

• Ms. Kazi Sayeda Momtaz, Progrmmer, MIS, RHD, Dhaka.

• Mr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Special Branch, Bangladesh Police.

• Mr. Alamgir Kabir, AP, Chief Adviser’s Office

• Mr. Eng. Md. Golam Sarwar, Programmer, BCC.

• Mr. Md. Rabiul Islam, System Analyst , Chief Adviser’s Office

• Mr. Md. Olid – Bin-Asad, Programmer, Ministry of Food and Disaster

Management.

• Ms Sharmin Afroz, System Analyst, Dhaka Metropolitan Police.


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• Mr. Md. Shakhawat Hossain Bhuiyan, Assistant Programmer, ERD,

Ministry of Finance.

(e) Experts from BTTB

• Mr. Asadul Islam, Secretary, Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board

(BTTB).

• Mr. Md. Shahidul Alam, Director, Maintanance & Operation, BTTB.

• Mr. Biddut Chandra Roy, Director, Planning. BTTB.

• Engr. A.K.M. Habibur Rahman, Divisional Engineer, BTTB.

(f) University Grants Commision

• Prof. Dr. Ehsanul Haque, Member, Bangladesh University Grants

Commision.

• Mr. Anil Chandra Paul, Director (Acting), TID, Bangladesh University

Grants Commision.

• Mr. Ziaul Haque, Associate Professor, TID, Bangladesh University Grants

Commision.

• Mr. Khondokar Hamidur Rahman, Assistant Professor, Bangladesh

University Grants Commision.

(g) Experts in Banking Sector

• Ms Nazneen Sultana, System Manager, Bangladesh Bank.

• Mr. Md. Nurul Haque, DGM (IT), Agrani Bank, Head Office, Dhaka.

• Mr. Jashed Atique, Manager IT, HSBC.

• M.A. Zubair, General Manager, IT division, Pubali Bank Ltd.

• Mr. Reazul Islam, Senior Vice President and Head of IT, AB Bank.

• Mr. Abedur Rahman Sikder, Head of ADC, BRAC Bank.

• Mr. Mamun Seraji, Senior Manager, IT, BRAC Bank.

• Mr. Mohammad H. Kafi, Executive Vice President and Head of IT, Dhaka

Bank.

• Mr. MD. Shameemul Haque, Assistant General Manager, Sonali Bank.

(g) Internet service Providers Association of Bangladesh and Cable TV

operators Association in Bangladesh

• Mr. Russel T. Ahmeed, Secretary General, ISP Association Bangladesh.

• Mr. S. M. Anwar, President, Cable Operator Association Bangladesh.


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• Mr. Nizam Uddin Masud, Secretary General, Cable Operator Association

Bangladesh.

(h) Professionals in Mobile Content development

• Mr. Asif Kahn, Managing Director, Marketing and Sales, I-Infomedia

Limited.

• Mr. Fasial Alim, Managing Director, Wintel Limited.

• Mr. Fafiur Rahman Khan Yusufazai, Managing Director, E.B. Solutions

Limited.

• Mr. S. M. Arafat Ashfaq, Chief Executive Officer, Bangla Infoway.

• Mr. Hasan Emon, Manager Marketing and Sales, Bangla Infoway.

• Mr. Md. Aminul Haq, Director, Next Net Limited.

• Mr. Md. Shafiul Islam, Sr. Executive Marketing, MMSL.

• Mr. Kaymun Amin, Managing Director, V U mobile.

• Mr. Rana, Admin and Project Team Leader, Amader Mobile.com.

(i) Policy Experts

• Dr. Ananya Raihan, Executive Director, D.Net.

• Mr. Reza Salim, Project Director, Amader Gram.

• Mr. T.I.M Nurul kabir, Chairman, Digital Knowledge Foundation (DKF).

• Mr. AHM. Bazlur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, BNNRC.

• Mr. Pallab Mohaimen, In-charge IT page, The Daily Prothom Alo.

(j) Technical Editor

• Mr. ATM Monirul Alam, General Manager, Upazilla Telecom Region,

Mohakhali Transmission Building, BTTB, Dhaka.

(K) Style Editor

• Ms. Rafat Binte Rashid, Editor, Lifestyle & Rising star, The Daily Star.


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Preface

In today’s world Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has

tremendous impact on socio-economic livelihood of people of the country.

Government functions are the most profound areas where ICT can play a pivotal

role in fostering and ameliorating the citizen centric services.

Adaptation of e-governance is a key for smart governance and making

information technology (IT) relevant to ordinary citizens in Bangladesh where a

large proportion of the population suffers from digital divide. e-governance will

allow ordinary people to interact with the government at various levels and

matters of governance to provide inputs for decision makers.

To achieve these desired objectives a critical assessment of ICT status at

various levels of government and society is needed. The horizon scan report

probably the first attempt to exert the country’s complete ICT status, which will

be of ample help for future documentation and planning. We hope the

participation and endeavor of various stakeholders will accelerate further to

enrich the e-readiness for the emerging interest in e-Governance.

Engr. Mahabub Sarwar

National Project Director & Member Secretary PIC

Access to Information (A2I) Programme

Chief Adviser’s Office


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Glossary of Terms

A2I

Access to Information

ADSL Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ATM Automatic Teller Machine BANSDOC Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation

Center BdOSN Bangladeshi Open Source Network BDT Bangladeshi Taka (Currency). BERNET Bangladesh Education and Research Network BOU Bangladesh Open University BTN Bangladesh Telecentre Network BTRC Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission BTTB Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board BUET Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate CDMA Code Division Multiple Access CIDA Canadian International Development Agency CRBLP The Center for Research on Bangla Language Processing CSO Civil Society Organization DCE Directorate of Continuing Education DDN Digital Data Network DSL Digital Subscriber Line DL Distance Learning EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution FOSS Free and Open Source Software GB Giga Bytes GDP Gross Domestic Product GNI Gross National Income GoB Government of Bangladesh GPO General Post Office GPRS General Packet Radio Service GSM Global System for Mobile HDI Human Development Index HPO Head Post Office HSD High Speed Diesel ICT Information and Communication Technology IDRC International Development Research Corporation IP Internet Protocol IPLC International Private Leased Circuit IRU Indefeasible Rights of Use ISP Internet Service Provider KB Kilo Bytes LAN Local Area Network LC Local Centers MAN Metropolitan Area Network MB Mega Bytes Mbps Mega bits per second MCP Microsoft Certified Professional MCSE Microsoft Certified Software Engineer MDG Millennium Development Goals MMS Multimedia Messaging Service MW Mega Watts NGO Non Government Organization NLP Bangla Natural Language Processing


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NRI Networked Readiness Index PD Professional Development PRS Poverty Reduction Strategy PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network RDCD Rural Development & Cooperative Division RRC Regional Resource Center

SEA- ME-WE4

South East Asia Middle East Western Europe 4

SMS Short Message Service STM Synchronous Transport Module TC Tutorial Centers UGC University Grants Commission UNDP United Nations Development Program URC University Resource Center UUCP Unix to Unix CoPy VSAT Very Small Aperture Terminal VPN Virtual Private Network WAN Wide Area Network WAP Wireless Application Protocol


xviii

Executive Summary

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have brought major

transformations across the globe. ICTs have ushered an era of unprecedented

productivity, effectiveness and transparency. Mobile phones have shrunk

distances. The Internet has allowed real-time participation of the masses in the

policy decision process.TV and radio capture and disseminates the updates of

the social and political portrait to millions in the blink of an eye. Just as

businesses are harnessing the power of ICT to deliver better, faster and cheaper

services to their customers, it is also causing a paradigm shift in governance

processes. Electronic Governance or e-Governance is the delivery of government

services and information to the public using electronic means and/or ICTs to

support good governance. Policy makers of developed countries like the US, the

UK and Singapore have fully recognized the power of e-Governance to make a

significant contribution in achieving the objectives of good governance. Along

with Governments of many developing nations, Bangladesh is also coming to a

fast realization that ICT is not only necessary for promoting economic growth

but also can be a great engine for driving good governance.

In the past decade, the Government of Bangladesh had taken various

innovative steps towards e-Governance. It is clear that Bangladesh is positioning

itself to be seriously moving towards e-Governance in a comprehensive way.

However, to realize the “vision” for e-Governance in Bangladesh it is imperative

to understand the current readiness of the country. This horizon scan report

analyzes the previous significant developments and presents the primary and

secondary research findings in the following categories:

• Citizens’ Expectations, Supporting Policies, Infrastructure and

Connectivity issue and ICT and Human Resources.

• Rationale behind previous e-Governance initiatives and future plans.

The Primary focus of e-Governance is not ICT itself, but leveraging ICT to

improve service delivery. Consequently, it is important to know the services that

are essential to citizens and then deliver those services efficiently and effectively

through electronic or non-electronic means. The Citizen Survey is therefore the

most important component of the Horizon Scan report. It tried to identify the

needs of citizens, challenges they face and find ways to overcome those using


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ICTs. Initially, the survey covered around 700 citizens from 11 districts

including Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangamati,

Kurigram, Sunamganj, Sirajganj, and Narayanganj. These randomly selected

citizens represented important stakeholders of all key sectors including agro-

farmers, poultry farmers, fishermen, labors, professionals, housewives,

students, self-employed, job seekers, senior citizens (above 60), disabled

citizens, daily laborers, the very poor (under the $1 income margin), teachers

and Government employees.

The survey seeks to:

1. Assess status of the existing ICT infrastructure

2. Identify services that citizens seek the most

3. Identify obstacles in service delivery

4. Identify existing service delivery channels

5. Identify most preferred ICT channels

Researchers found that the pace, extent, and effectiveness of ICT diffusion

can be directly shaped by having four generic types of balanced government

policies—private and public, domestic and foreign, monopoly and competition

and central and distributed.The ICT policy adopted in 2002 prioritizes improving

many areas which needs more follow–up to be more successful about the growth

of ICT path. As evidenced in the past, good policies (like the successful

Bangladesh Drug Policy, RMG Back-to-Back LC, etc) can truly accelerate the

pace of economic development in Bangladesh. A follow-up report (half-yearly

review) will potentially make policy recommendations to support e-Governance

Vision and Strategies.

Although quite behind in the global race, Bangladesh is slowly improving in

the arena of Information and Communications Technologies; particularly in

infrastructure and human resource development. In the telecommunication

sector, Government owned BTTB, on which the masses still rely for connection

has the largest market share (89%) in the PSTN market. Other PSTN operators

are strategically trying to penetrate in the market through the introduction of

additional quality products and services.

Cellular Phone has revolutionized the telecommunication industry in

Bangladesh. Since 1989, cell phones have brought more than thirty million

people under the shade of telecommunication service. Currently six mobile

phone operators are operating with extreme competition through rendering


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customized services. This reaches out to the masses and creates an alternative

delivery channel for better service delivery. Although the call charge requires

further adjustment, it is now affordable for most people.

Bangladesh Post Office introduced Electronic Mail Service (e-Post) through

16 general post offices, which enable a user to send and receive email messages

without possessing an email id. There are around 1000 telecentres (year: 2007),

owned by local entrepreneurs, operating mainly in the rural areas of

Bangladesh. The business of cyber café has been growing in Dhaka since the

late 90s which are used to browse, using e-mail facilties, video conferencing etc.

Energy is the prerequisite for a strong ICT infrastructure of any country. At

present, three state-owned organizations; Bangladesh Power Development Board

(BPDB), Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) and Rural Electrification Board

(REB), under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources are

responsible for electricity of the country. Currently, there are 18 government

owned power plants with 45 units and 6 privately owned power plants with 37

units. PDB has initiated a pre-paid meter system. Solar panel can be a good

alternative for electricity where government took some projects to identify and

implement other sources for electricity like “solar electricity for rural

electrification.”

Bangladesh was connected to the information super highway through sub

marine cable in 2006. A project by BTTB is going on to establish the national

high-speed data-backbone. This project will setup Layer-3 Switches (ADSL Site)

in 12 districts with Fiber Optic Connections to the main data-backbone. After

this high-speed national data backbone is completed, a flurry of IT-enabled

services and related business activities will happen all over Bangladesh.

The Government with its organs is gradually moving towards the

computerized systems from the old manual systems. More than 50% ministries

now have their own Local Area Network (LAN). They are connected to the

internet via dial up connections or broadband connections. Some of the

ministries use customized software for their internal purposes and service

delivery. Some ministries have their own application servers and mailing

systems. Among various initiatives SICT was the largest initiative in the

Government Sector so far. 55 projects were taken through SICT (Support to

ICT Task Force) programme in different ministries and agencies, from which


xxi

14 are already completed and remaining 41 are going. It can be noted that

these projects have created a favorable impact in rendering better services

to the Citizens.

Private sector is the driving force for our national economy. Integration

of ICT in private sector is increasing. Particularly, most of the banks are

getting automated in their various services like ATM (Automated Teller

Machine) booth, different types of cards (VISA, Master Card, Debit, Credit card),

point of sales (POS), online banking, SMS banking, Tele banking, etc. In terms of

trade, the local and global revenues of both the ITS and ITES are growing. ITS

and ITES supplying firms are becoming competitive day by day.

This report also takes a look at the ICT HR readiness of Bangladesh.

About 23 Public Universities offer Computer Science and ICT related

courses. Nearly all 54 Private Universities are offering ICT related courses.

ICT education is getting emphasis in secondary and higher secondary levels

also. The ICT Training Centers were surveyed to assess their status and

quality. The findings are not very encouraging. But the good news is that

the Government, academia, and industry are realizing the high-quality ICT

HR crisis, and they are coming up with some coordinated and concrete

plans to produce better ICT HR in the coming days.

Currently, 23 organizations are involved in producing ICT based

materials for Non Formal Education (NFE) sector. Among the 23

organizations: 9 are NGOs, 9 are commercial firms and the rest are

educational and research organizations.

e-Governance, which essentially aims at enhancing good governance and

strengthening the democratic process, can also be seen as a way of providing

access to information, freedom of expression, greater equity, efficiency,

productivity growth and social inclusion. It is evident that successful e-

governance initiatives have demonstrable and tangible impact on increasing

government efficiency, improving citizen participation and quality of life as a

result of effective multi-stakeholder partnerships. With that said, the

Government of Bangladesh should consider focusing on enabling environment

for the development and implementation of e-governance systems, including

undertaking institutional and organizational system reforms, promoting change

of attitude to work, enacting e-Governance enabler laws and legislation,


xxii

promoting the development of requisite human resources and ICT infrastructure

and putting in place mechanisms to mobilize financial and other technological

resources.

INTRODUCTION

The advent of information and

communication technology (ICT)

together with the diffusion of the

technological advances has resulted

in the digital revolution and the

emergence of the Information age.

The revolution has created an

enormous impact on social, political,

and cultural livelihood of mass people

which took the whole world into a

different era. Bangladesh is one of

the developing countries driving

strongly for building the nation by

entering into global frontier through

ICT. This creates a platform for

interaction amongst the Government,

businesses and citizens and ensures

easy accessibility of information to all

levels of the society.


1

Table: 1.1 Bangladesh Data Sheet 1

Administrative Unit As per 2006

Division 6

Zilla 64

Upazilla 481

Thana 596

Municipality 308

Union 4498

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Country Profile of Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a sovereign state in the

South Asian belt encompasses a mass

population of 150 million people in a

geographical land of 147,570 sq. km.

Bangladesh has emerged as a sovereign

nation after a protracted bloody War of

Independence in December 1971.

Bangladesh takes great pride in its hard

earned political independence and also care for its long fought struggle &

movements from 1952 to establish Bangla as the “National Language", respected

widely among the locals as “Mother Tongue”.

Looking at the history on formation of Bangladesh, it is recorded that

dating back to several thousand years this country was formed from the alluvial

soil of the river Ganges while free-flowing from the Himalayas Mountain to the

sea. The new land is the largest Delta of its kind in the world. Being ideally

located in the southern footsteps of the Himalayas, this independent country is

surrounded by Indian states of West Bengal at west and north borders whilst

Assam & Meghalaya states shares the eastern borders. A south-east tip of the

land is bordered with Myanmar. The circumference of Bangladesh is between

20034′ and 26038′ North Latitudes and between 88001′ and 92041′ East

Longitude.

In regard to its geographical location, the country is environmentally

guided by tropical climates and therefore Mother Nature awards the country

with long hot summer, heavy monsoon, dry autumn, short-stayed cool winter

and festive spring – round the calendar year. The average temperature is around

260 C and the average rainfall is 2540mm. The Bay of Bengal, rich in natural

wealth, directly lies at the south of the country where the country has two sea

ports to carry forth the international trade & commerce.

1 Bangladesh data sheet, 11 July, 2007 (http://www.bbs.gov.bd/index.php)


2

Along this Bay, the country proudly possesses the longest sea beach in the

world ranging in excess of 100 miles in length and also offers endless tourism

beauty therein. The country also wonder’s for the largest Mangrove forest in the

world named Sundarban – a safe-haven of wild animals including fierce some

tigers and spotted deer as well resourceful plants & trees, namely Mahgoni,

Segun etc.

Over 98% of the people communicate in Bangla here in Bangladesh;

English however, is also spoken & understood in many of the urban areas. The

country succumbs to a mix of religion with 88% majority of the mass following

Islam and balance minority maintaining Hinduism, Buddhism & Christianity,

respectively in order of followers; yet the country takes pride to have an equal

opportunity to freedom of religious sanctity and practices and too enjoys

communal harmony, peaceful tolerance & co-existence.

Elaborating on the achievements & benchmarks acquired in the

international arena, the country acclaims to be the pioneer and vanguard in

micro-credit concept and operation for poverty reduction which has gloriously

brought the Nobel Prize in Peace for the country in 2006 by Grameen Bank and

its distinguished founder fore figure Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Furthermore, Bangladesh is one of the largest participants in United

Nations Peace Keeping Missions, contributing majority of the UN Armed Forces

for the continuation of peace and harmony in the many war-torn countries

across the globe. The professional strength of Bangladeshi soldiers played in

reconstructing and peace keeping across Africa, Europe & Asian continent has

indeed earned her with worldwide praise, respect & recognition.

Bangladesh has been achieving more than 6% economic growth over the

last 5 years. The country has attained tremendous success in several areas

particularly at primary school enrollment, reducing gender disparity, child

mortality rate and achievement of immunization.

Still the country has vast economic potentials with 68 million people of

unused workforce and vast amount of unexplored natural resources like gas,

coal. It is pertinent, while forging the natural and human resources, the country

can augment better economic output and ensure better standard of living to its

citizens.


3

The following table represents the economic and social indicators of Bangladesh

at a glance.

The next table represents the country’s economic structure and long term trend.

Table: 1.3 Key economic ratios and long term trends 3

Particulars 1986 1996 2006

GDP (US$ billions) 21.2 40.7 61.9

Gross Capital formation/GDP 16.7 20.0 24.7

Export of goods and services/GDP 5.4 11.1 19.0

Gross domestic savings/GDP 9.8 12.4 18.4

Gross national savings/GDP 14.6 19.8 33.7

2 MDG in Bangladesh, BBS report (http://www.bbs.gov.bd/dataindex/MDGs%20in%20Bangladesh.doc)

The World Bank Report (http://devdata.worldbank.org/AAG/bgd_aag.pdf)

BTRC (www.btrc.gov.bd) HD Report, UNDP 2006-2007(http://devdata.worldbank.org/AAG/bgd_aag.pdf) Central intelligence Agency- The world Fact book (https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bg.html) 3. The World Bank Report (http://devdata.worldbank.org/AAG/bgd_aag.pdf)

Table : 1.2 Bangladesh at a glance2

Poverty and Social: As per 2006

Population(million) 150.4 (July 2007 est.)

Literacy Rate 51.6

GNI per capita (US$) 490 2

GNI (US$ billions) 70.7

GDP(PPP) billions 336.1

Poverty (% population below poverty line) 50

Life expectancy at Birth (years) 64

Infant mortality (per 1000 live births) 54

HDI Ranking 137

Teledensity 23.3

Growth of cellular phone Industry 135%

Unemployment Rate 2.5%

Household with electricity (%) 44.23

Household Access to computer (%) 1.36

Household Access to e-mail (%) 0.20

Annual Population growth % (2000-06) 1.9

Annual Labor force growth % (2000-06) 2.2

GDP growth rate (annual) 6.6


4

Table: 1.5 Rank Status 5

Brown University Ranking

Year 2005 2006

Rank status

86 155

NRI ranking Year 2005 2006

Rank status

100 118

Table: 1.4 Structure of the Economy 4

Percentage of GDP 1986 1996 2006

Agriculture 31.9 25.7 19.6

Industry 21.5 24.9 27.9

Manufacturing 14.0 15.4 17.2

Services 46.5 49.5 52.5

Household final consumption

expenditure

85.8 83.2 76.1

General govt. final consumption

expenditure

4.3 4.4 5.5

Import of goods and services 12.2 18.7 25.2

Export of goods and services 25.8

In this modern era ICT is playing a significant role in the economic

growth specially in poverty reduction. In that context ICT is yet to form a strong

foundation in Bangladesh. Each year Brown University and World Economic

Forum (WEF) conducts survey with some indicators to review the e-Governance

status around the world. Brown University's seventh annual analysis (which

was published on July 24, 2007) of

international e-Governance reflects

that Bangladesh ranked 155 out of

198 countries from 86 (last year

ranking). The 'Network Readiness

Index (NRI) measures the

propensity for countries to exploit

the opportunities offered by information and communications technology. The

NRI shows that Bangladesh ranked 118 out of 140 countries which is mainly

based on three components: the environment for ICT offered by a given country

or community, the readiness of the community’s key stakeholders (individuals,

businesses, and governments) to use ICT and finally the usage of ICT amongst

these stakeholders.

4. The World Bank Report (http://devdata.worldbank.org/AAG/bgd_aag.pdf) 5. e-Government Study, Brown University (http://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/2006-07/06-007.html), Network Readiness Index http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Networked_Readiness_Index


5

MDG and Bangladesh:

In the attainment of MDG Bangladesh has achieved noteworthy success. The

poverty reduction gap ratio has been decreased to 9% with a poverty reduction

rate of 1.23%. Progressing at this rate of the MDG goal #1, of halving the

number of people living on a daily income of less than a US$1 and the

proportion of people who suffer from hunger, will be meet on projected time.

Against the required target of 3.1% and 10.3% in primary and secondary

enrolment the country has already achieved 3.4% and 13.2% respectively. The

gender gap in primary and secondary level education has already been

eliminated. The current rates of progress in achieving Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)

and Child Mortality Rate (CMR) are -2.8% and -2.3% respectively which will

decrease the under-five mortality rate by at least two-thirds by 2015. The effort

in improving maternal health is not adequate. The spread and fatality of malaria

and tuberculosis have been decreased. Spread of HIV AIDS remains low.

Remarkable progress has been attained in ensuring safe drinking water and

sanitary latrines in urban areas. Among the indicators of goal# 8 access to

telephone, computer and internet is significant one. Telephone penetration

especially by way of cellular phone has increased substantially. But access to

computer and the internet still remain low especially in the rural areas.


6

1.2 Background:

The advent of information and communication technology (ICT) together with the

diffusion of the technological advances has resulted in the digital revolution and

the emergence of the Information age. The revolution has created an enormous

impact on social, political, and cultural livelihood of mass people which took the

whole world into a different era. Bangladesh is one of the developing countries

driving strongly for building the nation by entering into global frontier through

ICT. This creates a platform for interaction amongst the Government,

businesses and citizens and ensures easy accessibility of information to all

levels of the society.

The government of Bangladesh already realizes the priority of this sector

and had declared ICT a ‘thrust sector’ in 1997 and had promised to invest

enough in this sector. It is widely believed that ICT carries enormous potential in

establishing technical and organizational innovations, to reduce costs and

change the quality and types of capital equipment, labor and products. If we

want to portray a picture of entrance in digital era of Bangladesh, the journey

started in the late 1990s. Gradually mobile phone captured the market

tremendously as well as brought drastic changes in socio-economic livelihood of

people. In the same way Bangladesh Government have also taken some

initiatives in ICT field and are successfully operating them. The Government has

already initiated e-Governance activities from a holistic perspective, more

comprehensive than before. Setting a citizen centric service delivery vision for all

the significant stakeholders is an important step towards that process. Horizon

scan is an integral part of the e-Governance vision setting and Government’s

initiatives of preparing citizen charter for all agencies. This document is initiated

as a part of scrutinizing the ICT effectiveness and status as well as act as

baseline for vision setting with regard to e-Governance of the country.

To understand the ICT status of a country World Bank also explains that:

“To put ICT to effective use, a country must be “e-ready” in terms of infrastructure,

the accessibility of ICT to the population at large, and the effect of the legal and

regulatory framework on ICT use. If the digital divide is to be narrowed, all of

these issues must be addressed in a coherent, achievable strategy that is tailored

to meet the local needs of particular countries6.

6 bridges.org, http://www.bridges.org/ereadiness


7

Human

resources

Supporting

policies

Infrastructure

& Service Sector

Citizen’s expectations

e-

Governance

Horizon scan for e-readiness is generally defined as the degree to which a

society is prepared to participate in the digital economy with the underlying

concept that the digital economy can help to build a better society.

“Regardless of a country’s level of development, readiness is assessed by

determining the relative standing of its society and its economy in the areas that

are most critical for its participation to the networked world. However, e-

Readiness can be a relative concept and it could be defined differently depending

on each country’s priorities and perspective” 7.

Thus, it is evident that generally horizon scan assessment is absolutely

critical to help a country’s leaders measure and plan for ICT integration, focus

their efforts and identify areas where further attention is required. The

assessment is also expected to indicate pointers where future efforts are

challenged by both public and private initiatives. In this regard, the report

categorizes its thematic area into four contents. These are:

• Citizens’ expectations

• Infrastructure & Service Sector

• Supporting policies

• ICT and human

resources

The purpose of the horizon scan report comprises the following area:

A. To assess the current state of development of a specific ICT and e-

governance, its present and potential use in the Government systems.

B. To assess the citizen’s expectation regarding e-governance which reflects

a participation approach in this report. This part of the report mainly

highlights the common problems of citizens and their recommendations

how ICT can help in this regard.

7. GeoSINC International, e-Readiness Guide, p.5


8

C. To build a coordination & network in the Government infrastructure to

strengthen the capacity of public sectors. Bangladesh as a country

already introduced the e-governance process or initiatives both in public

or private sector. In the public sector Government ministries have already

initiated ICT activities. But it is observed that there is no reflection of

coordination or networking among the activities of ministries. So, this

report will enable leveraging on the knowledge created and resources

available from completed/ongoing/planned e-governance initiatives of

various stakeholders.

D. To promote awareness of the need for action to increase e-readiness

throughout the country. This report is focused on to create attention on

where action is needed most to foster the e-governance system in

Bangladesh.

E. To identify and review the backlogs and problems that inhibits the e-

readiness and proposes solutions and recommendations to eliminate

obstacles and improve readiness.

F. To map out the interests and capabilities of the stakeholders to capture

the interests of various development partners with regard to e-governance

initiatives.


9

1.3 Methodology

The methodological approach focused on the collection of data from primary and

secondary sources, together with survey of different groups, interviews with key

informants and informal focus group sessions. The collection of data has been

focused in the following ways:

• Research on the past and ongoing projects

• Surveys to find the stake holder’s perspective

• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)

• Key Informant Interviews (KII)

• Consultations and workshops

• Draft Reports on all the surveys

• Final Consultation

The surveys have been conducted in the following areas:

1. Literature survey 2. Citizen e-readiness survey

3. Government employee e-readiness survey 4. NGOs/CSOs Survey regarding e-governance

5. Business community survey regarding e-governance

The surveys alluded to above a combination of methods. The citizen’s

expectations utilize a combination of cluster or area sampling with significant

elements of randomness. Citizen survey, the most important part has been

conducted to know the citizen’s perspective of e-governance in different area.

The questionnaire for citizen survey is designed to get the idea about how ready

the citizens are for e-governance and what are the citizens’ wants and needs in

terms of e-governance from the government. As the citizen’s reflection is one of

the prominent areas in this report the survey has conducted in two areas as

pilot study. After successful conduct of pilot survey the questionnaire has

reviewed for main survey. And finally the citizen survey has been conducted


10

prioritizing the areas Hill Tracks, Monga, Hawor, Char, coastal areas. The study

overall covered 11 Districts, namely, Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet,

Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangamati, Kurigram, Sunamganj, Sirajganj, and

Narayanganj. The districts included around 700 citizens representing almost all

levels of the society, 44 small and medium scale business organizations, 10 local

business chambers from 10 Districts, 44 NGOs established mainly in the rural

part of the country, 22 Upazilla Nirbahi Officers, 11 Union Parishod (UNOs)

Chairman and 22 Members (including female members) from the same Union

Parishod as the Chairmen. The upazilla level has been identified so that people

interact more with the government officers. The 700 citizens included

stakeholders namely agro-farmers, poultry farmers, fishermen, labors,

Professionals, housewives, students, self-employed, job seekers, senior citizens

(above 60), disabled citizens, daily labours, the very poor (under the $1 income

margin), Teachers and Government employees.

In addition, a survey on ministries and divisions has been conducted with a

view to analyze the ICT infrastructure and connectivity status of that institution.

Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) are the most

important parts of the methodologies. A number of FGD has been planned to be

held through out the whole period of horizon scan with all the stakeholders. At

the initial phase FGDs with some of the stakeholders have been conducted and

the recommendations provided by the different stakeholders added inputs to

this report.

Assessment Methodology:

The assessment of e-readiness, based on the review of information collected, is

undertaken through the brainstorming analysis which describes the

determinants of a community’s readiness for the networked world. Harvard

University Guide (HUG) prepared by the centre for International Development at

Harvard University, a diagnostic tool that is widely used around the world to

assess a community’s e-readiness is also reviewed in this report. The Harvard

University Guide follows the indicators for e-readiness: network society, network

access, networked learning, networked economy and networked government.

This Horizon scan report mainly postulates categories:Citizens’ expectations,

supporting policies, infrastructure and connectivity, Human resources

and a set of indicators which suggest the community’s actual state of readiness


11

specifically information structure, internet availability, internet affordability,

digital content, network speed and quality, hardware and software, service and

support, workforce access, e-commerce and e-learning.

The assessment methodology has to be modified from the Harvard

University Guide to the assessment goals and purposes in our contextual

perspectives. Our purpose is to examine the country’s status and the capacity

for e-readiness as it relates to the development goals and priorities. This report

enables different stakeholders to analyze the status of Bangladesh in terms of

present situation regarding ICT implications, its hindrance and exploration in

the near future. The data analysis and presentation were organized to reflect the

urban and rural situation as well as the influence of economic, social and

demographic factors on e-readiness.

The horizon scan report will act as a catalyst in the terms of e-governance

to all stakeholders as for example research institutions, government sector,

private sector, international or national level institutions. As the report will be

defined as a guideline for reaching the goal of e-governance the report will be

updated at a regular interval of its publication. In fact, the information

assembled in the horizon scan report would be important for the design of any

development gateway.


12

1.4 Scope

The horizon scan report of Access to Information Programme (A2I) was an

attempt to represent a comprehensive picture of the current ICT status of

Bangladesh. In doing so, horizontal width of this report got broaden. The scope

of this report basically was determined within the arena of citizen’s expectations,

infrastructure, human resource and existing policies related to information and

communication technology of the country.

• To collect the primary data the conducted survey covered up to the root

level of country’s administrative structure as well as to the last level of

elected representatives meaning Union Parishad. In midst the district

level wasn’t being included, although six divisional cities have been

covered up.

• To represent the infrastructure, attempts were enlarged to cover up all

the stake holders related to ICT, through various focal group discussions,

bilateral meetings and key person interviews with the various govt.

ministries, Banks, Financial institutions, several non govt. institutions

and service providers associations.

• To show the policies and regulations periphery the report extended its

outlook up to the ICT, MDG PRS etc. policies and also related acts and

regulations that are reflections regarding ICT.

• The report also looked upon the stakeholders of ICT in the country. As

ICT is a cross cutting issue, the list of stakeholders seemed to be endless.

The report covered some important stakeholders like Banks, Mobile

content developers, ISP associations, connectivity providers etc. The

report also tried to look upon the opportunities for human resource

development through academy, government and other institutional

training capacity buildup.


13

1.5 Limitations

The horizon scan report of Access to Information (A2I) Programme was an effort

to let the policy makers to have a comprehensive understanding and

visualization of current ICT status of the country. But the Report has various

constrains to produce its best output. The limitations of this report have shown

below.

• To represent the citizen’s expectations in this report, a citizen survey was

conducted around 800 people of 11 districts. In a country of one fifty

million people he sample size might not reflect the authentic picture but

as a pilot study it was a balanced survey with prior consideration of all

exceptions.

• Many of the analysis and presentations of this report were based on

secondary data which might not reflect same outcome as like based on

primary data. Most important thing is data are unavailable and not

updated time to time which limits our level of reliance. Besides that, in

some cases data vary from source to source.

• Lack of adequate response is one of the limitations which in some extent

limit the real status of any topic.

• The Human Resource part of this report suffers slightly greater

limitations than other parts as there is no organized documents available

on HR issues particularly IT academics. No accurate facts and figures of

IT graduates, post graduates, diplomas and certified professionals from

various training institutes has been showed in this report.

• One of the basic philosophies behind preparing this report was that it

would be a reflection of intentions and showed ways of all stakeholders.

Although most of the issues on this report have been concluded on the

basis of Focal Group Discussion (FGD), some parts remain out of which

renders the report under limitations in some arena.


14

CITIZEN’S EXPECTATIONS

Citizens are

an important element of governance

and they form the primary

stakeholder in designing an e-

Governance model. Reflection of

common peoples’ thoughts in

Governance is the main demand of a

true democracy. To make e-

Governance sustainable and

effective it is the best to conceive the

idea and thought of the marginal

and general people in the rural and

urban areas.


15

CHAPTER 2: CITIZEN’S EXPECTATIONS

The term e-Governance is mainly concerned with governance rather than the

electronic mode of providing it. Therefore it is of great importance to understand

the essential services to citizens and later select ways of providing with better

electronic means. This survey also focused on the same arena and accordingly

relevant questionnaires were prepared. The survey was designed to cover

different classes of society & citizens and the technicality was least emphasized.

Citizens are an important element of governance and they form the

primary stakeholder in designing an e-Governance model. Reflection of common

peoples’ thoughts in Governance is the main demand of a true democracy. To

make e-Governance sustainable and effective it is the best to conceive the idea

and thought of the marginal and general people in the rural and urban areas.

The citizen survey is the most important component of the horizon scan

report. Decisions were reached to cover the stakeholders from every available

level of the society using first hand data collection and determine the state to

implement e-Governance in Bangladesh. Though initially planned, however due

to time limits not all stakeholders could be questioned upon.

• The study overall covered 11 Districts, namely, Dhaka, Chittagong,

Barisal, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Rangamati, Kurigram, Sunamganj,

Sirajganj, and Narayanganj.

• The districts included around 700 citizens representing almost all levels

of the society, 44 small and medium scale business organizations, 10

local business chambers from 10 Districts, 44 NGOs established mainly

in the rural part of the country, 22 Upazilla Nirbahi Officers, 11 Union

Parishod (UNOs) Chairman and 22 Members (including female members)

from the same Union Parishod as the Chairmen.

• The 700 citizens included stakeholders namely agro-farmers, poultry

farmers, fishermen, labors, professionals, housewives, students, self-

employed, job seekers, Senior Citizens (above 60), disabled citizens, daily

labours, the very poor (under the $1 income margin), teachers and

Government employees. The detail of citizen survey report is attached

Annex-I.


16

The readiness of e-Governance in Bangladesh would not be viable if the needs of

the citizens’ could not be ascertained. The survey was very covert with regard to

the technicalities of ICT and very conspicuous about identifying the services

required. The survey seeks to:

1. Assess the status of the existing ICT infrastructure

2. Identify the services that citizens’ seek most

3. Identify the obstacles in availing these services

4. Identify ways by which they could be overcome using the existing ICT

infrastructure or introducing new technology

5. Identify the most preferred channel for e-Governance

The division of the categories and the regions were first selected and was

vetted by a sub-committee. The clustering of the regions was done on the basis

of the homogeneity of the challenges they usually face. The first five districts

were chosen as they are also the major Divisions of the country namely, Dhaka,

Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal. Khulna is not enlisted in the category

as it is choosen for Monga area. The other districts were chosen due to their

variation in facing natural disaster and obstacles throughout the year. Kurigram

was selected dut to its Monga every year, Sunamganj was selected due to its

geographical property of being the biggest swamp area, Sirajgonj was chosen for

being a great Char area of the country, Rangamati was chosen as one of the

districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts area, Khulna was chosen as in the coastal

area and battered every year by cyclone. Narayanganj was chosen as one of the

close districts from the capital to observe the, differences in services mere 21

kilometers. As it is a pilot study, the sample size was determined based on

previous experience.

After the questionnaire was prepared, the surveyors were selected and

trained for guiding the collection of data. A pilot survey was then carried out in

Savar and Doha of Greater Dhaka to get the feel how people responded. Some of

the questionnaires were then modified on the basis of problem identification

during pilot survey. The survey was done through statistical analysis for the

closed ended answers and summarizing the open ended answers.


17

The part citizen expectations are divided into two main categories.

(1) An overview of what the different categories of citizens’ needs are and

what are the problems they are facing in achieving these needs, also the

recommendations provided by the citizens to solve these problems through

ICT.

(2) An overview of ICT infrastructure in surveyed areas.

2.1 An overview of Citizens’ Needs, problems and their

recommendations

Different needs were identified from the different categories of the citizens that

reflected from the answers during the survey. They have spoken on the

obstacles they face in achieving their needs and have made some

recommendations to avail them.

General Problems and Demands of the Citizens:

a) Inadequate health care: Health care problem is prioritized and crucial in

Bangladesh. Inadequate doctors & nurses and lack of facilities and

infrastructure are common in the rural areas. Sometimes people are deprived of

free medicine from government because of bureaucratic complicacy &

corruption.

b) Wide Spread Corruption: Corruption is the main barrier for the economic

growth of the country. Bribery is the most used form to obtain government

services. Lack of accountability & transparency among the government officials

make them insincere about responsibilities. Lack of transparency also inspires

corruption. All surveyed people depicted it as main hurdle to provide good

governance. They think ensuring accountability and transparency can really

change the scenario.

c) Lack of education: Access to education is still a great problem in

Bangladesh. Though the government has taken numerous steps to increase

literacy rate, the number of high schools, colleges and universities are

comparatively limited. Lack of teachers and their quality of teacher is a prime


18

concern for the guardians. A difference in quality of education between urban

and rural area has been observed. Insufficient teaching materials in rural areas

are one of the reasons of rising of illiteracy in the children.

d) Insufficient Bank Loan: Investment capital is a major concern in economic

growth. Bank loan is a good source for providing capital. Agriculture loan is a

primary need for farmers; though some banks provide loan on other categories

like poultry firm loan and dairy firm loan etc. But it is not sufficient for marginal

people. The service should be expanded and easily allowed to the common

people. Massive people have voiced to make the loan refund process easy

avoiding undesired hassles.

e) Lack of Attention in Complain Centre: There is a complain centre in many

government departments but general people do not get effective and rapid

responses to their respective complains and sometimes the complain remains

unattended.

f) In Adequate Social Safety: Majority of the people of this country are still

beyond reach of the social safety. Government took some initiatives and

introduced old age allowance and widow allowance. This was supposed to have

great impact on the poor and helpless people. But the service are still very much

inadequate and limited.

g) Law and Order: Extortion is still a major problem to establish a new business

or operating a business in the country. Though there is a common perception

that it is city centric problem but the survey has depicted that it is also a major

problem in rural areas. Kidnapping and murdering is frequent in Bangladesh.

Violating law and order in rural areas generally occurs in the case of property &

land.

h) Middleman Ship: Price hike is the hottest topic in Bangladesh. The producer

is exempted from good sale price and the consumer forcibly pays excess value

for the purchased goods. The general people believe middleman-ship is to be

blamed.

i) Hassle In Getting Required Service: Government provides many services to

the citizen. But people are not satisfied with the way the service is provided.

They have to go through huge botheration to access these services. The surveyed


19

people have expressed their deep concern to reduce the hassle to get a loan

service.

j) Lack of Information: Government offers many services to its citizen but

common people are not aware of them. People do not know how to get the help

from government when they face a problem. People are not even aware about

their rights. Access to information is very much limited and they are not even

aware of the availability of information.

k) High Price of Inputs and Raw Materials: High raw material costs are

hampering the social business. Especially the poor and marginal people are

affected by this. Reduced supply of raw materials also plays a role in increasing

the price of finished goods.

l) Lack of National Minimum Wage Policy: Right to receive fair minimum wage

is one of the human right for all working personnel at workplaces. It is

important to note that the Millennium Development Goal or poverty reduction

strategy of Bangladesh would not succeed without implementing minimum wage

standard for the workers. But the reality is that there is no national minimum

wage in Bangladesh yet. In Bangladesh the majority of the women workers are

deprived from this right for various reasons such as the weakness of relevant

rules/acts and lack of enforcement, negative attitude of the employers to violate

the rules/acts, lack of awareness among women workers about this special

right.

m) Insufficient Utility Services & High Cost: Mass people are not happy with

the supply & quality of utility service. People face many difficulties to receive

utility service (i.e. electricity connection, water, gas etc.). High utility price is

also a common problem.

Some Specific Problems:

a) Disability Unfriendly Environment: Physically or mentally challenged

people comprise a significant part of the society. Disable people are significant

part of the society. Government has taken some initiatives to facilitate their

access to all facets of everyday life. But the real scenario is not very pleasant.


20

Organizations like Ministry of Social Welfare and Bangladesh Organization for

Disabled Advancement (BODA) who are working for the disable people are not

fully aware of the infrastructural requirements like separate rooms of the

ground floor, easy movement of the wheelchair etc while implementing any

project.

b) Lack of Information While Deep Sea Fishing: Every year Bangladesh is

struggling with many natural calamities like cyclone, tornado which ultimately

takes lives from the coastal belt. Many fishermen go for deep sea fishing without

any precautionary measures during bad weather and often they are not

concerned about the precautions at all. Improved mechanism is yet to develop

in this area for providing adequate information about the precautionary

measures and of bad weather. The lack of information in deep sea fishing is a

serious concern. Wireless technology for that specific area can be used to help

them in crises moment.

Recommendations of citizens:

The surveyed citizens not only conveyed their problems but also identified their

solutions. Most of the people think their access to information is low due to both

lack of both infrastructure and ability. People could have got better solutions of

various problems if information were available to them. Although departmental

complain and investigation procedures are available but are of no use. For this

reason the people recommended the formation of a national complain center to

properly address those problems. In particular cases, new policies should be

formed and repeatedly reviewed. Still any national minimum wage policy has not

been planned to formulated to reduce the sufferings of labors and farmers. It

should immediately be addressed to redeem marginal people from deprivation of

basic necessities. To reduce the miseries of mass people in getting better

services bribery and irregularities must be removed. This can only be achieved

through a transparent, accountable and efficient administration. It should be

utmost priority of the Government to ensure transparency and to create

accountability in all layers of administration.


21

Recommendations provided by the citizens to solve these problems through ICT

a) Provide Information Through Village Info Centers: Access to information

is very much limited in our society. The situation in the villages is worse than

that in the city. Village information centres can be a solution to provide

necessary information.

b) Establish Online Mobile Phone Based Complaint Centre: Use of Internet is

no more a dream in Bangladesh – it is a reality. In the recent time the usage of

mobile phone is increasing day by day. So mobile phone can be used as a strong

tool to provide service to the mass people.

C) Arrange More TV Programs on Social and Economic Development issues:

Television is the most popular media of transmitting information in Bangladesh.

41% of people watch television. So television should be used to increase

awareness and disseminate information dissemination. Rural people watch BTV

as it is the only terrestrial channel in Bangladesh, so the programs should focus

more on the different development programs like agricultural program, health

care, education, gender issue etc.

d) Provide Weather Forecast Through Mobile Phone: Mobile phone is used

widely among the citizens. It can be used to broadcast weather forecast in times

of national emergency.

e) Promote Labor Policies and Laws in Mass Communication Channels: Most

of the day laborers are not aware about their rights due to illiteracy. Radio and

television can be used to inform and aware them about their rights.

f) Submission of Utility Bills through SMS: Payment of utility bill is a hassle

and time consuming for general people. It wastes important working hours.

Broader ICT delivery channels, like SMS, web etc can be used to pay the utility

bills.

g) Provide Website, E-Mail and Phone Based Government Services: Different

countries around the world provide the services through websites and

telephones. The successful story in SSC and HSC result in Bangladesh are


22

40%

25%

25%

1%

9%

Personal

Proffesional

Business

Education

Others

Fig 2 1: usages of Mobile Phone (on the basis of

Expenditure)

21%

39%

31%

9%

Less than 50 paisa

50 Paisa to 1 Taka

1 Taka

More than 1 Taka

Fig 2.2: Expected Call rate of Mobile Phone

remarkable initiative in this section. Now anyone can get his/her SSC/HSC

result through SMS.

h) Internet which Could Decrease the Educational Expense: Internet can be

used to deliver education to every corner of the country. Distance learning

should be strengthened as our infrastructure for formal education is still lacking

in resources.

i) Make Disability-Friendly software with steps from the Government:

Disability issue is still underestimated in our country. Government should take

some steps so that other organization can be influenced from this. In this

regard, Government can develop read out software to teach the blind people.

2.2 An overview of ICT infrastructure in surveyed areas

Mobile Telephones:

Mobile phone network is spread all

over the country and it has already

reached in every social stratum. The

survey was run on 700 citizens from

11 districts. It has been found that

(81%) people use mobile phone in

various purposes and 55.55% have

their own mobile set.

Most people use mobile phone in

their personal affairs which is why

survey result shows that 41% of

mobile bills incurred on personal

issues. Now people consider mobile

phone as a means to maintain social

relationships with their friends and

family members.


23

Fig 2.3: Use of Computer in Different Purposes

29%

14%

18%

11%

17%

5%6%

Compose

Gaming

Entertainment

Accounting

Education

Business

Others

But the largest portions of participants are not satisfied with the call rate of

mobile Phone. Only 23% participants think that the call rate is normal but the

majority portion give the opinion to decrease the call rate below 50paisa.

Computer Usage

Computer is not very popular among the citizen. But people at least know about

computer. Among the surveyed people 78% don’t use computer. Out of 22%

computer users, only 10% have

personal computers and 12%

use computers in cyber cafés,

educational institutions, offices

etc. A large number of

Computers are mainly used in

big cities like Dhaka, and

Chittagong. 75% users use it for

compose or writing purpose.

Beside this they entertain

themselves by listening to song, watching movies, TV etc. Students use

computers to complete different study related paperwork. 37% users play

computers games. Though the use of computer is now increasing all over the

country but people are not satisfied with the price. 69% participants think that,

for locally assembled (clone) Personal Computers (PC) the price should be

between TK 13000/-TK 15000/- range.

Use of the Internet

The scenario of using internet is not very pleasing but the awareness is

increasing among the users. In this survey only 11% people disclosed that they

use the internet. Some of them have own internet connectivity while others use

cyber cafés, offices, business firms for internet connectivity. Many internet users

use internet through mobile phones. But most of the participants say that

internet is not that much available and quite expensive.


24

Fig 2.4: Status of Different TV Programs

25%

20%

7%14%

18%

11%

5%

News

Drama

Talk Show

Song & Dance

Entertainment

Agricultural

Others

Television

Survey result shows that among

the mass media channel

Television is the most popular.

86% participants watch TV.

Among the private and public

channels Bangladesh television

(BTV) is the most popular

channel especially in rural areas.

Interestingly, People ranked the

news as their most favorite TV

program followed by drama

serials.

Radio

From survey it is found that radio is less famous than the TV in Bangladesh.

Only 29% participants listen to radio and most of them hear Bangladesh Betar.

Among other programs broadcasted from Radio, radio news is just as popular as

TV news. Beside this, weather and agricultural programs are also popular. In

Dhaka and Chittagong private radio channels are becoming popular because of

FM radio. Young generations are now highly attracted to FM radio programs. FM

radio is now able to create this fascination among them because of their easy

accessibility through mobile phones. It has been found from the survey that the

high rate of radio listeners in Rangamati due to the lack of other entertainment

channels.


25

SUPPORTING POLICIES

The policy and legislative framework

is the most important and highly

weighted assessment category

specially for pushing up the ICT sector

of Bangladesh.


26

CHAPTER 3: SUPPORTING POLICIES

Policy, Legislation, Regulations, Operations

In Bangladesh the IT has been declared as the thrust sector and the

Government and the private sector have committed themselves to collaborate

actively “with a view to improve the quality of life of its people and acquire the

necessary capability to meet the challenges of rapidly growing demands of the

information age”.1 Being as a member of United Nations Bangladesh has also

committed to work in the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS)

declarations and plan of action. Based on internationally agreed development

goals, including those in the Millennium Declaration many laws and regulations

have been formulated or modified for guiding the development of information

and communication sector of Bangladesh. Several important pieces of legislation

have been enacted by or tabled in the legislature. However, other very important

legal initiatives have not yet been placed on the legislative agenda nor have they

been the subject of public discourse and debate.

The policy and legislative framework is the most important and highly

weighted assessment category specially for pushing up the ICT sector of

Bangladesh. The following issues for consideration in formulating the legislative

framework are:

• Extent of access to information

• Competitive framework

• Impact of fiscal policy on national economy

• Private sector investment

• Investment promotion

• Human resources development

• Implementation strategy

1 e-readiness and Need Assessment Report by Country Gateway, Network Policy, page-26


27

ICT in PRS

In PRS, ICT is seen as an indispensable tool in the fight against poverty and ICT

has the potential to provide the nation with an unprecedented opportunity to

meet vital development goals such as poverty reduction, basic healthcare and

education far more effectively than ever thought humanly possible. It is also said

in the poverty reduction strategy to convert the vast population into human

resources trained in ICT-both in rural and urban areas. The relevance of ICT to

the goal of accelerated poverty reduction has been seen in the following three

folds:

• Firstly, ICT as an employment frontier

• Secondly, ICT as a facilitator for strengthening the role of the poor in the

market and

• Lastly, ICT as a bridge reducing the distance between the citizenship

including the poor and the state.

Some specific strategic goals and agendas have been identified for ICT in PRS.

Strategic Goal 1: First strategic goal is identified as development of ICT. To

achieve the goal two strategies have been identified; one is to develop some ICT

some appropriate policy and other is to expend infrastructure facilities of the

ICT sector.

Present status of goal 1: To achieve the goal at the policy level, a number of

measures have been taken including:

• Formulation of a National ICT Policy;

• Adoption of e-Governance Initiatives in selected areas;

• Formation of a National Task Force on ICT and Biotechnology;

• Amendment of the Copyright Act 2000; and

• Legislation of the ICT Act.

Strategic Goal 2: To invest in Human resources development for ICT: To

achieve the second goal the most priority sector is identified as the development

of HR as service provider.

Present status of goal 2: With a view to develop an information society and

creating a Hi-Tech park, the Government recognizes that it is essential to


28

develop human resources in ICT. Accordingly, it has initiated a number of

interventions, of which the following interventions have already been taken:

standard computer training courses at the Divisional Headquarters have been

introduced, a programme for providing special allocation of funds to the

universities for conducting a one-year Postgraduate Diploma Course in ICT has

been introduced, registration and ranking of Private ICT Training Institutes has

been initiated, a National ICT Certification Examination following a standardized

course curriculum has been introduced, Computer-aided Learning Packages for

students of different levels have been developed, employment of the youth

through ICT Training and Enabled Service (ITES) has been introduced, an ICT

Business Promotion Council has been established to oversee the development of

IT industries in Bangladesh. An institute called the Bangladesh-Korea Institute

of ICT has been set up; a National ICT Internship Programmes have been

launched, and ICT Training Institutes in 15 of the greater districts will be set

up.

As a step toward setting up a Hi-Tech park and encouraging start-up

companies in software and ITES development and export, the Government has

set up an ICT Incubator at the heart of Dhaka City, which has been in operation

since November 2002. The Incubator Centre has been provided with free

internet connection and enjoys a rent subsidy. At present, many software

related companies have been using these facilities.

The Government has been working for establishing a 232-acre Hi-Tech

park at Kaliakoir, 40 km north of Dhaka City. The land for the project has

already been handed over to MOSICT. This park will 121 be used for software

and ICT-enabled service industries, PCB (electronics and printed circuit-board)-

related equipment and products, telecommunications, hardware assembly/

component/VLSI design and manufacturing, opto-electronic equipment, bio-

technology and related linkage industries. The Park will include a hi-tech

institution to provide technical support and to conduct R&D activities. The Park

is expected to promote and facilitate ICT and other hi-tech industries for

development and business activities and is likely to play a significant role in

Bangladesh’s endeavors for poverty alleviation.

Strategic Goal 3: To increase access the disadvantageous groups to ICT.

To meet the goal promotion of e-commerce and awareness and ICT facilities for

the disadvantage groups.


29

Present status of goal 3: The Government believes that development of an

institutional framework for providing the poor with access to computer facilities

is essential for the development of human resources and the creation of an

information society. Accordingly, the Government has initiated a number of

projects to strengthen the Bangladesh Computer Council.

The Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology

(MOSICT) has been planning to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality of

education by introducing ICT at various levels. In this context, several initiatives

have already been taken and some are underway, such as:

• Assistance to secondary schools for introducing computer courses;

• Introduction of computer training and internet facilities for rural secondary

and higher Secondary institutions;

• Development of SSC (ICT) and HSC (ICT) curriculum in schools and colleges in

64 Districts;

• Establishment of a world class research institute as a “Centre of Excellence”;

• Introduction of Olympiad competitions for primary, secondary and university

levels in Science and ICT; and

• Establishment of six IT training institutions, one in each divisional

headquarters.

Recognizing the importance of awareness among the students about

computers and information technology, a public-sector project has been

providing assistance to NGO secondary schools through distribution of

computer hardware, software and peripherals for labs and organizing training

for teachers. The Government has also planned a new project to provide

computer training and internet facilities across the country and to establish a

local cyber centre by providing internet facilities in selected institutions. Another

new programme, as mentioned above, for introducing SSC (ICT) and HSC (ICT)

curriculum in 128 schools and colleges in 64 districts is underway. 1 school and

1 college in each district will be provided with complete lab and internet

facilities. The teachers of those schools and colleges will also be trained.

With a view to making internet facilities available to the poor at a low cost

and to bring about drastic changes in their livelihoods by introducing this


30

modern technology in all sectors of the economy, the Government has initiated a

number of projects and programmes.

The Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) has been made accessible to the

private sector to facilitate internet expansion at a low cost. The Government is

also exploring the possibility of establishing an alternate broadband network for

large-scale data and voice transmission. BTRC has conducted a study in this

respect through independent consultants and their recommendations are being

reviewed.

The Government believes that the expansion of internet facilities to the

rural areas largely depends on the availability of fibre-optic links. Accordingly,

fibre-optic links have already been established in most cities (50 out of 64

districts). Moreover, BTTB has been working to connect Bangladesh by the year

2005 with the Information Superhighway through a submarine fibre-optic cable

project with the landing site at Chittagong. A nationwide internet backbone will

be established based on the fibre-optic submarine cable.

Due to deregulation of the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) policy by

the Government in February 2000, the number of ISPs has increased, with

individual bandwidths ranging from 128 kilobytes per second to 8 megabytes

per second, offering broadband internet services through DSL/HDSL modems.

All 64 districts have been brought under internet coverage by BTTB through

dial-up connections.

Strategic Goal 4: To promote use of ICT. To achieve the goal ensuring good

governance and disaster management and to increase capacity using of ICT.

Present status of goal 4: Expanding Telecommunication Facilities

Tele-density boosts economic growth and an easy access to telecommunication

facilities has been the key to success for any ICT initiative for the poor. The

telecom sector was liberalized for private investment in the early 1990s,

resulting in appreciable growth in mobile telephone usage in the country.

Among the measures taken and proposed, some important ones are:

• Installation and expansion of a digital telephone network in urban and rural

areas;


31

• Development of interconnection facilities between the Bangladesh Telephone

and Telegraph Board (BTTB) and other telecom operators;

• Expansion of the internet and data network throughout Bangladesh; and

• Installation of a mobile telephone service by BTTB.

Appropriate steps have been taken to introduce new services like data

communication and countrywide digital networks connecting all districts. BTTB

is working to bring 64 districts under a digital network and a National Digital

Data Network (DDN) has been implemented, which will integrate the whole

country under a single digital network.

Establishment of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory

Commission (BTRC) has been encouraging private sector participation in fixed

telecom-services and thereby increasing tele-density and tele-access in the

country. BTRC has authorized fixed-line telephone services (PSTN) in four

regions of the country through the private sector and the aim is to add 1.2

million fixed phones in 2 to 3 years. BTRC has made it mandatory to deploy 5

percent of the telephones in rural areas under PSTN. It will allow wireless local-

loop (WLL) technology in remote areas to provide access at a low cost. Besides

encouraging private participation in the sector, the Government recognizes the

need for further reforms in BTTB and accordingly has been infusing a corporate

culture into the BTTB management through various institutional reforms so that

it can assume greater and expanding roles to meet present and future demand.

These are the main strategic issues of growth of ICT in PRS. Although

some challenges have been mentioned for reaping the potential such as:

incomplete connectivity, weak development of application areas such as

integrating the poor to the market, in hardware trouble shooting in e-governance

etc and finally in the pronounced lack of quality and system perspective in ICT

training. A related challenge is the undertaking of a comprehensive initiative to

enable rapid acquisition of functional proficiency in English language.

Bangladesh Government has been taken many important initiatives or actions to

achieve the goals set in Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).


32

ICT in MDG

The interaction ICTs-development took a new approach as of the

adoption by the UN of "Millennium Development Goals" (MDGs) in the year

2000, within the framework of the Millennium Summit. One of the recurrent

problems that reverberate on the possibilities of investing in ICTs as

instruments for the fulfillment of MDGs is that which refers to the lack of

financing mechanisms for such investments, either at private, public or private-

public level; or also to the secondary role ICTs are allocated by governments

within public programmes or services.

The relationship ICTs-development is not generally placed in doubt, the

existence of proposals that, from a critical point of view, suggest a revision with

regards to the current relevance of MDGs and their idyllic relationship with

ICTs, cannot be avoided. In these cases, it is mainly claimed that such goals

arise from a hierarchical and paternalist vision of Northern countries towards

the South, which lack the necessary flexibility to face the changes experienced

by Southern societies and fail to adequately address their specific realities.

In MDG under the Goal 8 Develop A Global Partnership For

Development target 18 is related to ICT. The target is expressed in the following

way: In co-operation with the private sector, make available the benefits of new

technologies, especially information and communication. For achieving this target

three indicators have been selected:

Indicator 46: Telephone lines and cellular subscribers per 100 population

Indicator 47: Personal computers in use per 100 population

Indicator 48: Internet users per 100 population.

However, in the context of Bangladesh the indicators which have been set in

MDG may vary from other countries. Some alternative indicators may provide

better picture in terms of accessibility to the ICT’s which have to intervene.


33

ICT Policy:

For the development of ICT sector within the framework of overall national

development, the Government has approved the National ICT Policy in October

2002. The Vision of this Policy aims at building an ICT-driven nation comprising

of knowledge-based society by the year 2006. The ICT policy gives prioritization

on ICT infrastructure, capacity building, research and development in ICT, ICT

industry, E-Commerce, e-Governance, data security, software copyright

provisions, telemedicine system network, development of health portal and

online booking and ticketing services for all private and public transport

companies. In order to make best utilization of ICT and exploit its immense

potential in the economic, social, commercial and scientific fields a National ICT

Task Force has formed with Honorable Prime Minister as its Chairman. As its

implementing agency “Support to ICT task Force Programme” has been

undertaken under the Planning Division. The Ministry of Science and

Information & Communication Technology (MOSICT) and BCC is stated to act as

coping with the present need and future requirement of ICT.

The ICT policy states that,

“A country wide ICT infrastructure will be developed to ensure access to

information by every citizen to facilitate empowerment of people and enhance

democratic values and norms for sustainable economic development by using the

infrastructure for human resources development, governance-commerce, banking

public utility services and all sorts of on-line enabled services.”2

As the demand for skilled manpower in ICT is growing worldwide, the

country needs to produce a large number of ICT professionals. The ICT policy

gives priotization to strengthen the ICT education and offered many related

courses in educational institutions. To ensure capacity building of the nation

appropriate ICT infrastructure to be established immediately in public and

private sector.

2. National ICT policy (http://www.sd npbd.org/sdi/issues/IT-computer/itpolicy-bd-2002.htm)


34

The policy emphasizes to establish and extend internet facility up to

upazilla levels. Cyber kiosks will be set up in all post offices, union and upazilla

complex and private sector participation will be encouraged to set up these

facilities. Solar power is also encouraged especially in accessible areas where

use of ICT is constrained due to lack of electricity.

Research and development in ICT will focus on need based fundamental

and applied research contributing to the improvement of quality and efficiency

of the application to our ICT industry. Bangladesh Computer Council is

designated to encourage ICT R & D activities carried out by the public and

private sector organizations. A central online databank for scientific and

technological information is underway which can be accessed by educational

institutions and others R & D organizations. Bangla text processing, Bangla

voice recognition, translation and synthesis are stated to intensify R& D efforts.

The Policy also highlighted the local software industry, hardware industry

and service industry and promotes business in electronic form. It is also stated

that the Government will introduce and promote ICT based services like G2G

(Government to Government), G2E (Government to Employee), G2C

(Government to customer) etc.

The ICT policy also incorporates the ICT issues in health care system,

agriculture, social welfare, transportation, tourism, environment, judiciary,

regional and international cooperation to introduce an ICT driven society.

The policy also states that Government expenditure in ICT has to be

allocated to at least 2% of ADP by 2006. It is also briefed that to apply ICT in

production, trade and services in different ministries, divisions departments and

all autonomous sectors will create a new budget provision for ICT. The ministry

of Finance is the central authority to circulate the new initiatives and to take

action to forward this process. Different ministries of Bangladesh Government

needs to be better informed.

Digital Signature:

Digital signature is the move from paper-based systems to e-filing systems. It

substitutes the hand-written signatures with electronic authentication. The legal


35

issues of digital signature have been included in ICT Act which have been

enacted in October, 2006. Steps needs to be taken to implement the act. The law

also emphasizes for electronic documentation which ultimately clear the path of

implementation of e-Governance.

Telecommunication:

After liberalizing the telecommunication sector in 1997, Bangladesh has been

achieving substantial growth in this industry. Subsequently in 1998 the

Telecommunication Policy and in 2001 Telecommunication Act were formulated.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) was created to

handle the regulatory issues of this industry. Prior liberalization the state owned

BTTB were dominating the land phone industry. Tele-density of the country

prior to liberalization was about 0.4 telephones for every 100 persons. After

liberalizing telecom industry has experienced a tremendous growth rate.

Currently sixteen national and local PSTN operators along with BTTB are

engaged in expanding land and fixed phone connectivity. Both wire and wireless

technologies are being leverages for these purposes.

As of today there are six cellular operators of which one is owned by state

and others are private. These cellular operators have completely leveraged the

prior market situation. Now the tele density is almost 23.3% which was

considered impossible dream when the Telecommunication act was formulated

in 2001.

The Telecommunication Policy targeted, four percent of people would

become under tele-coverage within 2010 which was achieved in 2006. Policy

also stated that the international gateway will be managed by government till

2010. But tremendous growth rate of this industry exceeded the target in 2006

and has pushed government to issue license of international gateway (IGW) and

interconnection exchange (ICX) to the private sector.

Broadband:

The term “Broadband” is now commonly used to represent/mean fast data

communication which replaces conventional dial-up technologies. The

introduction of the Submarine cable SEA-ME-WE4 is an important milestone in

promoting the growth of Broadband. A draft Broadband policy have been


36

proposed identifying short, mid and ling term goals which is designed following

the millennium development goals.

Local Content:

Local Content is one of the important ingredients to interplay with e-

Governance. All government websites will have content in both Bangla and

English. Development of local capacity for the creation and distribution of

software in Bangla as well as content that is relevant to different segments of

population, including the non-literate, persons with disabilities, disadvantaged

and vulnerable groups will be encouraged.

Science and Technology:

The need for faster technological development is increasingly felt in Bangladesh.

Development plans of Bangladesh have emphasized science and technological

research to develop technologies through adoption of imported technology as

well as development of indigenous technologies. As the country is heavily

dependent on imported technologies, proper planning is required for its effective

transfer through acquisition, assimilation and adoption. A National Science and

Technology Policy has been formulated and adopted by the Government in 1986.

With a view of ensuring that policy formulation in science and technology and

their cultivation and application in various sectors will proceed in a coordinated

manner, the Government of Bangladesh constituted a centrally institutionalized

mechanism called the National Committee on Science and technology (NCST).

This policy has laid down the directions for Science and technology activities

and research, institutional and manpower development, dissemination and

documentation facilities.

Intellectual Property Rights (Copyright) Law:

To help the ICT sector flourish in the country, there is a need for an effective

legal framework. Timely and suitable legal reforms can create an ICT-friendly

legal environment. Such an environment will help this sector grow by attracting

investment. Bangladesh Government passed the copyright legislation, called

“Copyright Law 2000” which is expected to accelerate the development of IT

industries and boost the economic status of the country. The law is intended to


37

help writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians, producers, publishers and

computer software companies to protect their copyrights.

Although the legislation is being heralded as a positive step forward,

computer programmers and software developers in the country believe that the

law does not go far enough. According to them, the law does not prohibit songs,

writing or computer programs from being reproduced without permission for

non-commercial purposes. The Bangladesh government, however, sees this law

as being in line with the conventions of the World Trade Organization.

Recommendations from consultation:

As evidenced in the past, few good policies (like the successful Bangladesh Drug

Policy, RMG Back-to-Back LC, etc) can truly accelerate the pace of economic

development in Bangladesh. The follow up activities of this report (half-yearly

review) will also bring the needed policies to support the e-Governance Vision

and Strategies. Policy experts recommended for reviewing The ICT and

Telecommunication policy. ICT policy had drafted in 1999 and it is approved in

2002. As the same way while drafting the telecommunication policy, the mobile

penetration rate of that period and the present rate have huge difference. So the

statement of that policy needs revision and new directive measures have to be

focused in that act according to the present status of ICT.

Governing authority in ICT sector:

There are governing authorities in ICT sector which deals with the ICT

application, adoption and other relating activities in the country.

Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology (MOSICT):

Ministry of Science and Technology has been renamed on April 2002 as

"Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology”. The

Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology, Government

of Bangladesh is promoting Science and Technology as stewardship of positive

change in society and for balanced socio-economic upliftment and national well-

being and thus to make Science and Technology a part of national culture. The

use of Science and Technology as a means of sustainable use of Environment,

Ecosystem and Resources, and to contribute to world pool of knowledge in

Science and Technology.


38

1. Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC)

BCC is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Science and Information &

Communication Technology, Government of Bangladesh for encouraging and

providing support for ICT related activities in Bangladesh. It is established by

Act No IX of 1990 passed by the Parliament.The main objective of establishing

BCC was to ensure the effective application and expansion of the use of

information technology. In view of this BCC has been formulating appropriate

policies and implementing them since its inception. BCC has taken some

projects to expansion of activities of BCC; to expansion of uses of computer and

IT in the country; development of skilled manpower; expansion of IT-based

export business.

• Advisory Services

BCC as the organization of the government entrusted with the responsibility to

deal with matters related to computerization renders advisory services to

different government departments, organizations and autonomous bodies. It has

contributed in computerization of about one hundred and forty organizations

during the period of 1990-91 to 2005-06. The list of organizations includes the

ministries, directorates, projects, autonomous bodies, schools, colleges, and

many other types of organizations.

• IT- Based Training Courses

Computer related training is important in developing skilled manpower in

information technology. Training has an important place among the activities of

BCC. During the year 1990-91 to 1996-97 a total of three hundred and sixty one

trainees has been trained under the training program. A large part of this group

is the officials and staffs from government and autonomous bodies. Besides, the

teachers of different schools, colleges and other educational institutions and

private candidates took part in the training program.


39

2. Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS)

Bangladesh Computer Samity is the voice of ICT industry of Bangladesh. It is

the national association of the ICT companies in Bangladesh. BCS was

established in 1987 with eleven members.

The ICT industries of Bangladesh comprises distributors, dealers, resellers

of computer and allied products, locally assembled computer vendors, software

developers and exporters, internet service providers, ICT based educational

institutions and training houses, ICT embedded services providers etc.The total

number of members stands 590 at present. The body is run by a 7-number

executive council elected every two years. The Aims and Objectives of BCC are

as follows:

• To unite and encourage all computer vendors to join in one platform for

achieving their common interest

• General Discussion Meeting

• To unit and encourage cooperation amongst companies, firms and

industries

• To seek cooperation among all the members in the ICT business

• To safeguard the interest of its members and their development

• To boost/encourage, promote and diversify effective use of Computer in

Bangladesh

• To render expert advise to the concerned authorities on computer

technology and its implication of the economy of Bangladesh

Ministry of Post & Telecommunication (MOPT):

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunication (MOPT) is responsible to facilitate

the growth of telecommunication needs and introduction of newer technologies.

1. Bangladesh Telegraph & Telephone Board (BTTB): Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone (T&T) Department was created under the

Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications after the independence of Bangladesh

in 1971 to run the telecommunication services on a commercial basis. In 1976

Bangladesh T&T Department was converted into a corporate body. In pursuance

of an Ordinance promulgated by the President on 24 February 1979, the

department was restructured into Bangladesh Telephone and Telegraph Board


40

(BTTB) with a mandate to provide basic telecommunication services throughout

the country. At present 'BTTB' provides land-line telephone services in the

urban areas, domestic long-distance and international services. Though the

Bangladesh government has given out nationwide PSTN licences the lucrative

Dhaka market (which account for majority of the nationwide market) is still

under the monopoly of BTTB. In 2004 BTTB forayed in to the mobile telephony

market of Bangladesh by launching a subsidiary company called Teletalk. BTTB

provides dial-up Internet access in all 64 districts of the country, making it the

most-accessible Internet service provider in the country. It also handles the .bd

domain.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is

an independent Commission established under the Bangladesh

Telecommunication Act, 2001 (Act no. 18 of 2001) published by the Parliament

in the Bangladesh Gazette, extraordinary issue of April 16, 2001. BTRC started

functioning from Januray 31, 2002. The main vision of BTRC is to facilitate

affordable telecommunication services of acceptable quality for all regardless of

their location.


41

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICE SECTOR

ICT infrastructure

is the main component to provide

services electronically. The rationale

is simple: without ready access to

voice and data communication

networks, the population cannot

make use of advanced digital

services. For this reason, connectivity

and technology infrastructure remains

one of the most heavily weighted

components in this horizon scan

report.


42

CHAPTER: 4 INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICE SECTOR

4.1 Infrastructure & Connectivity issue

ICT infrastructure is the main component to provide services electronically. The

rationale is simple: without ready access to voice and data communication

networks, the population cannot make use of advanced digital services. For this

reason, connectivity and technology infrastructure remains one of the most

heavily weighted components in this horizon scan report.

The demand placed on networks increase; however, as the services

delivered over them grow more sophisticated. Connection to the “plain old

telephone service”—still perfectly good for making voice calls—is no longer

enough to make efficient use of the internet; for this broadband access is

required, whether through DSL, cable modems, fiber or wireless technologies.

So, people are shifting from narrowband telephone dialup internet connection to

broadband and mobile phone penetration.

The report has highlighted the overall infrastructure into some relevant sub

categories to give a specific and clear idea. These following categories presented

on the basis of mode of service delivery.

1. Telecommunication Network

2. Data Connectivity

3. Television Network

4. Radio Network

5. Post

6. Tele center and Cyber café

7. Power sector


43

Fig: 4.1 Share in the PSTN Telephone

Ratio of Share in the PSTN Telephone

BTTB

RANKS

TELEBARTA

JALALABAD

ONETEL

NATIONAL

PEOPLES

WESTEC

DHAKAPHONE

ISL

Fig: 4.1 Ratio of share in PSTN Market

4.1.1 Telecommunication Network:

(a) Public switched Telephone network (PSTN):

Though a revolution already

have taken place in the

cellular phone industry,

people still choose and like to

rely on PSTN services due to

its low call charge and other

facilitating services.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory commission (BTRC) has divided the

whole country into 6 (North-East, South-East, North-West, South-West, Central

Zone and Rural) regions and issues license on that basis. They have issued 5

licenses for national PSTN operators and 11 for different regions. Government

owns BTTB has the largest market share in the PSTN market. Yet now, in

general, mass people rely on BTTB to get the connection. By widening its

operations it can be augmented in bigger portion of the market. Private

operators have started their journeys recently and able to gain the confidence

and satisfaction of the customers. Figure 4.1shows the ratio of share in the PSTN

Telephone market.1

(b) Mobile Operator:

Cellular Phone: Cellular phone has revolutionized the telecommunication

industry in Bangladesh. The telecommunication growth in the year 2007 was

123%.2 After starting back in 1993 (first license was issued in 1989) it has

brought more than thirty million people under the shade of telecommunication

service. There are 6 mobile operators providing services, among them 5 are GSM

technology based and one is CDMA technology based. The whole country is

under the network coverage of mobile operators.

1 BTRC (Till June-2007)

2. BTTB (www.bttb.gov.bd)


44

Subscriber Growth rate of Mobile Phone:

Mobile phone is the strongest tool to reach the mass people in Bangladesh.

People from almost all economic levels can afford to access mobile phones. The

following figures show the revolution that has happened in telecommunication

sector in Bangladesh.

Total Mobile Phone Subscriber Growth

0

5,000,000

10,000,000

15,000,000

20,000,000

25,000,000

30,000,000

35,000,000

Jan- 1997

Jan-1 998

Jan-1 999

Jan-2000

Jan-2001

Jan-2 002

Jan- 2003

Jan- 2004

Jan- 2005

Jan- 2006

Jan- 2007

July- 2007

Time Period

Nu

mb

er

of

Su

bs

cri

be

rs

Year wise Teledensity (only mobile phone)

0.00%2.00%4.00%6.00%8.00%10.00%12.00%14.00%16.00%18.00%

Jan- 1997

Jan-1 998

Jan-1 999

Jan-2 000

Jan-2 001

Jan-2 002

Jan- 2003

Jan- 2004

Jan- 2005

Jan- 2006

Jan- 2007

Time Period (Jan-1997 to Jan-2007)P

erc

en

tag

e

Fig 4.2: Total Mobile Phone Subscriber3 Fig 4.3: Tele density (in Mobile Phone) 4

In July-2007 the total number of mobile phone subscribers have reached to

32,525,414 and tele-density reached to 23.3% (As per population number 140

million).5

Data and Different services provided by Mobile Operators

The mobile web and web based service has started in Bangladesh in recent

times, but not in a large scale. The subscribers have yet treated data service as

a costly and luxurious service. There are two basic subscriber classes in cellular

market: Post-Paid and Pre-Paid.

For post-paid a monthly line rent fee is to be provided by the subscribers.

Pre-paid is real time charging base and is obviously allocates the largest

percentage of subscribers.

,3,4 & 5 BTRC (www.btrc.gov.bd)


45

Based on the general data service tariff plan, there are two packages are

provided by almost all the operators. One is pay per use and another is

unlimited usages. The subscribers have to pay a flat fee for unlimited usages

monthly. The user classes of these packages are generally the corporate. It is

getting popular among the students now. City Cell, one of the operators, having

CDMA network, is providing data service package based on segmented download

size with the brand name “myCityCell Zoom”. They are providing data services

based on monthly download usage of 100MB, 300MB and 3GB. They are also

providing pay per use data service. CityCell also provides the data card with the

package.

Services:

As the data service is still treated as the costly service by the subscribers so

operators are sluggish to take initiatives on data service. Among the six (6)

operators only two are found to be leading the data service market in

Bangladesh. They are: AKTEL and Grameen Phone. AKTEL having almost 6.5

million subscriber base. Grameen Phone is currently leading the market of

subscriber base of almost 15.5 million. Here the subscribers are enjoying and

experiencing the mobile web through several services like: WAP browsing, MMS,

Peer to Peer, MMS Peer to Email, download service (like game, wallpaper, ring

tone etc.).

So far compared to voice service revenue data revenue is very much lower

and the subscribers as well as the operators are not so much concerned about

the data services. So there is very less promotion in this sector. But there are

huge potentialities in this sector.

A subscriber having a data service (GPRS/EDGE/CDMA 2000) enabled

and having a data service featured (WAP/MMS/Streaming enabled) handset can

be thought of as the Eligible Data User for that network. A handsome number of

the subscriber base is generally using data service enabled handsets.

GPRS/EDGE modem is also available in market and people are using these for

better mobility.

The web service will be popular among the mass people, especially among

the student and young generation if the price falls. A steady growth is observed

in mobile internet connectivity.


46

4.1.2 Data Connectivity:

Bangladesh's entry on 21st May 2006 to the 13-members consortium, SEA-ME-

WE-4 (widely known as Sub marine cable connection) in acronym, has slashed

internet and long-distance telephone call costs and greatly boosted browsing

speed. It has connected Bangladesh to the information super highway.

Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) is the authority to operate

and maintenance this sub marine cable connection. Now (2007) this sub marine

cable has a 1.2-Gigabyte-per-second data transfer capacity. The county will

have a 10-gigabyte data transfer capacity per second, 8 times more than the

current capacity. The capacity is considered adequate for the next 10-15 years.

The consortium South East Asia-Middle East-West Europe-4 (SEA-ME-

WE-4) has started the cable connection from Singapore running through

Malaysia, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, a number of Middle

Eastern countries and ended in France. With a view to minimize cost minimize

the project has been implemented through a consortium. The consortium will

take care of the maintenance at a low cost and Bangladesh will have to make no

additional spending to land its cable in the member countries.

Fig 4.4: SEA-ME-WE-4 Sub Marine Cable 6

6 www.fujitsu.com/img/PR/2005/20051213-01.jpg

France(Marseille

)

INDIA

Italy(Palermo

)

Egypt(Alexandria

) Egypt(Suez

) Pakistan(Karachi

)

India(Chennaï

)

Bangladesh(Cox’s

Bazar)

Srilanka

India(Mumbaï

) Saudi

Arabia UAE(Fujairah

)

Singapore(Tuas

)

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 4

Segment 3

Algeria(Annaba

) Tunisia(Bizerte

)

Thailand(Satun

) Malaysia(Melaka

)

Cairo


47

The establishment of submarine cable link provides the infrastructure for large-

scale software export and scopes for investment to establish IT-enabled value-

added service e.g. call centre, tele-medicine, and distance education at overseas

universities. BTTB believes government earnings from telecommunications

sector will shoot up as it can raise the number of telephone circuits with the

consortium members.

After fulfilling the requirement of the country, excess capacity in the

main stream may be leased out to overseas operators. For the next two years,

capacity can only be sold on lease basis and not as IRU. To make better and

greater utilization of the submarine cable new services like IP VPN, Virtual

telephone network abroad and various kinds of broadband service may be

introduced in the country.

The Utilization Plan for the cable capacity has been prepared to address

the national interest first. It will consider the requirement for voice, data, video,

entertainment and similar other broadband services by BTTB and other service

providers for next 10 years. It will also facilitate overall ICT activity to enhance

the socio-economic growth of the country. Utilization plan has focused on to

meet requirements specified by ICT Task Force and BTRC regarding VoIP and

make effective use of the surplus capacity.

BTTB has already started the following facilities by using sub marine

cable, Post-paid Dialup Internet Service, Leased Internet Access (Broadband

Internet), Nationwide DDN circuit, Multi-exchange area DDN circuit, E1 Access

to PSTN from ISP, IPLC (International Private Leased Line Circuits).

(a) Access Network

At present (2007) most cities and towns are covered by digital telephone

exchanges. All Upazilla exchanges will have digital exchanges by the end of

2008-09. So all telephone subscribers up to Upazilla level will have voice and

Internet connectivity through the submarine cable. Rural growth centers will be

brought under digital exchanges by installing suitable access network to extend

benefits of submarine cable in to the rural areas.


48

The quality of service to private mobile and land phone operators is

improving to allow access for all the existing subscribers and ensure access for

the future growth. Establishment of two more international gateway exchanges

is under way. BTTB’s present data access network is based on the existing DDN

which can support only up to 2 Mbps capacity. But to develop IP Access network

the necessary procedure is going on where optical interfaces is deployed in

major cities to connect customers through optical local loop at higher speed. At

present, DDN nodes are available at 41 districts only.

BTTB Data and Internet-related services: BTTB started running internet

services in 1999. Data and internet-related services are now being operated and

maintained by the Telex and Teleprinter Division, under the Overseas

Telecommunication Region. All administrative purposes for the offered services

are served from the Divisional Office at Mogbazar Telephone Bhaban. The overall

features of the BTTB’s network infrastructure are as follows:

• Optical Fiber/Microwave systems with career-class equipment

• Higher International Internet Backbone (8 x STM-1 Duplex through SEA-ME-WE4

Submarine cable System)

• Redundancy in IP Backbone (32 Mbps downlink/16 Mbps uplink through BT)

• Connected directly to Europe/America

Table : 4.1 Different Data Service Provider by BTTB7

Service Status

.bd domain registration Available

E1 Line Available

Pre Paid Service Available

Post Paid Service Available

Premium Dialup Service Available

Web Hosting Not Available Now

ADSL Service Not Available Now

IPLC Local Loop Available

DDN Service Available

Broad Band Service Available

DNS Parking Not Available Now

7 BTTB (www.bttb.gov.bd)


49

(b) National backbone:

A project is going on to establish the national backbone. Under this project there

will be a setup for Layer 3 Switch (ADSL Site) in 12 districts connected by Fiber

optics to main backbone. These districts are Dhaka, Comilla, Chittagong, Sylhet,

Khulna Bogra, Barishal, Rajshahi, Gazipur, Savar, Mymensigh, and Jessore.

Any organization can lease their connection from these centers. But one

constraint is that if any one wants to take a fiber optic link connection, they

have to take a connection of 3Mbps. This project will hopefully be ended within

June 2008.

(c) Internet Service Provider (ISP):

The internet came late in Bangladesh, with UUCP e-mail beginning in 1993 and

IP connectivity in 1996. In June 1996, the government decided to allow private

entrepreneurs to act as ISPs using VSATs (Very Small Aperture Terminal). In

1999, there were 10 ISPs (8 in Dhaka and 2 in Chittagong) while in 2007, there

are about 203 ISPs in Bangladesh among them 77 are nationwide ISPs. ISPs

cover and provide their service in 18 districts in Bangladesh.

Maximum ISPs are Dhaka based and they lease bandwidth from BTTB

and sell bandwidth among different organizations and also provide single user

connection. ISPs outside Dhaka are mainly connected to international backbone

by their own VSAT.

(d) Digital Telephone Exchange:

Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB) has already established

Digital telephone exchange in 41 districts and in prominent upazillas. The rest

of the districts will be under the digital telephone network coverage within 2008.

Digital telephone exchanges will not only facilities the voice call they will provide

high speed internet connectivity.


50

(e) Bandwidth Price:

Though bandwidth price remain the main barrier to increase the internet

penetration in the country but in recent times it is decreasing as the number of

users are increasing. Still it is higher than our neighbor countries. To foster the

IT enabled service there is no other alternative to decrease the bandwidth price.

Here is the list of Core to ISP bandwidth charge for Bangladesh, India and

Pakistan.

Table 4.2 : Monthly Cost for 2Mbps connection in different countries

(Core to ISP)8

Country Monthly Rent (2 Mbps dedicated line) in USD

Bangladesh 2,440

India 1,460

Pakistan 1,000

The following list is for ISP to End user bandwidth charge.

Table 4.3: Monthly cost for 256 kbs data link in different countries (ISP to End user) 9

Country Monthly Rent (256 Kbps dedicated line) in USD

Bangladesh 430

India 195

Pakistan 200

Philippines 160

USA 15

8 Bangladesh: BTTB (www.bttb.net ),

India; Economic Times, September,2007 issue

(http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2367974.cms)

Pakistan : Pakistan Télécommunication Company Limited (http://pakng.wordpress.com/2007/07/07/its-the-network-stupid/) 9 Bangladesh :Agni Systems Limited India: Tataindicom (http://www.tataindicombroadband.in/access/postpaid/order/postpaid_b1.html ( Min Speed 256Kbps and Max Speed 2 Mbps; Monthly download volume 30 GB) Pakistan : Micro net DSL (http://dsl.net.pk/UnlimitedPackages.php) Philippines : Phil Online (http://www.philonline.com/?page=serviceFormBusiness&svc=truspeed) USA: AT&T (http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=6431 (speed upto 768Kbps)


51

(f) Wireless Internet Connectivity

In developing countries like Bangladesh, reliable wireless network is a quick and

cost-effective way to facilitate communications and bring more citizens into the

Internet infrastructure. In a developed country, cities are facilitated with

internet with the use of wireless technology. To reach the internet connectivity to

the mass people WiMax can play a strong role. BTRC yet to have their rules and

procedures required in order to issue WiMax license. WiMax provides a cost

effective and quality service, so it will foster the internet penetration in the near

future.

4.1.3 Television Network:

(a) Bangladesh Television (BTV): Bangladesh Television is the national

television of Bangladesh. It is the only terrestrial channel in the country. The

information and circular broadcasts by this media is the most circulated,

because it is owned and run by government. It has great influence in social and

day to day life of the citizen. It broadcasts many development programs in the

sector of health, education, women and children affairs, weather and

agriculture.

As Cable/satellite TV is yet to reach the rural area of the country, BTV is

the most powerful tool for information dissemination in Bangladesh. Almost

41% households own television. Although there was a wide variation between

urban (78%) and rural (27%) areas, 26% households own black & white TVs

whereas 15% were found to have colored TVs. Nearly 10.4% households had

cable connections. So, 25% households had satellite penetration among the total

TV owning households. Viewer ship of TV in the year 2004 was about 64%,

which was one and a half times higher than that in 1998 (42%) and two times

higher than the viewer ship in 1995 (31%).10

(b) Local Satellite TV: Satellite TV has been gaining popularity since the end of

nineties. It is now a well-networked infrastructure in Bangladesh. There are 9

private channels. These channels are very popular among the citizen, especially

the news service.

10. http:// www.sdnbd.org/sdi/issues/IT-computer/ict4d-2007-bytesforall.pdf


52

These channels promote our culture and heritage worldwide, especially with the

non resident Bangladeshis watching the programs. Local cable operators

broadcast different information relevant to the viewers and can be treated as an

alternative channel for information dissemination for local areas.

4.1.4: Radio Network:

(a) Bangladesh Betar

Bangladesh Betar is the national Radio channel in Bangladesh. It has coverage

all over the country. As radio is cheap, everyone can easily avail this. It also

broadcast many development programs. It plays a vital role in weather

broadcasting for coastal areas.

(b) FM Radio:

Nowadays FM radio has gained much popularity among the citizen, especially

among the young generation. FM radio service is now only available in Dhaka

and Chittagong. FM radio can be a great tool for local services and information.

As such it is an important way to broadcast about the traffic situation in the

city.

The ownership & reach of the radio seemed to be declining. Only 32%

people own radio of which only 27.3% radios are in working order. This is

because public radio has failed to attract people and the opportunity to watch

TV has gone up rapidly. Only 22.5% people listen to the radio. Radio audience

has declined in urban areas sharply. As in the past, radio reach remained

higher among males (30%) compared to females (16%). Dhaka is the most

popular radio station having 31.3% listener-ship.11 Radio is still popular in rural

and hill tracts area of the country. Community radio has a good potential in the

country with neighboring countries like India, Srilanka and Nepal have

exercising huge positive impact of community radio among the mass people.

11 http://www.sdnbd.org/sdi/issues/IT-computer/ict4d-2007-bytesforall.pdf


53

4.1.5 Post (e-Post)

Bangladesh Post Office introduced Electronic Mail Service in the name of e-Post

from 16 Aug 2000. e-Post service enables people to send and receive messages

or scanned images through email from these post offices in the country.

People who do have access to internet would be able to send and receive

email messages without possessing an email ID. Thereby bridging some of the

digital divides in the arena of public communication systems.

Now the service is available in our 16 Head Post offices namely Dhaka

GPO, Chittagong GPO, Sylhet HPO, Moulavibazar HPO, Feni HPO, Comilla HPO,

Noakhali HPO, Mymensingh HPO, Jessore HPO, Kushtia HPO, Barisal HPO,

Bogra HPO and Sirajgonj HPO ZIA, and International Airport Post Office.

4.1.6 Tele Center & Cyber Café

Some of the most marginalized segments of digital divide are the rural

communities around the world – most of which lack access to information and,

more often than not, lack access to technology. One of the key challenges facing

development practitioners today is how to utilize information and

communication technology (ICT) tools to provide service to this underserved

segment with the objective of decreasing human poverty and improving

livelihoods. The services delivery platform of choice for various poverty

alleviation interventions so far has been through the humble “telecenter” – often

given names relevant to the region or community within which it is based.

In Bangladesh various private organizations have experimented with

establishing different types of telecentres. D.Net’s “Pallitathya Kendras” are

centered on providing livelihood information to the community they serve.

Grameen Phone, a leading telecom operator in Bangladesh, has 475 Community

Information centre (CIC) that are fully owned by local entrepreneurs. With a

minimum investment of BDT 80,000 (USD 1,100) an entrepreneur can become a

franchisee of Grameen Phone and thus serve her or his community. Community

Multimedia Centre (CMCs) which was launched by YPSA (a Bangladeshi NGO) is

equipped with computers with CD-ROM, a pocket PC, digital video camera,

audio recorder, cassette player, cable TV, cable radio and DVD players. Rural


54

ICT Centers (RICs) run by the Digital Equity Network (DEN) with support from

KATALYST disseminates livelihoods information for local businesses in sectors

that are relevant to the community – such as information for fishermen or

potato farmers or poultry farmers.

Present telecenters of Bangladesh disseminate information to the rural

community through various methods e.g. text contents, multimedia contents,

animated contents, video documentary etc. To disseminate the information,

telecenters use mobile phones, internet, email, sometimes printing services of

the contents, brief written explanation, customized consultation etc. In some

areas telecenters provide community peoples access to online newspapers.

Primarily the telecenter operators read out the contents preserved in digital

format for the illiterate people. Some telecenters have taken social mobilization

and training initiatives to aware the community people about different social

and human development issues. Besides these, flexi load for recharging the

mobile phones, net to phone services for calling the relatives abroad, courier

service are also found at some of the telecentres in Bangladesh.

Most of the telecenter operators have text based contents. Few

telecenter practitioners are developing animated contents on a experimental

basis. Audio contents are mainly useful for illiterate (print disabled) people as

well as for the people with visual challenges. Although not very large in number,

video contents are quite popular among rural people.

The existing challenges for telecenters include lack of steady power

supply, internet connectivity, quality services of the local service providers,

effective empowerment of the female infomediaries of the rural communities. The

initiative of Bangladesh Telecentre Network (BTN) puts a positive effort in

achieving better coordination and synergy among telecentre practitioners. In the

mean time, e-Governance focal points are becoming interested in telecentre

activities to bring Government closer to the people and to build people’s trust on

Government mechanism.

The business of cyber café has been growing in Dhaka since the late 90s.

Cyber café is now available even at the district level. People use cyber cafés to

browse, send and receive e-mails, transfer data and even for video conferencing.

The café owners’ association presented, an estimate showing that 40 per cent of

their users are students, 30 per cent job-seekers, 20 per cent business users


55

and 10 per cent of them fall in the mixed category. Everybody was dreaming of a

high bandwidth after the connection to the SE-ME-WE-4, but it will take time to

benefit from such connectivity. The rate for browsing in cyber café is BDT 20-35

(approx) per hour.

4.1.7 The Power Sector of Bangladesh

Undisrupted supply of electricity is an important factor for the ICT sector and as

well as for overall economic growth of Bangladesh. Without ensuring the

uninterrupted power supply ICT enabled services cannot be ensured. Due to

huge amount of load shedding, our economy is losing significant amount of

money and working hour every single day. However, the condition of the power

sector of Bangladesh is improving. But the situation is not yet satisfactory and

there is still a long way to go.

The service providers

At present, four state-owned agencies under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral

Resources are responsible for electricity development and distribution in the

country. These are:

Bangladesh Power Development Board

(BPDB)

Responsible for generation and transmission of

power in the country and distribution in urban

areas except the area under Greater Dhaka.

Dhaka Electric Supply Authority (DESA) Responsible for distribution of electricity in the

greater Dhaka area including the metropolitan city

of Dhaka.

Dhaka Electric Supply Company

(DESCO)

DESCO, established under Companies' Act of

1994 is responsible for distribution of electricity in

Mirpur area of the Metropolitan City of Dhaka in

Greater Dhaka. DESCO purchases power from

DESA.

Rural Electrification Board (REB) Responsible for distribution of electricity in rural

areas.


56

Total Power Generation:

The installed capacity of the all the power plants was 5245 MW including 1260

MW in the private sector (IPP) in the fiscal year 2006. But the maximum power

generation in fiscal year 2006 was 3,782 MW, which was about 1.65% higher

than the previous year. The net energy generated in 2006 was 14,456 Gwh in

public sector power plants under BPDP. In addition to this about 8, 286 Gwh of

electricity was purchased by BPDB from IPP. As a result, the net energy

generated by public and private sector power plant stood at 22,747 GWh, which

was 7.46% higher than the previous year. System loss in BPDB system for the

fiscal year 2006 was 7.82% of the net energy generation, which was 9.29% in

the year before.12

Fuel of the Power Plant:

Most of the power plants use gas as fuel; others use Hydro, Foil, HSD as the raw

materials for electricity production. Unavailability of necessary gas is one of the

major problems for power generation.

Installed Capacity Comparison in Respect to Fuel

81.42%

4.08%

5.34%

4.39%

4.77%

Gas

Diesel

Furnace Oil

Hydro

Coal

Fig: 4.5 Status of installed capacity comparison in respect to fuel

The power plants of Bangladesh

There are 21 government owned power plants in the country. In the private

sector there are 6 plats. Among those some of the power units remain shut down

for maintenance work regularly.

12 The daily Star, 1st page, Dhaka Saturday, September 22, 2007


57

Load Shedding - the most-talked about issue

Bangladesh has been experiencing huge electricity shortage for several years. As

a result load shedding has become a part of our daily life. It is also evidenced by

the statistics provided by BPDB annual report 2005-2006. It has shown that the

load shedding was imposed on 347 days in the fiscal year 2005-2006.

The maximum level of demand served in 2006 was 3,742 MW against the

forecast demand of 4,693 MW as per Power System Master Plan (PSMP-2005).

The power development board worked hard to improve the efficiency of the

existing plants and to start more power units.

Power failure also creates other problems as it disrupts the supply of

water in the metropolitan cities and affects the agriculture sector as farmers

cannot pump water to the fields. Therefore, power failure creates a lot of

obstacles for our country.

BPDB has made a significant improvement in power supply recently by

improving day to day management where officials and technical experts are

encouraged to take independent decisions. Additionally, government’s close

monitoring of this sector and taking necessary steps assist to achieve this

improvement. Moreover, government’s successful implementation of load

management and staggering holidays at industrial zones, improvement in gas

supply to power plants and high emphasis on bill collection helped to achieve

this stage. As a result of all these steps, the amount of load shedding has

decreased significantly13. However, to continue this situation and to meet the

growing demand government needs generate more electricity and encourage

alternative resources of electricity.

Setting up new power plants

Bangladesh will require producing 8, 000MW electricity by 2010 to support its

growing demand for both commercial and domestic use. In order to achieve

Bangladesh needs more investment in this sector.

13 The daily Star, 1st page, Dhaka Saturday, September 22, 2007


58

The government has already taken some initiatives to set up new power

plants through private investors. The government signed deals with private

sponsors to set up 10 small power plants across the country, having total

capacity of about 200 MW. The private sector sponsors will set up the plants,

each with 10-30 MW capacity, at 10 separate locations on `Build-Own-Operate''

(BOO) basis.14

Additionally, different foreign investors and development organizations

are showing interest to invest in the power sector. Government requires

negotiating with them effectively to improve the efficiency of the existing plants

as well as to set up new power plants.

Pre-Paid Meters for Electricity:

BPDB has implemented the prepaid meter project at a cost of Tk 4.15 crore. It

was introduced in Sylhet, Sirajganj and Uttara of the Dhaka city under some

pilot projects. Prepaid meters for electricity consumers in Bogra town were also

introduced with a view to lowering system loss.People can buy prepaid cards of

the meters at a vending centre of the local PDB office. Consumers can recharge

the prepaid electricity cards from the vending outlet.

The new system can remove the existing hazards like maintaining meter reading

and regular bill payment. Under this system, the consumers need not to pay a

minimum amount if they do not use the electricity.

Alternative sources of electricity

Solar panel can be a good alternative for electricity in Bangladesh. Bangladesh

government has taken some projects to identify and implement other sources for

electricity. Such a project is “Solar Power for Rural Electrification” in the fiscal

year 2005-2006 with the help of the World Bank. Search for renewal source of

electricity is still continuing the full pace. Windmills can be a good source of

electricity in the southern coastal area of Bangladesh. Some researches are

going on this issue in Bangladesh.

14 www. Energybangla.com, “Bangladesh Govt Signs Deals with Private Co’s for 10 Small

Power Plants”


59

“The Right Livelihood” prize, which is recognized as an "alternative" to

the Nobel prizes, was awarded to Grameen Shakti (GS) this year (2007) for solar

energy applications. Grameen Shakti (GS) is a sister concern of the World

renowned Grameen Bank and is working with solar energy in rural areas. Solar

energy can be scaled up massively and rapidly to provide an affordable and

climate-friendly energy option for the rural poor. Grameen Shakti has

successfully developed a market-based approach. The basis of Grameen Shakti’s

success is an innovative system for financing the solar home systems by

villagers. This system is based on experiences from Grameen Bank’s micro-

credit program. GS has successfully linked renewable energy technologies with

income generating activities. It ensures sustainability of the system and provides

efficient services at the local level through renewable energy entrepreneurs.


60

4.2 Service Status

4.2.1 Government Sector

4.2.1.1 ICT Status of different ministries/ divisions

Bangladesh government declared the ICT sector as one of the “thrust

sector”. As a part of e-Governance practice, government earlier had taken

initiatives to introduce ICT for all ministries and divisions. It took a good

number of initiatives to introduce e-Governance in the country. Few such

goals are providing greater access to government information, promoting

civic: engagement by enabling the public to interact with government

officials, making government more accountable by making its operations

more transparent and thus reducing the opportunities for corruption and

providing development opportunities, especially benefiting rural and

traditionally underserved communities. ICT has a critical role to play in

good and better governance.

The report briefly summarizes the ongoing ICT related projects or any

initiatives in the ministries which fosters the e-Governance issues in

Bangladesh. Most of the ministries have their own websites. It is seen that the

offices are equipped with sufficient computers, printers, scanners and other

tools. Most of the offices are Internet connected with the line of broadband or

dial-up system. LAN, WAN & MAN connection is available in some of the

ministries. Some of the ministries use different customized softwares for smooth

operation of the ministries. For example, some of the subordinate organizations

of Ministry of Industries uses different types of software for payroll system,

share, accounting, personal system, daily production, sales and staff monitoring

etc. The details of infrastructure and connectivity of different ministries and

divisions are attached in the Annex - 2

Connectivity issue:

More than 50% ministries have their own Local Area Network (LAN). They

are connected to internet via dial up connection or broadband connection.

Some ministries have also connected their zonal offices to LAN and the

internet. For example, Ministry of Primary and Mass Education has 30

computers in the ministry and 100 computers in primary education office,

which are LAN connected. In Primary Education Ministry 6 divisional offices


61

and 16 district offices are connected with WAN through a central server.

SICT is the responsible body for LAN setup in the ministries and they has

already setup LAN in couple of ministries.

Software Issue:

Some of the ministries use customized software for their internal purpose

and service delivery. They mainly use payroll system, accounting software,

daily production monitoring software, sales and staff monitoring software

etc. The software usually used in the ministries are listed below:

• Operating System: Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows 2000.

• Application Software: Office 2000,Office XP, Office XP 2003

• Anti –Virus: Norton, Symantec, McAfee

• Other Software: ACD See, Acrobat Reader-writer, Nero

Some customized software is also used in different ministries like gate

pass software, inventory management software, project information

management system etc. Some software is very much customized for their

service delivery. Such as, Ministry of Environment and Forest use

customized software on Historical Clearance database, water quality database

in the unit. Software on Plant-Specimen Database Program is also used. Some

common customized software like gate pass software, payroll management and

content management software can be shared by differed ministries.

Hardware Issue:

Ministries are equipped with personal computers, UPS, printers, scanner,

photocopier, laptops. Some ministries have their own server and mailing

system. They also use multimedia projectors for presentation purpose.

Training:

Training is an important part of ICT. Different ministries have taken

different initiatives to train their officials and personnel. These trainings

makes up a continuous process. Some trainings are mainly conducted

topics like for beginners and some are little bit advanced. These trainings


62

are mainly on office management software (e.g OFFICE Xp), networking

(CCNA), web browsing etc. Also specialized training is given on customized

software.

Web based Service:

Web based service is a good tool for better and easy service delivery channel

for government. Some ministries already give web-based service to the

citizen. Such as

• Publication of SSC/HSC resul. (http://site.educationboard.gov.bd/results_db/ )

• Bangladesh Hajj Information. ( http://www.bdhajjinfo.org/ )

• Department of Agricultural Marketing

(http://www.dambd.org/MarketInfo/market_informaiton.htm )

4.2.1.2 Support to ICT Task Force (SICT) Programme

To realize the goals set forth by the ICT Policy, an ICT Task Force had been

formed, In 2003, the government launched a Support to ICT Task Force (SICT)

program at the Ministry of Planning, with the mandate of providing

administrative and secretarial support to the ICT Task Force in realizing various

ICT projects, particularly e-Governance. The Support to ICT Task Force (SICT)

Program was created by the governance to provide various strategic and

implementation support to some of the decisions taken by the National ICT Task

Force, which is headed by the Honorable Prime Minister. Currently, the primary

responsibility of SICT is to implement e-Governance projects in different

government offices across the country. Further, another of its responsibilities is

to provide support to the National ICT Taskforce to ensure access to information

by every citizen to facilitate empowerment of people and to enhance democratic

values and norms for sustainable economic development. The project is

generally divided into two components for outsourcing purposes: software and

training services, and hardware and networking equipment.

So far SICT has initiated 55 projects in different sectors. These projects

have been taken up from 14 different sectors which are: Labor and Employment,

Tourism, Power Energy & Mineral Resources, Others, Education, Rural

Development, Water Resources, Communication, Industries, Social Welfare,


63

Agriculture, Physical Planning, Law Enforcement & Security and Public

Administration. Among these the highest number of projects has been initiated

for Public Administration.

Completed Projects:

The initiated projects have excelled tremendous impact in facilitation on the

various citizen services and reducing common sufferings. Among those projects

a portion has already been completed and the rest are successfully underway.

Process automation at GM North’s Office under the Ministry of Post and

Telecommunication, a completed project has had positive impact on improved

citizen services like personalized access to personal subscription information

through the internet, online access to amount of payment due, bill payment

status, status of application for new telephone line, status of shifting of

telephone line to new address, complaints through the Internet, downloadable

forms.

To make agricultural market prices available online to push the country

towards greater economic growth by empowering farmers and businessmen

involved with the agricultural sector, SICT Program has completed a project of

online daily market price for the Ministry of Agriculture which produces by

several benefits for farmers, customers and policy makers such as daily market

information from 30 districts, price information of about 260 agricultural

commodities, historical data of agricultural products etc. Through these

information farmers are better informed about the best prices, policy-makers are

more informed about the price variations which helps them to get better

prepared to take precautionary steps.

Through the implementation of online public examination results and

statistics, SSC and HSC students can get online access to registration status,

test centers, and exam results through personalized IDs, thus saving huge

amount of time and money wasted on travel to find out the information, also

they can download various forms regarding foreign admission and scholarship

and teachers can download various forms regarding MPO, update of

qualifications.

After the implementation Interactive Website for Ministry of Expatriate

Welfare and Overseas Employment citizens are getting information about job


64

opportunities abroad, news and announcements for expatriates and those

interested to work abroad and online have access to necessary forms. The

Government is being benefited by being able to exchange information between

the Ministry and embassies, reporting regarding statistics about expatriates.

After successful completion, the interactive website for Ministry of Labor and

Employment, created some favorable impact on the citizens including creating

awareness of employees about their obligations to maintain labor laws and

regulations, their rights, safe working environments, training programs being

conducted at BMET etc.

Through the implementation of Connectivity and Process Automation of

Bangladesh Tea Board, now the status of tea-gardens can be checked from

headquarter offices, which will help in strategic decision-making, standardized

system for storage and retrieval of data, which will facilitate easier analysis of

data and Informative and updated website can help attract foreign buyers.

An interactive website has been developed for the Ministry of Land, which

contain relevant information about the responsibilities and activities of the

Ministry and its subsidiaries, database of key personnel, annual reports,

strategic plans, portfolio budget statements, laws and regulations, various

downloadable forms, tribal land management, dynamic land tax calculation.

After being successful completion of the project of Land Record Archiving at

Manikganj Record Room under the Ministry of Land citizens have been receiving

much quicker services in obtaining porchas and a good quality printed and

certified copy of Khatian/ Mouza map, instead of a hand-written copy. Digital

storage helps to prevent tampering of old records. The Board of Investment (BOI)

is the primary government body dedicated to attracting foreign and local

investment in the country. It is crucial that the internal processes of BOI are

automated so that it is better prepared to carry out its functions more

effectively. The successful automation of BOI will also help to portray a positive

image of Bangladesh among foreign and local investors. Potential investors are

now better informed about investment opportunities. BOI officials are now more

efficient in carrying out their daily activities.

The Special Security Force (SSF) is in charge of security of the Prime

Minister and other issues of highest national importance. It is very important

that this Force be properly equipped to handle such a crucial task. The SICT

Program has completed the task of strengthening the SSF by providing IT


65

solutions for enhanced communication and security maintenance. The project

was Hardware, Software and Connectivity for Special Security Force which

provide Secure Intelligence Database (SID), Communication Management

System, Inventory management System, Operations and Protection Management

System.

For effective governance, it is crucial that administrative units at the local

and district levels have an efficient system for exchanging data and information

with the Cabinet Division. Also, with regular updates of information about

situation at local-level, citizens will be better informed about the state of affairs

in the country. The SICT Program has taken up the important task of developing

an interactive website for the Cabinet Division that will allow citizens to get

updated information, filing complaints electronically through the website. It

helps in effective communication, information dissemination and reporting

between district-level government offices and Cabinet Division, It improves

transparency in the government and facilitates quicker decision-making.

Citizens can easily get online access to information about registration,

test centers, exam dates, exam results, announcements regarding procedures

and other related matters after Automation of Result Processing at Bangladesh

Public Service Commission where more than 100,000 people take public service

exams each year. Now PSC is more efficient and more error-free, much less

time-consuming and more efficient with online posting.

After the office automation of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) the

management systems like human resources, inventory, criminal database,

vehicle and motor transport, payroll management, operations management etc

are being improved. In an effort to establish e-Governance in the public sector in

Bangladesh the SICT programme has taken up steps to implement the ICT

training for Government officials as one of the steps in Human Resources

development. SICT has appointed Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) to

conduct the ICT training for the Government Officials. The participants are

initially selected by the respective departments and sent to SICT for their final

nomination. The training is being provided through lectures, presentations,

discussions and hands on practices. The evaluation of the participants is done

on the basis of their overall performance, class participation and attendance.

Each participant is awarded a certificate after the successful completion of the

course.


66

Ongoing Projects:

Apart from these completed projects there are 41 projects still under SICT

programme are going on. In the ground of existing problems of the system these

initiatives were being taken in various sectors and departments. Process

Automation at Post Office is one of those projects. Currently the post office does

not have an effective mechanism for tracking mails. It may take several weeks

for the Post Office officials to respond to a client’s query regarding the status of a

mail. The business process of the post office is also riddled with inefficiency,

causing a client to have to go to several counters for one service. Due to the lack

of an integrated system, the same information is sometimes entered in register

books at different desks/counters. With availability of private postal services,

citizens are becoming increasingly aware of the inefficiency of the government-

run postal system. Some of the services that will be provided under the project

are tracking of mails, one-stop service at GPO, electronic money order, e-mail

service for the public etc. The benefits that citizens will get after successful

completion of this project are postal services at low price, one-stop service, send

and e-mails at low cost.

Citizens will be able to find out recommendations about care of livestock,

prevention of diseases etc. Researchers and students can get research papers,

required data for research papers easily without physically having to BLRI.

Citizens will benefit since government decisions will be made faster and actions

taken more swiftly due to vedio conferencing. Citizens will benefit from improved

law and order situation, would know about criminals, and identify missing

persons in police custody. Communication between the Armed Forces Division

and the Prime Minster’s Office will be improved.

Citizens will benefit from more efficient decision-making and

implementation of activities that pertain to national security. Status of various

rivers could easily be known and river research standard be upgraded. Citizens

and organizations can verify freedom fighter certificates, get access to the list of

the freedom fighters, get access to history and pictures related to the liberation

war etc. Tourists will get easy access to information regarding the different

tourist spots which will positively affect the other related industries. Easy

dissemination of information regarding administrative units in the Hill Tracts

areas, update of information regarding negotiations and treaties.


67

Citizens will get easy access to information regarding activities and

upcoming plans of RDCD, their relevant statistics, training schedules of

organizations under RDCD. People will have access to relevant policies and

regulations of various industries run by the government, be able to verify

standardization of commodities, patent information, dealerships, access to case

lists judgments and important orders from the court. PGR officials will be more

efficient in carrying out their daily activities and will be better equipped to take

strategic decisions regarding security. Exchange of information within and

among ministries will become smooth.

Prisoners will benefit from increased efficiency of the government in

providing various services and improved transparency by the government about

prisoner status. People will get ADP database, regional allocation of resources,

beneficiary groups. Citizens can get access to information about sugar

production status and prices, authorized dealers of sugar and food. Prediction of

river behavior, design and drawing for infrastructure development projects will

also be found. Efficiency of Dhaka DC Office is going to be ameliorated in near

future. Citizens/ government servants will get access to information about

activities of the ministry housing and public work and its offices, about different

application procedures and be able to download forms online.

Citizens will be benefited indirectly being served by more efficient and

well-trained public administration officers. Automate the processes of the Sylhet

Divisional Headquarter and its associated DC offices, UNO offices, A.C (Land)

offices will provide reliable means by which information/data is managed to

achieve the optimal efficiency and resource management. People of Jamalpur

and Sherpur will get flexible, turnkey office management and file tracking

solution that includes administrative, general, revenue, land acquisition,

education and development related activities which will reduce liability risks.

People will get easy access to information regarding different savings schemes.

The business community will be benefited by using the trade portal which is

under undergoing implementation process as supervised by the Ministry of

commerce. Sustainable productivity of forest land and forest industries without

resource depletion could be ensured. The current process of manual verification

of fingerprints in National Security Intelligence (NSI) is cumbersome, lengthy

and prone to human errors. Information exchange and dissemination among

different NSI offices is also minimal. These problems will be reduced.


68

To ensure the best uses of the Vashani Navo-Theatre it is necessary to

disseminate information about the Navo-theatre to a wide range of people. A

project is also underway. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) is the main

source of official statistics in Bangladesh. The main functions of BBS are to

collect, compile, analyze, and publish statistics of all sectors of the economy to

meet the needs of development planning, research, policy and decision making.

After the successful completion of current project quality of BBS data will be

improved. Manpower of Bangladesh Biman will become well-trained. The

projects lists under SICT programme is attached in Annex 3

Overall Comments:

The SICT programme under the Ministry of Planning had submitted a status

report on various ongoing projects. The status report was further being

examined with prior scrutiny and physical visit of the sub projects. It was found

that website is considered as the only way to explore information in all the sub

projects. Other channels were not being considered in that sense. Response of

customers about the status of bill in the website of BTTB was minimal. In the

same way the website of the Agricultural Marketing Department didn’t reach its

prime consumer, meaning the farmers. But this website added significant value

to the secondary stakeholders. It is being manifested that in some cases system

study was not properly conducted prior implementation of those sub projects.

So estimation in the time of software development was not proper.

Although it was top most important task to establish network in the

secretariat but it is still in primitive stage. These sub-projects have created

tremendous zeal and enthusiasm among the ministries and departments which

will play key role in near future to implement e-Governance in the country. The

monitoring system of SICT is feeble and which needs to be strengthened

immediately. Related ministries and departments could take the initiative to

continue play the initiative role to continue the flow of tasks even after the

completion of the sub-projects under the projects. SICT programme is the

largest of all programme of e-Governance in the finance of Bangladesh

Government. In the reality of our country e-Governance is wholly a new concept

The experience of designing and implementation of the sub projects will help in

taking and implementing timely e-Governance activities in future. For this

reason it is needed to conduct a comprehensive technical and managerial

evaluation of these sub projects.


69

4.2.1.3. Success and failure samples of Govt. ICT Project

While computers in most government offices tend to be used primarily as

typewriters, some government offices have begun to apply ICT to achieve more

efficient governance. For example, the Finance Division of the Ministry of

Finance has developed customized software for budget planning, sensitivity and

impact analysis, financial projections, and preparation of various reports. In

addition, the Finance Division has created software to facilitate interface

between the development and revenue budgets. The Bangladesh Bureau of

Educational Information and Statistics (BANBEIS), the statistical wing of the

Ministry of Education, has created a Geographic Information System (GIS) map-

based software that provides information on density of academic institutions in

particular regions, individual institution-level data, and other useful educational

statistics. The website of the Planning Commission has a useful searchable

database of all Annual Development Programme (ADP) projects undertaken in

the last three years. The Commission has also established an intranet whose

features include: file-sharing facilities through a Local Area Network (LAN), video

conferencing, an electronic notice board, a digital library that stores policies,

minutes of meetings, and other useful documents in searchable format, ADP

database facilities, and application software for tracking the movement of files.

Other important e-Government projects will be discussed in the next chapter on

selected case studies. Under the SICT Programme, several ministries and

government departments have undertaken major e-Government projects.

Examples include the Dhaka Passport Office under the Ministry of Home Affairs,

the Ministry of Education, the General Manager North’s Office of the Ministry of

Post and Telecommunication, the Department of Agricultural Marketing under

the Ministry of Agriculture, the Land Record Office in Manikganj under the

Ministry of Land, Ministry of Labor and Employment, and the Ministry of

Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment. Many other government offices—

including the Bangladesh Bank, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary

Affairs, and Dhaka City Corporation—are also in the process of implementing

important e-Government initiatives.

In last half decade Govt. of Bangladesh had taken some remarkable

initiatives in various sectors. But all of them were not in fact success story.

Some of those have tremendous impact on citizen services and some of those

were not adequate enough. Ownership of those initiatives was different from


70

case to case. Some of those initiatives are Public Examination Computerization-

1994, Railway Ticketing, Hajj Management System, Financial Management

Reform Programme, Agricultural Marketing information, Field Level

Administrative Information, Online Immigration, Primary Teacher Recruitment

System, Stock Exchange Automation, RCC e-birth Registration, National Data

Bank etc.

Success Story

Among these a success story is Hajj Management System. The website had a

startup cost of about Taka 20 million, which was borne by the Ministry of

Religious Affairs from its own resources. The operational expenses of

maintaining the website are now covered through a small “computer fee”

collected from individual pilgrims. The project used tripartite business model

involving the government, the private sector, and academia. The government

outsourced the development and maintenance of the website for two years to a

private firm named Hatil IT, which in turn engaged the Institute of ICT (IICT) of

the Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (BUET) to develop the

website and to manage the various technical aspects. Hatil IT is now

responsible for updating and maintaining the website. The Hajj site had a

tremendous impact on the Hajj management system of the country. Now the

relatives of the pilgrims can easily be informed about the latest status of the

Hajjis in abroad. They can easily communicate to the pilgrims as and when

required. This has really exempted many people out of tension. Fraud and cheat

of the various agencies have significantly lowered due to the strict monitoring

and handling of the management through the website. Various complexities

regarding form collection and their filling up have reduced due to the

downloaded services and guidelines to fill up forms as provided by the website.

Pilgrims can prepare themselves earlier accordingly to any policy oriented

changes made by the Government.

Failure Story

Simply opposite of this, a failure story, is the National Data Bank Project. As the

name implies, the National Data Bank (NDB) project was planned to provide a

broad range of data and information support to many levels of stakeholders both

inside and outside Bangladesh. The NDB was to link twelve ministries and

divisions with scope for further network connections to the planning cells of all


71

other ministries/divisions. The network was based on ATM/Fast Ethernet

protocols using fiber optic/VSAT (very small aperture terminal) connections; a

client/server architecture was set out for the system; and a relational database

management system plus other applications were to form the software basis for

the project. The focal stakeholder was the Statistics Division within the Planning

Commission but the network aimed to provide facilities for both input and

output of statistical data to all the main organs of government such as the Prime

Minister’s Office, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Establishment, etc. The

broad range of potential user groups meant that stakeholders were not only

found throughout the public sector, but also within the private and NGO sectors

in Bangladesh and overseas. The project framework was developed via a

directive from the Ministry of Planning in 1992. The project was finally

approved midway through 1994, and was scheduled to start midway through

1995. The project actually began in 1998. Annual investment costs have varied

but, during key network investments in 1999/2000, US$440,000 was spent. In

terms of impact, there has been some limited infrastructural development of the

network, with a LAN (local area network) created within the Planning

Commission. The LAN has problems, with one of the main network switches not

working, and with inadequate human capacities to manage and operate the

network. A few preliminary attempts were made to use the LAN, but those have

been abandoned with no evident usage of the network since 2000. No database

has been established, and no storage of statistical data is visible in any part of

the intended project.

4.2.1.4 ICT Reflection in Annual Development Programme (ADP)

Bangladesh has only recently begun to take serious initiatives in e-Governance.

The National Information and Communication Technology (ICT)) Policy 2002

gives due emphasis to the gradual implementation of e-Governance in all

government offices. e-Governance projects can be defined as infrastructure

buildup and the application of ICT to improve the efficiency, responsiveness,

transparency, and accountability of government.

Several government offices have begun to undertake e-Governance

projects, ranging from basic computerization to sophisticated information

systems that aim to automate processes and to ensure more efficient service

delivery. These projects have met various levels of success.


72

Proposed Budget in Infrastructure

Buildup

67937

69363

68909

67000

67500

68000

68500

69000

69500

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007

Fiscal year

BDT (in

lakh)

Total Budget in ICT Sector

87737

93959 93643

840008500086000870008800089000900009100092000930009400095000

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007

Fiscal year

BD

T (in

lakh)

Fig: 4.6 Total Budget in ICT sector

Fig: 4.7 proposed budget in Infrastructure build up

It was found from ADP that government has taken many initiatives to

implement e-governance. The listed projects have been identified through the

impact of ICT in ADP. The list of some initiatives by Bangladesh government in

the Annual Development Programme of last three years (from fiscal year 2004-

2005 to 2006-2007) is attached in Annex -4.

These projects are funded either by Bangladesh government or by development

partner of Bangladesh government. Some projects are also funded jointly by

Bangladesh government and

development partner. By

analyzing the Annual

Development Programme of the

government of last 3 fiscal years,

it has found that there was a

boost between 2004-2005 to

2005-2006 and the budget

remained almost same for the

fiscal year 2005-2006 and fiscal

year 2006-2007. But the number

of running projects has increased

in 2006-2007 from the previous

fiscal year.

Bangladesh is still at the

beginner’s level in implementing

ICT, so it is crucial to work on

the infrastructure first. In this

context it has been seen that

government established

submarine cable link to connect

the country to the information

super highway. Government also

has taken some initiative to

establish the national backbone

for data and telecommunication

network.


73

Human resource development in ICT sector is a priority sector in

Bangladesh. Budget for human resource development in the fiscal year 2004-

2005 was BDT 88.88 cores in 2005-2006 it was BDT 187.31 cores and in 2006-

2007 it was 88.50 crores.

Though the allocation in the budget for ICT is increasing but ration of ICT

allocation with respect to total budget is decreasing. In the fiscal year 2004-

2005 the allocation for ICT was 1.53% of total budget while it is only 1.46% in

2005-2006 and 1.34% in 2006-2007.

e-Governance is becoming a fact in the lives of the citizens of the country.

The progress is slow and there is confusion about the means to achieve this,

but there is no doubt about the goal of attaining e-Governance. A coordinated

effort by political leaders, bureaucrats, development partner and private

entrepreneurs is critical to facilitate the growth of the ICT sector, and, hence,

the socio-economic development of Bangladesh.

4.2.1.5 Status of Government Sector Websites

In general terms, a website is a communication tool, its primary function

being to enable individuals and organizations to share and exchange

information through the internet. It is possible to make a certain amount of

information available to the citizens through the website in electronic

format, to gather information from the citizens themselves and to provide

electronic services to the citizen. For these reasons, websites can be useful

tools to support the work of governmental agencies for which contact with

the public and/or with other government agencies and organizations is

important.

An e-Governance website can fulfill one or more of the following

functions:- it can be a publishing tool, similar to a newspaper, a magazine,

a book or a radio/TV broadcast , it can be a marketing tool, providing

agencies with a way to publicize and promote their services and activities, it

can be a transactional tool, when they allow the users and the public

agency to exchange all the information necessary to support a transaction

of any kind and it can be a work tool, allowing a public agency to exchange


74

Banngla Interface

5

35

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Bangla Interface

Enable

No Bangla

Interface

Num

ber of M

inis

try

Number Of

Ministry

Updated Information

33

7

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Updated Not Updated

Num

ber of M

inis

try

Number Of

Ministry

Fig: 4.8 Status of Bangla interface

Fig: 4.9 Number of updated information

information with its employees and/or other stakeholders in the

organization, and therefore facilitate professional activity in general.

The report analyzes the current status of the various government

websites. The report also shows a comprehensive scenario regarding

information available in the various websites, whether the websites are

updated on a regular basis and whether they are working effectively. The

report includes only the website of the ministry and division of the

Government of Bangladesh.

(a) Government Ministries:

Ministries are the highest

governing authority of the

Government. All the ministries

have their websites and these

provide important information

to the citizens. Most of these

websites have no Bangla

interface. As majority of the

people still needs to have the

standard English knowledge,

current websites in the true

sense do not fulfill the need of

the people.

Update of information is a very

important factor. Mass people

and various organizations want

the updated information for

their usages.Although there is

various information provided in

general, but most of the

ministries websites do not have

adequate search options. 6 out

of our studied ministries have

the search options. As the


75

Bangla Interface

7

152

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Bangla Enabled Interface No bangla Interface

Nu

mb

er

of

Min

istr

y

Form Download

68

91

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Form download No download Option

Num

ber

of M

inis

try

Fig: 4.10 Number of Bangla interface

Fig: 4.11 Number of Form Download

websites are almost static therefore in spite of having search option it does not

really meet the need of mass people and organizations. It is being seen that

some of the ministries do not provide download services for the downloading of

the information provided by the ministries.

(b) Government Organizations:

In case of various government organizations, the situation is much worse

regarding various services. The Bangla interface service, updated information,

search option and form download services are not adequate. So the mass people

and organizations can not get the required information in spite of having

websites.

The scenario in respect to

Bangla interface the situation is

worse than in the ministries.

Only 7 government

organizations have bangla

interface out of our studied 159

organizations/divisions.

Update of information is also very important. It has been found that the

maximum of our government organization regularly update their websites. But

more emphasis should be given

to update of information.

Although there are various

information provided in general,

but most of the organization’s

websites do not have search

options. Out of the studied

websites it has been found that

only 15% of organizations have

search option in their websites.


76

It is seen that most organizations do not provide download service. But it is a big

crucial factor for better and easy service delivery.

Bangladesh government has published 50 forms in websites

(http://www.forms.gov.bd/default.aspx). It is a good initiative. But the

penetration is not very good for the lack of promotion. The forms here need

review and update.

SMS Service:

It was that found one government website that is SMS-enabled. And that is:

1. Bangladesh Hajj Information (http://www.bdhajjinfo.org/)

WAP Enabled Websites:

Telecommunication is the most popular means of communication in

Bangladesh. It should be used for mass communication. To access the website

from the mobile it has to be WAP enabled. But no government website has been

found to be WAP enabled.

Disability:

Disable people is part of our society. Policy makers and development

practitioners should think of them and government should facilitate their

accessibility. It has been found that none of the studied websites have admitted

this issue. If Government websites ensure this issue then other organizations

will be influenced.

.bd domain Registration:

It is really a good finding that all of our government websites have .bd domain

registration. This really shows our awareness and concern.

The main drawback of our government sector websites is its static nature. These

websites should be dynamic. Dynamic websites will provide enhanced search

option, easy to update and not but the least the greater functionality and ease to

maintenance.

Finally it can be said that the publishing information is the first steps

towards e-Governance. From this study it is found that at current time(2007) e-


77

Governance service in Bangladesh is still in its infancy period. But for a

developing country like Bangladesh, establishing an efficient e-Governance will

help reducing costs for the government and make the citizens lives simpler and

better. If not well-conceived and implemented, e-Governance initiatives can

waste resources, fail in their promise to deliver useful services and thus increase

public frustration with government.

4.2.2 Status of private sector

4.2.2.1 Banking Sector

Industrialization efforts of the government during the 1990s included

investment in balancing, modernization and reconstruction, creation of new

industrial estates and export processing zones, promotion of private investment,

and attraction of foreign direct investment. The policy changes have been in line

with trends in the international market, recommendations of donor countries

and agencies for liberalization of trade and investment, and structural

adjustment programs. Almost at regular intervals of 4 to 6 years after 1982, the

government has adopted new industrial policies with increased incentives for

private investors from both home and abroad. These policies have some common

aspects such as incentives to promote industrialization in rural and remote

areas, to encourage entrepreneurs to use local raw materials, and development

of a system that would help in the transfer of technology.

Already all industrial sectors except the following four categories have been

opened up for private investment to pave rapid expansion of the private sector:

• Arms, ammunition and defense equipment;

• Nuclear energy;

• Security printing (paper currency) and mint; and

• Public reserve forests.

In addition, measures initiated relating to tax holiday, duty on plant and

spares import, royalty, double taxation, technical fees, expatriate workers, etc.,

remained in force. Logistic services were provided at increased level from the

'one stop' service window of the Board of Investment (BOI) in 1999-2000. A

'Welcome Centre' was opened at the Zia International Airport, and a scheme for


78

setting up five Industrial and Hi-tech Industrial Parks is underway. Large

number of work permits to foreign nationals were issued and renewed.

The significant and promising Bangladeshi private sectors from both the

manufacturing and service sectors are:

• Ready Made Garments (RMG)

• Textiles

• Telecommunications

• Housing & Construction

• Banking

• Media & Advertising

• Pharmaceuticals

• Energy

• Agro, Poultry, & Fisheries

• IT Services (ITS) and IT Enabled Services (ITES)

Although the private sector is more inclined to the ICT adoption in

Bangladesh than the overall public sector, but the ICT diffusion process is still

quite slow. Banking sector leads all the other sectors by wide margins in terms

of ICT adoption and reflecting its benefits in the revenues and profits. All the

dynamic private sector entrepreneurs are realizing the ICT potentials for their

business benefits. Almost all sizeable private sector businesses at least try to

automate their accounts and payroll systems.

Use of ICT in Banking Sector:

Using ICT in banking sector is not new in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Krishi

Bank started its ICT Journey back in 1987 with two personal computers (PC)

installed in its Head office. But banks which have already introduced different

services using ICT have to take new initiatives to add different options to

disperse their services to general citizen of this country.

This report focuses the ongoing ICT related services or facilities and the

automation process of the banks which can foster e-Governance system in

Bangladesh. Most of the banks have their own website and a few banks are on

the line. In addition most of the banks have online banking facilities for


79

Online Banking Status

37, 71%

15, 29%

Online Banking

Facilities

No online Banking

Facilities

Fig: 4.12 Status of online banking

customers and some of the banks are planning to transform the manual system

into full automation process. The detail of ICT status is attached in theAnnex -5

Online banking:

Maximum bank in Bangladesh

use ICT as a delivery channel. 37

banks out of 52 provide ICT

enable services now. These banks

are providing many services

through the use of ICT. As the

demand for modern banking is

increasing all the banks are

trying to increase the quality of

their services by using modern

technology.

Service Line:

The commercial banks are providing online banking, ATM support, SMS and net

banking services in the country. These technology based services also provide

fund transfer through internet, debit/credit Card facility and SMS service for

different queries and bank statement etc. The major services offered by bank

through ICT infrastructure are as follows:

1. ATM (Automated Teller Machine) Booth

2. Different types of Cards (VISA, Master Card, Debit, Credit card)

3. Point of Sales (POS)

4. Online Banking

5. SMS Banking

6. Tele-banking


80

Usages of ATM card

39%

33%

15%

9%

4%

Balance Check

Cash Withdrawal

Cash Deposit

Fund Transfer

Others

Fig: 4.13 Usages of ATM card

ATM is giving the bank customers immense combative advantages of cash

withdrawal and automated banking. ATM booths provide the facilities of

withdrawal or deposit of cash

or cheque as well as paying

utility bills like of that

Grameen, AKTEL, City Cell,

DESA, TITAS etc. As ATM is

the most popular ICT enabled

service of banks, this can be

taken as a positive indicator.

Point of Sales (POS) terminals are mainly established for online payment of

shopping bills. There are many POS centers in the big cities which accept card

from different banks. They provide facilities of account info, transaction within

own account, viewing and printing the balance and account statement for the

last 20 (twenty) transactions. But no bank in Bangladesh provides full- featured

online banking.

Banks introduced SMS Banking System by which the customer can

perform many banking transactions from anywhere. SMS banking also enables

the similar features of POS in many banks.

Utility Bill Payment:

At present several utility service providers along with many banks have started

using electronic payment system in Bangladesh. But the system still has not

reached the mass majority. Bangladesh Bank has posted an “ICT Guideline” in

their website for the banks and financial institution to create their own ICT

policy for the security of the online transactions. Nationalized bank like Sonali,

Janata, Agroni and Private banks like Dutch Bangla bank, Brac bank, Eastern

Bank, Standard Chartered, and HSBC etc are using ATMs and POS for payment

of utility bills electronically. Ready Cash card, Q-Cash card, ATM card and POS

are the most used options for the electronic payment. One of the problems is

that these services are mostly available in big cities and towns. People living in

remote villages still have no idea that such services are available.


81

Currently (2007) they provide the service of mobile telephone bills. Some

other utility service providers like PDB, DESA etc. are using Ready Cash to pay

the bills. In some cases an ATM card can be used. Recently, PDB has taken up a

pilot project at Chittagong where the PDB electricity bill can be paid through

Grammen Phone connected mobile. Other service providers which provide rates

like TITAS, the bills could be paid automatically through banks every month.

Connectivity & Software:

Some Banks have recently adopted V-SAT communication system to bring its

rural branches under the online branch banking facilities. The software used in

banks ensures the highest level of security at application, network, database

and operating systems level ascertaining the confidentiality and security of

customer's personal and account's information. Banking software used in

Bangladesh are mostly imported from India and Pakistan. Bangladesh software

industry still has not earned the confidence of the bank owners. In some case

like Bangladesh Bank, customized software applications are in use.

Role of Bangladesh Bank:

• Bangladesh Bank being the governing authority of public and private

commercial banks, could play some very important roles. It should review

the policy and make new Acts or laws (if needed) to foster the ICT

initiatives in the banking sectors.

• Auto Clearing House: It is a common demand of the bankers, so

Bangladesh bank should consider this issue and take necessary steps.

• National Payment Gateway: The usages of bank card in the customer

level is quite satisfactory. But the customer faces a general problem of

lack of ATM booth. An idea to solve the problem is to establish a national

payment gateway so that customer of one bank can use the ATM booth of

another bank. Several attempts have been taken by individual or group of

banks to make a common payment gateway. But no one has gained the

overall acceptance among the bankers. In this regards, maximum

bankers are of the opinion that Bangladesh Bank should make the

policy, and infrastructure and most importantly should own this common

platform.


82

Further Services:

Besides offering current IT based services the commercial and specialized banks

are drawing their future plan to provide further services. Opening L/C through

using internet banking, transferring fund using internet banking, providing the

rate of foreign exchange to customers etc are the services which banks are

currently pondering to offer. In the last decade a revolution has occurred in

banking sector. A major portion of automation in banking sector has already

been completed.

4.2.2.2 Bangladesh IT and ITES (IT Enabled Service) Sector

In Bangladesh the ICT (IT & ITES) industry is yet to become a significant part of

main stream economy. But we have experienced a remarkable growth in the last

five to ten years. Currently the industry is growing faster as the younger

generation has a positive attitude toward ICT. The current trend and trade in

ICT sector is very significant.

Local Market Scenario

The market size of the total ICT industry in Bangladesh is estimated to be

approximately Tk 1,300 crore per year (excluding the telecom sector). Out of

this the software segment (comprising mostly of customized and packaged

software - not including different types of IT enabled services like desktop

publishing, multimedia, animation, GIS, data entry, digitization etc.) is

estimated to be more than Tk. 200 crore per year. The international software

giants (Microsoft, Oracle, Sun etc.) hold the lion’s share of the

packaged/licensed (off-the-shelf) software market segment. Locally there are

over 400 registered software companies operating in the country that mainly

cater to the customized software development and maintenance segment of the

market. Local companies share this segment with a number of international

software vendors who have significant market presence in specific client

segments like banks, telecom, MNCs and some large donor funded government

projects.


83

Fig: 4.14 Domestic ICT market in Bangladesh

Fig: 4.15 Status of Software $ ITES export and Import 15

Software & ITES Export and Import

2.84.2

7.19

12.68

27.0129.8

25.5

1.335.36

9.03

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006

Fiscal Year

in m

illion U

S$

Export

Import

Fig: 4.15 Software & ITES Export and import

The current demand in the market is for back-office automation

(accounting/finance, HR, inventory, billing etc.) by organizational IT users,

which is one of the main driving force for the software industry. This is a

common approach during the early development stage of software industry in

any country. The interesting factor however in Bangladesh is that many

companies are involved in developing high value customized applications like

ERP, CRM, SCM etc. This also shows the gradual maturing of the software

companies as well as a higher level of client awareness of the potential value.

Software Trade:

Bangladeshi software has

market mostly in USA,

Canada, the European

countries, the Middle East,

Japan, Australia, South Africa

and some of the South East

Asian countries. The industry

has experienced more export

than import in software and

ITES sector in the fiscal year

2005-2006. This clearly shows our ability to compete with the interventional

market. The quality of softwares is also appreciated by the big business houses

and governments equally.

Domestic ICT Market in Bangladesh

(Total Market Size Approx. Tk.1,300 crore/year)

Other ITES

Computer &

Network

Hardware

Internet &

Network

Services

Software

Tk.200 crore

(approx.)


84

Fig: 4.16 Technical Job Distribution surveyed software companies

Human Resource Dynamics:

It is estimated from the BASIS survey that around 7,000 software professionals

are employed in more than 400 registered software firms in the country

From the above graph, it is seen that a significant portion of technical

professionals in the surveyed firms are involved in the non-coding activities (e.g.

project management, system analysis, system architecture, quality assurance

etc.) which are highly important components of project life cycle for any software

project. It really shows the dedication and sincerity of the software firm to

develop them to as a global competitor.

IT Enabled Service:

Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES)(e.g desktop publishing,

multimedia, animation, GIS, data entry, digitization etc) is a large, fast-growing

worldwide industry fueled by customers seeking efficiency and cost-savings from

outside vendors, as well as rapid advancements in telecommunications and

information technology. Offshore outsourcing of these services has become

accepted and prevalent. Bangladesh has the potential to obtain a share of this

market, which could result in a substantial number of jobs and meaningful

export diversification for the country.


85

As a provider of ITES for (principally) overseas customers, Bangladesh meets the

requirements in terms of telecommunications infrastructure, labor costs, and

government policies. However, there is a great need to focus on creating or

promoting factors within Bangladesh that are competitive in the international

arena. Other countries are already vying for their share by focusing on reduced

costs, increased quality, and meaningful incentives for corporations to award

their business to their locations instead of others.

Prospective IT intensive Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Areas for

Bangladesh

The global BPO Industry is estimated to be worth 120–150 billion dollars; of this

the offshore BPO is estimated to be some US$11.4 Billion. India has 63% share

of the offshore component 15. Bangladesh can get a subsequent share of this

offshore component. Initially, Bangladesh can get the BPO contracts which are

low in the value chain. Some of the prospective areas are:

• Data Entry, Data Processing

• Call Centre

• E-Accounting

• GIS/AutoCAD

A survey by BASIS shows, approximately 1000 seat jobs are being exported

which is worth approx. US$ 5 million dollar.

15. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_Process_Outsourcing


86

4.2.3 Recommendations in Infrastructure & Service

Sector

This section is mainly a reflection of scopes and possibilities in different issues

of infrastructure & service sector, where ICT can play facilitating roles to

introduce e-Governance. The scopes and possibilities have been identified

through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with different stakeholders, books and

journals reviews, and intensive interviewing with citizens. Focus Group

Discussion (FGD) with different stakeholders will be a continuous process,

which will be updated and incorporated in this report on a regular basis. The

recommendations from different stakeholders and citizens are the following.

(a) Develop e-citizen portal: The technical team of different government

bodies and agencies have suggested the introduction of e-citizen portal where

updated information of all services of Government will be presented on a regular

basis. The ultimate target is to reach the standard of e-citizen portal of

Singapore. They have also recommended to take some intermediate steps to

reach these goal. These are:

1. Develop a Search option on the basis of services

2. Incorporate telephone index

3. Prioritize the services

4. Standardize interface layout

5. Prepare guidelines to regularly update website contents

(b) Develop a National Payment Gateway for smooth banking:

Development of national payment gateway is a common demand to the Central

Bank. Most of the banks have individual ATM booths. If a national payment

gateway is developed, then all banks can use the gateway. That will enable

bankers and customers to have a hassle-free and easier system. Bangladesh

bank is the main responsible authority to formulate the National Payment

Gateway Policy.

(c ) Reduce internet and local bandwidth costs: The Internet bandwidth

costs are almost ten times higher in Bangladesh than that of India. All

participants very strongly urged and recommended to drastically reduce all sorts

of network bandwidth costs in Bangladesh. Since the Government has already


87

installed (or almost completing the installations) of country wide high speed

network backbone, and also the high speed submarine cable connection to the

internet; so the citizens can access these paying only minimal bandwidth costs.

Although the Government may lose some short term bandwidth rental revenues;

but the longer term the indirect Government revenue potential is very large.

That will happen throughout the country with lots of new and interesting

businesses coming forward and they then paying taxes to the Government,

which will be much larger than the direct bandwidth rental revenues alone! The

businesses and citizens also demand to slash down the higher taxes / tariffs on

the very expensive Network Equipments. Since the Government still favors the

computer hardware imports with zero taxation policy; so it is the popular

demand that they do the same for all the network equipments. This will also

help to reduce the network access and bandwidth costs for businesses and

general citizens. The recently legalized IP Telephony should also fall into this

greatly reduced access and bandwidth pricing recommendations.

(d) Leverage existing network infrastructure: The Government owns the

largest Network Infrastructure in Bangladesh, as it is quite normal in a

developing country. BTTB owns quite large network bandwidth capacity, which

they may not fully utilize in the foreseeable future. So the private ISPs and MAN

/ WAN providers suggest to leverage the existing Government owned Network

Infrastructure all over the country. They also recommend the Government to

charge them only minimally so that they can provide affordable prices to the

customers.


88

HUMAN RESOURCE READINESS

FOR ICT ADOPTION

There is continued

necessity of a highly skilled human

resource pool in Bangladesh’s ICT sector.

Skilled human resources are currently in

high demand and short in supply. This

chapter aims to understand the state of IT

education infrastructure of Bangladesh

and the challenges citizens face in

accessing IT education


89

CHAPTER 5: HUMAN RESOURCE READINESS

FOR ICT ADOPTION

There is continued necessity of a highly skilled human resource pool in

Bangladesh’s ICT sector. Skilled human resources are currently in high demand

and short in supply. ICT graduates are not gaining the skills required by the

private sector, and due to rapid growth and changing nature of the sector, this

disparity will increase in the future. At the same time ICT students are

graduating and unable to find employment. There is a great gap between the

academic and professional sectors. The ICT topics taught widely do not always

align with the needs and priorities of the private sector. Students learn the

requisite theoretical and technical skills but not how and where to apply them:

career counseling and formal contact with the private sector is non-existent or

too general to be of any benefit to ICT students. Education in the ICT field is

seen as formal and theoretical and as a result it does not convey the real picture

of the private sector.

This chapter aims to understand the state of IT education infrastructure

of Bangladesh and the challenges citizens face in accessing IT education. The

concluding recommendations were gathered from the survey result and other

secondary research findings.

5.1. Access to ICT learning

Formal education in computers was first started in 1984 with the foundation of

Computer Science and Engineering Department in Bangladesh University of

Engineering and Technology. ICT education thereafter gradually extended to the

bachelor's degree, higher secondary and secondary school levels. In Bangladesh,

there are about 83,796 primary level institutions, 5,694 and 15,748 junior and

secondary level institutions respectively, 2,339 higher secondary and degree

colleges and more than 1,000 ICT training centers. 1

1 http://www.digitallearning.in/articles/article-details.asp?articleid=907&typ=Perspective


90

Primary and Secondary Schools

The first five years and the next three years of education constitute the primary

and junior secondary levels respectively. Students become, in a very small way,

aware of computers and their vast applications through their general science

textbooks at these levels. A majority of schools in the country cannot afford to

buy computers for their students. Though a small number of city-based schools

have very limited computer laboratory facilities, yet they fail to make their

students familiar with internet, e-mail and related technology because of the

lack of nationwide telecommunication infrastructure and internet facilities. In

addition, school teachers at these levels lack the minimum level of training on

IT.

Secondary and higher secondary levels

The 9th and 10th years of a school-going student and the next two years of a

college-going student constitute the secondary and higher secondary levels

respectively. Computer science was introduced as an optional subject for

secondary level students from the beginning of 1994, and about 150 schools

were permitted to start up the subject. Many more schools have shown interest,

and the quantitative expansion of ICT education at the secondary level is

phenomenal. The National Education Policy has recommended compulsory

computer courses from the secondary level of education. The Board of

Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dhaka introduced computer science as

an optional subject in 1991. Already, more than 200 colleges have introduced

computer science as an optional subject for science stream students. Moreover,

about 30 polytechnic institutes of the country (mostly located in Dhaka) are

offering four-year diploma courses for those who have graduated from SSC in

computer technology. Bangladesh Open University is now offering three-

semester diplomas in computer applications.

Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Universities

At the moment, Bangladesh had 5 specialized science and technology

universities and 28 public universities, 54 private universities, 6 BITs and some

national university-affiliated post-graduate institutes and colleges, most of

which are offering courses related to computer science and information

technology.


91

Bangladesh Open University is the only university in Bangladesh that is offering

Distance Education. Established in 1992 by an Act of Parliament, it has opened

up new vistas in distance education in the country. Situated at a picturesque

site of Gazipur, 30 km north of Dhaka, BOU has a printing and production

division and a modern media centre.

Bangladesh Open University relies heavily on print materials, electronic

media like radio-television and audio-video cassettes, tutorial services,

computer networking and the internet. The use of these techniques helps BOU

to take its academic programs to the doorsteps of people far and wide. It makes

room for in-house education.

IT Training Institutes

Due to their growing demand, IT training institutions are spreading all over the

country. A survey shows that most trainees at these institutes enroll in software

application courses, especially MS office. When inquired about the quality of

training, 48% of the trainees were found very satisfied, 39% were satisfied and

the rest 13% were unsatisfied. Inadequate logistic support, backdated course

plan and inefficient trainers were some of the reasons for trainee dissatisfaction.

Survey also reveals that nearly 85% of the trainees plan to train further in IT

and take courses in Photoshop, Dream waver, flash. Certification programs such

as MCSE, CCSP, MCDBA also run popular amongst trainees. In relation to

performance in the job market, while most trainees responded positively, 3% felt

that these trainings were insufficient to compete in the job market.

According to management, most students find jobs in networking, system

administration or programming right after graduating from these institutes. Due

to the rapid growth in telecommunication industry telecommunication courses

are also gaining much popularity lately. Most training centers provide training

under the authorization of Microsoft Certified Partner for Learning Solutions

(MCPLS) through qualified instructors. These internationally recognized vendor

certification increase the credibility of the trainees in the job market. However, it

was suggested that the Government take steps to monitor the training centers

and assist in improving the standard.


92

5.2. Research and Development

ICT has been developed in Bangladesh with inadequate plan or direction.

Research opportunities need to be developed to develop policies to spread the

use of ICT throughout the country to eliminate digital divide, gender problems

etc. Currently, some educational institutions including Dhaka University, BUET

and East West University have initiated research programmes in IT-related

fields. These include machine learning, pattern recognition, speech recognition,

automatic translation, computational algorithm, VLSI and 3-D vision.

Considerable research work has been done in the use of Bengali in computers.

Some government organizations including BANSDOC, BERNET, URC are also

conducting research on IT development.

Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre

(BANSDOC):

Bangladesh National Scientific and Technical Documentation Centre

(BANSDOC) was established in 1972 as a unit of Bangladesh Council of

Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). In 1987 BANSDOC and National

Science Library (NSL) were amalgamated and the newly created organization

was renamed as BANSDOC owing the status of a premier national organization

and apex body in the country with the recommendation of the National Science

and Technology Policy envisaged in 1987. According to the mandatory role and

responsibility, BANSDOC deals with library, documentation and information

services, products and systems in the field of information science, information

and communication technology.

BANSDOC houses the National Science Library (BANSDOC Library) that

acts as a major information resource centre in the country in the field of Science

and ICT. It has the finest collections in Information Science and Information and

Communication Technology and a strong reference collection in general S&T

aspects. It holds over about 19,000 books, about 425 periodical titles, both local

and foreign in the field of Science and ICT. A significant number of these foreign

periodicals are received in electronic form in CD-ROMs. BANSDOC has set up

an Electronic/Digital Library Division with facilities to access information from

CD-ROMs. To support its ICT services, BANSDOC has set up an ICT based

Cyber Service Centre which is well-equipped with the computer and online


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broadband connected networking facilities to ensure all out high quality cyber

services to the users.

BANSDOC works closely with similar counterpart institutions in the

countries over the world to bring about global information exchange. BANSDOC

is associated with the activities of International Federation for Information and

Documentation (FID), International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA),

Commonwealth Library Associations (COMLA), SAARC Documentation Centre

(SDC), European Patent Office (EPO), European Commission (EC), UNESCO,

ISESCO etc.

The University Resources Centre (URC) and Bangladesh Education and

Research Network (BERNET):

The University Resources Centre (URC) and Bangladesh Education and

Research Network (BERNET) have been established for better coordination and

cooperation between the Universities and the University Grants Commission of

Bangladesh. This has paved the way for our students, teachers, officers and

researchers to enter into the world-wide information technology network.

University Grants Commission (UGC) can play a very important role in

building up an online library or a portal to have access to the world class

journals for research purposes. These journals usually are very expensive for

subscription and sometimes not possible for a single university to become its

member. As Bangladesh is lacking a lot behind in the field of research and as

the universities do not share their research topics or outcomes, duplicity has

become a common problem.

UGC can act as a coordinator for the universities by hosting the

outcomes of different researches in their dynamic website. While boosting up the

field of local researches, UGC can subscribe to the world leading journals and

make the universities under it members of it so that they could have the access

to these journals as well. UGC can also host in their website where the hard

copies of the original local journals could be found, if not allowed to give out the

full text of the research.

BERNET can act as a centrally controlling body for the knowledge share

of the universities. It would have discussion with the universities having certain

facilities to be shared with others so that others could also take the advantage


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rather than starting from the scratch. BERNET would also keep its role for

providing internet connection for those in need of it.

5.3. Content

Digital and audio Visual Content

ICT consist of not only the computer and the internet but also mobile phones,

radio, TV, among other things, present unprecedented opportunities in the field

of education as well as different livelihood issues. Educational content that is

much more true to life, timely and demand driven is being developed in the

audio-visual form in many countries and promoted through computer, TV and

portable computing and multimedia devices. ICT enhances learning for all ages.

For example, radio, television, VCD etc. used in combination with printed course

material, can make literacy lessons more true-to-life and interesting. Multimedia

ICT provides words, images, movement and animation in combination with

audio to enhance learning. Such forms of ICT can also be entertaining and

thereby motivate the target audience to watch and learn. Television and other

audio-visual media can also provide a means by which to stimulate discussion

and critical thinking.

A total of 23 organizations are involved in producing ICT based materials

for the non formal education sector. Among the 23 organizations 9 are NGOs, 9

are Commercial firms and the rest are Educational and Research organizations.

Out of 195 ICT-based materials more than 70% of the materials are developed

by NGOs and research and educational organizations. Only 29% of the materials

are developed by the private sector. The highest number of ICT-materials (129)

is developed in from of video, animation and combination of video and

animation. This form has been chosen thanks to the wide availability of

television and video-player across the country. Furthermore, these materials can

also be run on the computer. Product for internet is still limited in numbers.

While combination of animation and video is found more effective, but only

NGOs have used such combination. Although most of the ICT-based materials

developing institutions emerged in early 2000s, their number is still limited.

Lack of ready market, inadequate and irregular funding, lack of proper facilities

for developing high-quality ICT-based materials, lack of high-skilled materials,

inadequate experience of educationists in ICT-based materials development, yet


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low penetration of ICT and interruption of power supply were identified as major

problems by the developer institutions.

Apart from education content there are many digital contents on

livelihood issues as for example: Agriculture, Law & Human Rights, Non farm

economic activities, Health, appropriate technologies etc. Content means

information that are available covers issues like business/ small enterprises

(poultry, potato farming, fishery etc.); different citizen services (job

advertisement/ employment opportunities, SSC/ HSC/ University admission

tests results etc.); agriculture (improved farming etc.); health; laws and human

rights; disaster management.

Contents at the moment are developed by different agencies like WIN,

D.Net etc. and distributed to these centers by different agencies like Katalyst

and others. Though these are vast in size and quite handful in numbers but

found to be mostly non-communicative to the community people mainly for the

language and in some cases the way it is presented. It is not dynamic (updated

regularly) enough to meet the local needs.

In some cases the search mechanisms are complicated for the common

people. Printed information is available but it is priced and one has to pay for

printing out information found in the web. Some printed information is available

but again lacks clarity.

Mobile Contents in Bangladesh

Nowadays Asia is the focus market for the service providers and the vendors.

One survey carried out by the researchers from the Russian School of

Economics, the London Business School, various colleges of Cambridge

University and the Anglo-Russian telecoms investment group reported

Bangladesh as the number one telecom opportunity market for the

manufacturers, service providers and the vendors. According to the report the

top five countries for telecoms investment are Bangladesh, China, India,

Indonesia and Russia.

A new trend is observed in telecommunication sector that people

(generally young generation) are getting more interested in different attractive

and useful services other than traditional voice calls. Mobile phone operators


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have realized and admitted this new demand. And they are now providing

different popular and attractive value added services. In this context it is

observed that new mobile content developers are coming forward to meet up the

market demand.

Technology:

Content and application services are developed mainly on the following

technologies in Bangladesh:

• Short Messaging Service (SMS)

• Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS)

• Smart Messaging

• Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)

• Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

• Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME)

• IVR

Services

Content developers are providing many useful and attractive features and

services. Some of the services are very much popular among the target groups.

There is a variation on the people’s demand and the developers have also

focused on those demands. Following are the popular services provided by the

content developers:

• Entertainment content (ring tones. logos, wallpapers, karaoke, mobile

comics, picture message, animations and many more)

• Advertising and Promotion

• Voting, Survey and Public Opinion

• Lifestyle Content (ie. horoscope, sports, news, movies, fitness)

• Interactive Contests and Games

• Custom Application development

• Business applications development (banking/sales force automation and

more)

• Service for media (print media/TV channels)

The customers who are interested to use these services are charged from Tk 2 to

Tk 40, depending upon what services he/she is using. Mobile phone has spread

out largely among the mass people. They are using it for different contents, like

emergency numbers, news, voting etc. So it can be used widely as a service

delivery channel for government or other organization. For example, government

can quickly scan the public opinion about a national issue or the like.


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5.4. Free and Open Source Software

Many governments in the world have saved millions of dollars in software

licensing by adopting free open source software alternatives. For example, the

South African government has saved millions of US dollars by adopting open

source. Bangladesh Government has formulated copyright law. But software

piracy is still quite rampant in Bangladesh. One of the main barriers to

implement copyright and anti-piracy law is the relatively higher price of software

licenses. Legally and easily available many free and open source software are as

good as many commercial patented close-source software.Recently, (particularly

from the last five years) there are many success stories involving the application

of FOSS around the world.

FOSS as a Technology Phenomenon

Here are some examples of technologies that have evolved past the mature stage

and where the FOSS implementation is at least on par with the proprietary

implementation:

Table 5.1 :Alternatives of Proprietary Software on FOSS)

Technology Proprietary FOSS

Web Browser MS Internet Explorer Firefox

Mail Transport MS Outlook Express Thunderbird

Web Server MS IIS Apache

Image Manipulation Photoshop Gimp

Productivity Suite MS Office OpenOffice.org

Database MS SQL MySQL, PostgreSQL

Software Industry

As the main focus of this report was on the usages and development of FOSS

around the country, software industry is a very important stakeholder. A survey

has been conducted around 20 most prominent software companies in

Bangladesh to know the usage pattern of open source. It has been found that


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98% of our industry people have heard about the name of FOSS, and have

interest on this and believe that it is a strong alternative of proprietary software.

Importance of Open Source in

Software Industry

4%9%

52%

26%

9%

Very High

High

Medium

Low

VeryLow

Fig 5.1: Importance of open source in software industry

As FOSS is not yet very popular yet in Bangladesh, it has been surveyed among

the business people, on which issues, the FOSS community should focus to

popularize it in the software industry. They mostly believe that stability is the

most important factor, then security, technical help etc. The real picture is some

what as follows

Importance of different features

18%

16%

13%11%8%

8%

7%

7%6% 6%

Higher Stability

Higher Performance

Better Functionality

Better Security

Low Licence fees

Operatin and administrative cost saving

Installation and integration cost saving

Fig 5.2: Importance of different features to popularize open source software

Citizen Survey:

A survey has been also conducted on 60 people of different location and age who

are familiar with open source software. In the citizen level FOSS is still at the

beginner’s level. Maximum of the surveyed people only heard about the open


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source. The most popular open source software among the citizen is Mozilla

FireFox web browser. Usage of FOSS in the citizen level is diversified which is

reflected in the following graph.

Usages of Different Open Source

Software

35

2420

2328

0510152025303540

Mozilla/Konquer

or

OpenOffice.org

Linux

Apache

MySQL/Postgre

SQL

Fig 5.3: Usages of different open source software

Some of the surveyed people showed their keen interest to participate in open

source project.

Some benefits of FOSS:

Capacity building & localization: FOSS has the tendency to improve capacity

locally, i.e. within the organization, region, or country. As source code is open,

we can localize many world renowned software for our specific need.

Community: There is a lively community interacting on the basis of cooperation

around FOSS. So, technical help is always available.

Enable learning: Anyone can study the source code to learn how the software

works internally and what its developers considered good programming practice.

This knowledge can then be applied to improve the software at hand or to use

related techniques on other software projects.

License cost: Absence of licensing costs results in immediate savings. It is very

important for country like Bangladesh. Use of open source software will also

decrease our dependency on pirated proprietary software.


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Meets government responsibilities: Democratic governments have identified

specific responsibilities in handling data that are much more easily met using

FOSS modifiable to local needs. No matter how small a locale, FOSS can and –

as experience shows – will be localized to the needs of this particular locale.

Security: In general FOSS takes a very conservative approach to security:

features and services that might expose a system to security risks are initially

disabled and features that enhance the security of a system are initially enabled.

As source code is open nobody can secretly embedded code in the software.

Vendor independence: Anyone can obtain services from any provider, including

source code changes according to specific requirements, such as security

enhancements, fixes for defects, and particular functionality.

FOSS can be a good alternative for proprietary software technically, but most of

our people do not aware of it. And software industries as well as citizen have

demanded that a committee should be formed to grow awareness and give

technical help to the industry and conduct necessary research to localize it. So,

lastly it can be said that “Throughout history, every generation has had to

stand up for freedom. Now it's our turn for our software independence”.

5.5. Localization

The first attempt of localization started in the early 1980s with Bangla font

development in windows environment and many fonts were developed in ad hoc

ways resulting in a gross interoperability. Absence of planned activities and

policies resulted in different key-board mapping and made the localization a

cumbersome process. The UNICODE in late 90’s shed a new light on this issue

and after that, the process of localization began to take a new shape in the

country. The open source software till then has the most significant effect in the

localization efforts in Bangladesh. The major initiatives are run by the

volunteers. However, in recent days the institutional initiatives are also in the

scene.


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Local Language Computing Policy

There are three primary sources of local language policy statements in

Bangladesh:

1. Government of Bangladesh (GoB) Circular,

2. National ICT Policy, and

3. Broadband Policy (proposed, awaiting Cabinet approval).

The local language computing policy in Bangladesh was set in motion by the

Government of Bangladesh (GoB) circular that states that Bangla is the primary

language for official correspondence and reports. Specifically, the circular states

the following:

• All GoB correspondence should be in Bangla.

• All laws of the land have both Bangla and English. But, in case of if any

differences between the two versions, the Bangla version prevail.

Local content development

a. All Government agencies should have their own websites published

and updated regularly.

b. All government websites should have content both in Bangla and

English.

Relevant Government Ministries and Departments

GoB has assigned the Ministry of Science, Information, & Communication

Technology (MoSICT) the task of managing all Science and ICT related activities.

MoSICT in turn has formed Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) as the apex

body for all ICT related activities in the country. Ministry of Culture is

responsible for all language specific activities, which has delegated the language

related tasks to Bangla Academy as the national language authority.

Policy Initiatives

The GoB has in recent years made significant strides in formulating policies to

enable the growth of ICT in Bangladesh, with references to the need for local


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language computing. The publication of the National ICT Policy is one such

initiative that has been driven directly by the Prime Minister’s office. However,

there is a distinct lack of initiatives that may directly affect the development of

local language computing, such as directed research funding and other forms of

assistance.

Success Stories

The notable successes in local language computing arena have been due to the

open-source volunteer efforts, led by Ankur and BdOSN. Ankur

(http://www.ankurbangla.org) started localization of open source software like

Linux, open office, gaim etc. Ekushey (www.ekushey.org) started developing

open source Unicode-enabled fonts and Bangla input methods. Some other

volunteer groups and individuals came into the scene as well. The only notable

effort from the public sector is the initiative by Bangladesh Computer Council

(BCC) in 2004, which created a national keyboard mapping and a collation

sequence.

As of now (November, 2007), country’s sole center for localization has

been created at BRAC University. The Center for Research on Bangla Language

Processing (CRBLP) is currently conducting research projects that deal with

Bangla language processing. The research team is working on Bangla

information retrieval, (e.g., Bangla spell-checking, Bangla search engine),

morphological analysis, developing a digital Bangla lexicon and an online

dictionary, building an annotated Bangla corpus, Bangla computational syntax,

Bangla optical character recognition and Bangla speech processing. This center

is supported in part by a grant from the PAN Localization Project (PanL10n) of

the International Development Research Corporation (IDRC) of Ottawa, Canada.

There are two parallel efforts currently underway: the various Bangla natural

language processing activities, and the localization efforts.

Bangla Natural Language Processing (NLP):

Research in Bangla NLP is slowly gaining momentum through different

international conferences. There are two major annual conferences that have

created a forum for the like-minded to get together and share their work: the

Bangla Natural Language Processing track in the International Conference on


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Computer and Information Technologies (ICCIT), and the International

Conference on Computer Processing of Bangla, which is a dedicated conference

for Bangla NLP. This year (2007) alone, there have been a number of original

papers, dealing with linguistic issues such as lexical resources, syntax,

semantics, etc, to advanced applications such as speech processing and optical

character recognition for Bangla script. The basic NLP tools are now reaching a

level of maturity that allows the newcomers to experiment and innovate, and

hopefully create new NLP applications for Bangla. A number of these

applications have been released by various research and development efforts in

Bangladesh in recent times.

Localization Efforts

There are two primary areas of localization efforts – open source localization and

open content localization – both driven by volunteer efforts. Ankur and BdOSN

completed the creation of glossary (Bangla version of computer terms). Ankur

and associates volunteers had already localized different open source software.

These included Linux distribution like Fedora, Mandriva, Suse and Ubuntu;

Desktop environment like Gnome and KDE; Applications like OpenOffice.org,

GAIM, Firefox and Thunderbird.

The localization initiative was started with development of Bangla Fonts

and Bangla Input Systems. There are a few prominent groups, which have been

involved in these activities for long. Bijoy, Prabartan, Alpona, Akshar, Lekhoni

are the major ASCII-based input system, which are now in use. These systems

are proprietary. Among the open source initiative Avro is the most prominent

and complete.

In Bangladesh, the main thrust sector in Open Content Development has

been the development of the Bangla Wikipedia. It was organized by Bangladesh

Open Source Network (BdOSN) and its sister organization, Bangla Wiki. The

project aims at developing a free, open access encyclopedia in Bangla language.

Besides the Bangla Wikipedia, some initiatives have been started in recent years

to develop some open content in science, especially in mathematics. The Bangla

Wiki project aims at organizing contributors to the Bangla Wikipedia, publicizing


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it through print and electronic media, and providing the support infrastructure

for collaboration.

Since its launch in late March 2006, the Bangla Wiki project has been

very successful. Although the Bangla Wikipedia was initiated in 2004, it only

had 540 articles till March 2006, with very little actual content. Initially, a target

of 10,000 articles in one year was set. The project has been able to attract a

large number of editors. As of October 2005, the total registered editor count is

865. The number of articles in the Bangla Wikipedia has grown initially at a rate

of 800 articles per month, with occasional burst of activity raising the rate

beyond that. As a result of these activities, the Bangla language Wikipedia

crossed the 10,000 article mark in September 2006, becoming the 50th

Wikipedia, and the 2nd language from South Asia to achieve this. Now

(November, 2007) the total Bangla language articles is 16531 and it growing very

rapidly.

Some Bangla content on the web:

1. There are more than 200+ local language websites in Bangladesh. Major

daily newspapers and some magazines have their own website in Bangla.

However, there is a tendency to use non-standard encodings instead of

Unicode.

2. Some local initiatives are there which developed website in Bangla. Some

Bangla blogs are beginning to appear locally.


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5.6. Recommendations

5.6.1 Education and ICT

Facilities should be built to promote ICT education and computer-aided

education in all levels (primary to post-graduate). Donor agencies, non-

government organizations and other development partners of the country should

participate in building up the necessary capacity in this area. The mutually

supportive roles of public and private finance point the way to raising the overall

level of investment in ICT education and training.

Teachers are the most vital resource in promoting modernisation and

higher standards; their recruitment, training, deployment and appropriate

incentives are critical to ICT education system in Bangladesh. Since there is an

acute shortage of qualified teachers, short-term intensive training on ICT may be

arranged. Wherever necessary an international faculty or expatriate

Bangladeshis working abroad may be invited as visiting faculties at least once a

year. Modern and effective ICT networks need to be built to support traditional

methods of teaching and learning and to increase the quantity and range of

education and training, for example, through distance learning. The promotion

of the study of foreign languages (mainly English) should be increased to

enhance the understanding of different cultures and enhance mobility in a

globalised ICT world. The developing of a culture of entrepreneurship in ICT

education, not least in developing the closest R&D links between universities

and companies.

Not only those who are intellectually gifted or economically privileged, but

everyone should have access to ICT learning and training. Special attention

should be given to the needs of the disadvantaged. The use of ICT as a teaching

tool and for delivery of distance learning can help stretch our limited teaching

resources and provide a high quality education to all. Everyone should be

encouraged and enabled to continue ICT learning throughout their lives, not just

in the years of compulsory schooling.

For primary and junior secondary level, general science textbooks should

adequately cover fundamental concepts on computers and their numerous

applications. Differences between hardware and software, history of computers


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and their use, classification of computers, concept of computer network,

internet and emails, introduction to computer peripherals and input/output

devices should be introduced. There should be uniformity in course curricula

and degree requirements. Course curricula should be revised at no more than

two-year intervals. Post-graduate programmes should be strengthened. Most of

the graduates leaving the country for higher studies do not return. A rigorous

and standard post-graduate programme will encourage more students to

complete their higher studies in the country and eventually fill up the current

vacuum of qualified teaching stuffs. Books and journals should be made

available in the university libraries.

5.6.2 Research and Development

Research and development in ICT should focus on need-based fundamental and

applied research, contributing to the improvement of quality and efficiency of

the application to our ICT environment. The following focus areas have been

identified for research priority.

1. Lifelong/adult ICT learning

2. Gender, ICT, Bangladesh:

3. Software applications and poverty reduction in Bangladesh:

4. E-commerce potential in Bangladesh:

5. Focus on Tele-centres: How can they contribute to social development in

Bangladesh

6. The networking revolution: opportunities and challenges for Bangladesh.

7. Agriculture information management

8. Disaster management and ICT.

9. Health and ICT.

The Dhaka Ahsania Mission has already started its above-mentioned

activities using its own resources, with very limited financial help from donors.

With proper resources, it would be able to eliminate the digital divide and

improve the socio-economic condition of the rural community.

Bangladesh Computer Council should encourage ICT R&D activities to be

carried out by the public and private sector organisations. BCC along with ICT

industries, should assist in formulating plans to conduct need-based R&D

activities in the Universities, BITs and public & private sector R&D institutions


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and encourage the younger generation in these activities. The ICT industry may

fund for R&D activities for new ICT products and services through Industry-

Academia collaboration.

A central on-line data bank for scientific and technological information

should be established which can be accessed by educational institutions and

other R&D organisations. R&D efforts on Bangla text processing, Bangla voice

recognition, translation and synthesis should be intensified. Technology

Corporations such as Microsoft, IBM, Computer Associates, Oracle, SAP etc.

should be approached to set up their R & D Centers in Bangladesh.

5.6.3 Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

Recently, in Bangladesh, discussion of e-Governance has been intensifying in

many ministries. Some have already taken initial steps towards the use of ICTs

to facilitate government activities. But the downside is that the government has

to spend a significant amount of resources on software licensing requirements and

on updating hardware resources to meet the requirements for latest proprietary

technologies such as Windows XP. In order to avoid “unnecessary” expenses in

software procurement, use of pirated software is becoming more and more

prevalent. Use of open source technologies can significantly bring down costs for

e-Government for Bangladesh.

There have been cases where the governments of some countries have refused to

use certain software in fear of security vulnerabilities. Some have warned that

proprietary software whose source code is not made available may have hidden

“logic bombs” through which unwarranted leakage of sensitive information may

be possible. The Chinese government has openly declared that “China thinks

Microsoft software contains secretly embedded code that the United States

government can manipulate at will. So, in case of dissension between the two

countries, a Pentagon official can hit a switch and--presto!-- cripples China's

computing infrastructure.”


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Open source technologies are completely transparent for the following reasons:

1. Their source code is made publicly available

2. They are developed by programmers from all over the world who are not

necessarily within the confinements of a single company as it happens with

proprietary software

3. They generally go through scrutinizing eyes of thousands of programmers and

users from all over the world.

As Bangladesh builds more and more databases and other information

repositories with sensitive data, it will become increasingly crucial to safeguard

against irresponsible use of “closed software”.

The characteristics of FOSS make it much easier for government to meet

the requirements of freedom, security, and transparency.

1. FOSS uses (and where it does not, can easily be modified to use) open,

standard data formats. This allows free access to information.

2. Using and maintaining FOSS does not depend on the cooperativeness of a

single provider. Due to the open source code, availability of compatible systems

can be guaranteed. Many providers can compete and public data can be

permanent.

3. The possibility of auditing the source code and thus guaranteeing that it is

free from code that maliciously or inadvertently compromises data security and

integrity, necessary for the national security and autonomy of a country as well

as for the security of its citizens.

5.6.4 Localization

Localization challenges vary from the lack of rendering support for the Bangla

script to the immaturity of Bangla Natural Language Processing (NLP), and the

lack of a national initiative to make local language computing a priority.

• To convince publishers of various content, from individuals to online

newspapers, to start using Unicode for storage. One reason the online

publishers have been very reluctant to use Unicode is the deficiency of

existing systems in rendering the Bangla script properly. With the

increasing popularity of Linux, and with current fixes in the Windows


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rendering engine, that problem would hopefully not be a roadblock in the

near future.

• To convert the existing non-standard encoded documents to Unicode,

this is a non-trivial task. The development of Bangla NLP, which in turn

will make it possible to create advanced Bangla NLP software, must be

supported through funded research.

• Creating national standards is another challenge, as the government is

not fully aware of the importance of these standards. The lack of a

collation standard even today is a testament to that challenge.

The concept of formulating policy to accommodate local language computing is

fairly new in Bangladesh. The good news is that the awareness is slowly building

with, especially after the publication of the National ICT Policy. The National ICT

Task Force headed by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has certainly brought the

importance of ICT to the forefront of public policy. However, there have been

scant efforts in turning the local language computing policy statements into

actions by the public sector – that void has been filled primarily by various

volunteer groups and research efforts. There has also been a surge in research

papers in Bangla Computational Linguistics/Natural Language Processing,

capacity in which is needed to create the framework for the advanced NLP

applications such as machine translator, speech to text, text to speech

processors, etc. However, for sustainable change there should be a policy

Framework to promote R&D on Local Language Processing in public

universities.


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THE WAY FORWARD

Implementation of e-governance in

Bangladesh has been identified as an

important aspect of the country’s path

forward. This horizon scan report is a

baseline assessment of existing

capacity, needs and options for

implementing e-Governance in

Bangladesh. In the light of the

recommendations made by the citizens

and service providers, some priority

focus areas may be identified and

action plans may be developed as a

way to move from statements to real

results towards e-Governance.


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CHAPTER 6: THE WAY FORWARD

Implementation of e-governance in Bangladesh has been identified as an

important aspect of the country’s path forward. This horizon scan report is a

baseline assessment of existing capacity, needs and options for implementing e-

Governance in Bangladesh. In the light of the recommendations made by the

citizens and service providers, some priority focus areas may be identified and

action plans may be developed as a way to move from statements to real results

towards e-Governance. These Action plans however, should be regularly

reviewed and updated; they should, where appropriate, be reinforced by regional

and sub-regional coordination efforts, notably in the context of economic

integration.

(a) Making e-Governance a National Priority

• As a powerful tool to pursue development goals (PRS and MDG), e-

Governance needs to receive the highest level of national political

commitment. An e-Governance vision should be developed through a

consultative process involving all relevant interested parties in the

country, including the private sector and non-government organizations

(NGOs). This vision should commit, in particular, to the establishment of

an enabling, pro-competitive regulatory and policy framework as well as

the associated institutional policy-making and regulatory capacity;

• GoB should distinguish and recognize the importance of e-Governance

for internal efficiency and effectiveness within government, as well as of

e-Governance for institutional capacity building, transparency,

accountability and its ability to enhance democratic governance;

• Interested stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, NGOs

should support e-Governance and mobilize available resources and offer

regulatory and policy expertise to support it;

• e-Governance should be practiced in a truly decentralized and open

fashion, and include the creation or use of existing regional networks and

conferences, virtual information exchanges and other means of sharing

the knowledge, lessons and experience likely to increase awareness,

understanding and political commitment in this area.


112

(b) Improve Connectivity, Increase Access and Lower Costs

• Multiple technologies should be allowed to compete for communications

networks and services and access terminals. Awareness of the cost-

effectiveness of various technologies for use in diverse situations facing

the country should be promoted by exchanging relevant experiences and

expertise;

• The establishment of public and community ICT access points should be

supported as a key means to facilitate timely, broad, affordable and

sustainable access to ICT; for this purpose facilities such as post offices,

elementary schools, cyber cafes or telecenters could be used; emphasis

should be placed on providing both access and training;

• Approaches to promote universal access for rural and remote areas in

should be pursued, in accordance with national e-Governance vision

setting and on the basis of existing best practices;

• R&D efforts for the development and adaptation of cost-effective

technologies suitable for conditions prevailing in Bangladesh (FOSS)

should be encouraged;

• The deployment of national and regional internet backbones, especially

through private investment.

(c) Enhance Human Capacity Development, Knowledge Creation and

Sharing

• Promote and support ICT dissemination among the children - whether in

school or not, with special attention paid to the girls and urge the non-

profit and private sectors as well as the government to scale up their

efforts in wiring educational facilities and ensuring adequate teachers

training;

• Enhance the training of teachers on ICT and the "digital literacy" of

students. Effective measures should be identified to enhance the use of

the Internet to improve the performance of staff, teachers and students in

schools and the universities, and for distance learning programmes; e


113

Learning should conversely be considered as a powerful tool to enable all

types of education and training.

• Expand opportunities for training, education and knowledge sharing for

people living in rural and remote areas through distance learning;

• Give special attention to disenfranchised and illiterate people

(particularly youth and women), through innovative partnerships to

disseminate knowledge and skills using ICT;

• Enhance awareness of senior policy makers with a particular accent on

the benefits of e-Governance for enhancing democracy, transparency and

government accountability;

• Encourage government offices and private companies to offer a portion of

the working time of their skilled human resource base to train in ICT-

related subjects;

(d) Foster Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Economic

Development

• Private sector mentoring and incubation activities should be further

encouraged ; this could include sharing best practices, business

expertise and know-how, ICT expertise, management expertise,

knowledge management capabilities, and training of entrepreneurs ; such

initiatives should seek to build on the strengths of the country.

• Private-public partnerships involving companies, local entrepreneurs,

governments, non-profit organizations and labor organizations should be

encouraged, in order to foster local enterprise, innovation and lifelong

learning.; these should include an emphasis on basic education

(including mathematics and sciences), as well as on vocational training

and the development of core ICT skills; such partnerships could also

provide a means to help establish the centres of excellence described in

Action Point 3; development finance institutions should also be

encouraged to increase their participation in relevant concerted private-

public initiatives.


114

• In support of the above points, the financial institutions including private

and public banks should be encouraged to integrate ICT-related

entrepreneurship into their assistance programmes, including micro-

credit facilities, equity capital and other business development

programmes, and to consider innovative methods of promoting the

availability locally or regionally of seed/risk capital and other resources

to help entrepreneurs from all over the country.

(e) Establish and Support Dedicated Initiatives for the ICT Inclusion

• Encourage efforts to mobilize public and private support for a significant

improvement of basic information and communication infrastructure in

the areas where such infrastructure is most lacking;

• Support partnerships to facilitate the setting up of internet exchange

points The specific needs of the ISPs should be taken into account while

planning regional Internet backbones;

• Encourage telecommunications equipment and service providers to work

co-operatively with less developed countries to aggregate demand and

reduce costs;

• Encourage joint stakeholder efforts to address the unique ICT dilemmas,

with a view to sustainable solutions. Policy and regulatory issues

pertaining to infrastructure - especially regarding telecommunications

systems - should be the core elements of this engagement. In this

framework it should be taken into account that ICT is a means of

supporting rural-urban linkages.

(f) Promote ICT for Health Care

• Enhance the valuable uses of ICT in health education, knowledge

sharing, monitoring, statistics, and delivery of care and in meeting

internationally agreed health targets (MDG)

• Expand the use of ICT in the campaign against infectious and

communicable diseases utilising appropriate forms of communication

such as community radio, broadcast media, telecommunications and the


115

Internet. The initiative should be focused in severely affected areas with

content, applications and strategies shared and replicated more broadly.

• Create a network in partnership with governments, the private sector,

non-profit and international organizations emphasizing a) the logistical

and management aspects of treatment in the field, and b) preventative

measures through the dissemination of information to the general public,

health sector professionals and policy makers.

(g) National Effort to Support Local Content and Applications Creation

• Encourage the software community, including the open source and

commercial software communities, to develop applications relevant to

local needs, to make its software available to the rural community.

• Encourage the growth of e-Governance as a means of achieving a critical

mass of on-line content and encourage governments to provide widely-

available free-of-charge access to state-owned information and local

content, except where it is private or classified;

• Encourage local content development, translation and/or adaptation to

fulfill the needs of learners, scholars, professionals, and citizens for

education, learning, training and application development, including

provision of online access;

• Support programs for digitizing and putting public content online,

focusing on multilingual applications and local heritage;

• Support participation by local stakeholders in setting technical standards

for incorporating local languages in ICT applications;

• Encourage networking of bodies which acquire, adapt and distribute

content on a non-commercial basis.



Annex 1: The detail of citizen survey report

Citizen Survey Report


Summary of key findings Usage of ICT tools The usages of mobile phones were found to be highest. Among the survey participants, 77% use mobile phone, 22% computer, 11% internet (this portion is calculated from the 22% computer users). But the common thing is that, the cost of this information technology mediums are not controlled yet. That’s why every survey participants suggest that to reduce the call rate, decrease computer price and make the internet more available and cheaper. TV audiences are higher between radio and TV spectator (86%) and the interest of listening radio is very little (23%). But now FM radio creates it image that’s why the rate of radio listeners is also increasing.Generally, normal people prefer mobile phone and use it as a successful medium of information technology and than thy use electronic mediums, newspapers, and Internet accordingly. Service Access for Citizens Citizens don’t know how they get Government services. Survey result shows that most of them believe, it is not possible to give information through Internet. However they think if the Government offices and officers become more helpful and conscious about their duty it will be more useful for them. Use of ICT in Local Government It had seen that 22 UNO offices have computers but a little connected with internet. They only use computers to compose. Here, one thing is very important and work as catalyst that they have lack of computer skilled and trained employees. That’s why most UNO officers suggest recruiting skilled people or trained the existing employees. But none of them had interest to use computer in making database or computerized automation. The survey is conducted on 11union community chairman and 22 members. Only 4 UP offices have computer without internet connectivity. They use the computer to compose only. ICT for NGO and Business Organizations 44 small and medium business are also under this survey and it had been seen that only computer & information technology related business have use the computer in proper reason otherwise the use of computer is not that much mentionable. But if the business earns profit than all of them have interest to use it.Most of NGO’s are use computer, among 44 which are surveyed. But all works are composing and accountancy related. Some NGO’s are also use it in e-mail exchange.All 11 local cambers have computer. They use it mainly on administrative and writing purpose


Introduction: 1.1 Background The term e-Governance is mainly concerned with Governance rather than the electronic mode of providing it. That is why it is important to know the services that are essential to citizens and then finding a way to provide them electronically. The citizen survey was designed keeping that in mind. The survey tried to identify the needs of the citizen and finding ways to overcome the problems through ICT. The questionnaires of the survey were designed keeping also mind that it would cover citizens from all levels of society and so technical aspects were kept to the minimum. The Citizen Survey is one and probably the most important component of the Horizon Scan report. It was decided that when finding out the present status of Bangladesh to implement e-Governance, a first hand data collection would be done covering citizens or stakeholders from every possible level of the society. Even though in the initial plan many more stakeholders were decided upon, not all could be covered due to shortage of time. 1.2 Scope of the study The study overall covered 11 Districts, namely, Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna/Bagerhat, Rangamati, Kurigram, Sunamganj, Sirajganj, and Narayanganj. The districts included around 700 citizens representing almost all levels of the society, 44 small and medium scale business organizations, 10 local business chambers from 10 Districts, 44 NGOs established mainly in the rural part of the country, 22 Upazilla Nirbahi Officers, 11 UP Chairman and 22 Members (including female members) from the same Union Parishod as the Chairmen. The 700 citizens included stakeholders namely Agro-farmers, Poultry farmers, Fishermen, Labors, Professionals, Housewives, Students, Self-employed, Job seekers, Sr. Citizens (above 60), Disabled citizens, Daily labours, Very poor (under the $1 income margin), Teachers and Government employees. A detail of the number of each category is provided in Annex-I. 1.3 Objectives of the study The Citizen Survey report is probably the most important part of the Horizon Scan activity. The purpose of the Horizon Scan activity is to know the readiness of e-Governance in Bangladesh and it would not be viable if the needs of the citizens’ could not be identified. The survey was very covert with regard to the technicalities of ICT and very conspicuous about identifying the services required. The survey seeks to:

• Assess the status of the existing ICT infrastructure • Identify the services the citizens’ seek most • Identify the obstacles in reaching these services • Identify ways by which they could be solved using the existing ICT

infrastructure or new technology • Identify the most preferred channel for e-Governance


1.4 Methodology The division of the categories and the regions were fist selected and was vetted by a sub-committee. The clustering of the regions were done on the basis of the homogeneity of the challenges they usually face. The fist five districts were chosen as they are also the major Divisions of the country namely, Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal. Khulna was avoided in this case as it was to be taken for other reasons as well. The other districts were chosen due to their variation in facing natural disaster and obstacles throughout the year. Kurigram was selected because of the situation of Monga every year, Sunamganj was selected due to its geographical property of being the biggest swamp area, Sirajgonj was chosen for being a great Char area of the country, Rangamati was chosen for being one of the districts of Chittagong Hill Tracts area, Khulna/Bagerhat was chosen for being in the coastal area and battered every year by cyclone. Narayanganj was chosen for being one of the closes districts from the capital to observe the differences in services for mere 14 miles.As it is a pilot study, the sample size was determined by through guessing based on previous experience.

After the questionnaire were prepared, the surveyors were selected and trained on the collection of data. A pilot survey was then carried out in Savar and Doha of Greater Dhaka to get the feel how people responded. Some of the questionnaire were then changed when some problems were identified. And then after another extensive of the surveyors, the survey was conducted. Analysis of the survey was done through statistical analysis for the closed ended answers and summarizing the open ended answers. 1.5 Structure of the report The study report is divided into three main categories. (1) An overall picture of the different districts and the status of the ICT infrastructure in these areas, (2) An overview of what the different categories of citizens’ needs are and what are the problems they are facing in achieving these needs, also the recommendations provided by the citizens to solve these problems through ICT are incorporated. (3) An overview of the most effective mode of delivery channels for e-Governance. The Overall Status of ICT Infrastructure Mobile Telephones: Mobile phone is spread out in whole country and it had been already reached in every levels people hand. The survey is run on 700 citizens from 11 districts. It had been found that 567 (81%) people use mobile phone in various purposes and 55.55% has their own mobile set. Most of the people use mobile phone in their personal affairs that’s why survey result shows that 41% of their mobile bill incur on personal issue. Now people think mobile phone as a weapon to maintain social relationships with their friends and family as well as with known person. But largest portion of participants are not satisfied with the call rate of mobile phone. Only 23% participants think that the call rate is normal but the majority portion give the opinion to decrease the call rate below 50paica.


Computer Usage Computer use does not mentionable like the mobile phone. But people at least know about the computer. The survey was continued on 700people, among them 78% don’t use the computer and residual 22% computer users not use it any appropriate reason. On 22% computer users, only 74 have personal computer and 81 use it on cyber café, educational institution, office etc. Computer uses larger amount in big cities like Dhaka, Chittagong but in Curigram computer using rate is also high. 75% users use it in compose or writing purpose. Beside this they also entertained by using computer like listening song, watching movie, TV etc. Students use the computer to complete different paperwork which is related with their study. 37% users play game on computer.Though the use of computer now increasing all over the country but people is not satisfied with the price. 69% participants think that, locally attached (clone) PC price should be in 13000/-15000/- range. Use of the Internet The scenario of using internet is very disappointing. In this survey only 11% people told that they use the internet. Some of them have own internet connectivity others use the cyber café, office, business firm and in house of friends and known person. But now mobile phone opens a new door. Many internet users use internet through mobile phone. But most of the participants say that internet is not that much available and cheap. Television: The Best? Survey result shows that among the mass media TV is most popular. 86% participants watch TV. BTV is the most popular channel normally but where people have satellite connection there the scenario is quite different. People ranked the news top. Radio: From survey we find that radio is less famous than the TV in Bangladesh. Only 29% participants listening radio and most of them hear Bangladesh Bater. In times of listening radio listeners’ top choice is news. Beside this, weather and agricultural programs are also popular. But in Dhaka and Chittagong private radio channels are become popular because of FM radio. Young generations are now highly attracted with FM radio programs. FM radios are now able to create this fascination among them because of their easy accessibility in mobile phone. The Citizens’ Needs, the challenges and the recommendation The following needs were identified from the different categories of citizens from the answers they provided during the survey. As the citizens come from different levels of the society, their needs were also different. They have spoken about the challenges that they face in achieving their needs and have also made some recommendations to face them.


a. Agro-farmers The problems: � High electricity cost for irrigation � When there is an epidemic in the crops there is nobody to help � Cannot get Agro loans easily � Necessary seeds and fertilizers cannot be found � Contaminated pesticides in the market � Cannot get adequate price of commodities in the market � Lack of cold storage � No complain centre Solutions: � Establishment of a complaint centre � Information and services through mobile telephones � Distribution of good quality seeds and fertilizers with honest dealers � Reduce the electricity bill for the farmers so that get water at cheaper cost for

irrigation � Establishment of a service centre � Establishment of trade centre by the Government so that fair price could be

achieved for agro commodities � Provide easy condition based agro loans What can ICT do? � Provide information through village info centres � Arrange TV programmes for farmers to educate them and provide solutions for

agro-problems � Build a network through mobile telephones and internet to sell agro

commodities � Connect the farmers with agricultural specialists to discuss their problems

b. Poultry farmers The problems: � Lack of medicine for the animals � Irregular visit by the Veteran � Security problem � Expensiveness and contaminations of animal food � Lack of complaint centre Solutions: � Increasing accountability � Increase awareness � Decrease the cost of commodities to raise animals and vet services � Provide loan to the poultry farmers � Employment of infomediary personnel to provide the Government information


What can ICT do? � Establish online or mobile phone based complaint centre.

c. Fishermen The problems: � Cannot send SOS when in trouble in the deep sea � Does not get fair price for the fish � Cannot get the required weather forecasting � Expensive fish …….. Solutions: � Get law and order personnel everywhere � Provide timely weather forecast � Register the names of the fisherman and the boat with the local authority

when going out in the sea � Provide security for the fishermen out in the sea � Provide loan for the fishermen � Provide policy support for the fair price of the fish � Decrease middleman-ship What can ICT do? � Provide weather forecast through mobile phone � Provide SOS service through radio or any other means of communication from

deep sea � Provide market price of the fish using ICT, preferably using mobile phone

d. Labors The problems: � Lack of policy and policy implementation � Lack of awareness of the law and policies regarding safety, wages etc. � No life insurance so work risk is higher � Lack of life / job security � High expense of money order to send it to home Solutions: � Standardize minimum wage system and make the employees bound to pay

that � Provide life insurance � Assure the human rights of the labors � Increase awareness of the labor policies and laws


What can ICT do? � Promote Labor policies and laws in mass communication channels � Provide legal advice through mobile phones � Prove labor access to the Government using ICT

e. Professionals The problems: � No socially accepted general identity card � Lack of a database for on professionals � Lack of policy or laws for the professionals � Problem of getting required information from the Government employees � High income tax � Submissions of utility bills Solutions: � Creation and Implementation of necessary policy and law � Making Government offices compulsory in providing required information and

services to the citizens � Building information centre What can ICT do? � Provide correct information to the citizens to decrease corruption � Submission of utility bills through SMS � Provide website, e-mail and phone based Government services

f. Housewives The problems: � Increased price of commodities � Insufficient health services due to lack of doctors, nurses and medicines � Electricity crisis � Has to travel long distances for medical service Solutions: � Free health and education services � Fair price shops of BDR in every area What can ICT do? � Could help in informing the problems to the Government � At the same way Government can let them know of the available services � Providing such facilities so that a health worker could come if contacted over

telephone


g. Students The problems: � Procedure for learning English in not good enough � Education expense is very high � Corruption of many Polytechnic teachers. � Lack of adequate instruments, educational components etc.. � Lack of security in educational institutes � Lack of a good modern library � Low quality food and medical services in student halls Solutions: � Provide training to teachers � Increase government budget for education � Supply of required educational instruments � Provide computers with internet connection in educational institutes � Arrange for more scholarships for students What can ICT do? � Provide educational materials through mobile phones and internet which

could decrease the educational expense � Increase the skill of students using ICT � Promote the rights of the citizens using mass media

h. Self employed The problems: � Bribery, hassle and duration of getting information � Lack of adequate training and bank loans Solutions: � Have accountability in the government system � Have good monitoring of the NGOs What can ICT do? � Provide close circuit cameras in city corporations, tax offices etc. to monitor

any corruption

i. Job Seekers The problems: � Making bank drafts � Security � Favourism and corruption in getting jobs


Solutions: � Adequate trainings � Unemployed allowance What can ICT do? � Could help in increasing accountability

j. Senior Citizens The problems: � Does not get the required medical services � Does not get the Senior Citizens allowance � Government doctors are more interested in patients at private clinics Solutions: � Provide the senior citizens’ allowance procedure on the hands of the military � Arrange to get proper medical service What can ICT do? � Could help in increasing awareness and accountability

k. Disable citizens The problems: � Sometimes has to bribe the concern authority to get the disable citizens’

allowance form � Disable people are deprived in the education sector � No government books (e.g. Brail books) for the disable people to study � Government infrastructure and the roads/public transports are not disable

friendly � Not all the required places that a disable person has to visit situated on the

ground floor � No software solution available for the disables

Solutions: � Planning and implementation of policy friendly towards disable citizens � Giving more importance to disable citizens from the government � Provide improved educational system for the disabled What can ICT do? � Broadcast disabled friendly programmes over the mass media � Make disabled friendly software by the government


l. Daily Labors The problems: � Negligence of the Family planning assistants and the Health assistants � Security � Hassle � Lateness in the transfer of money through post office Solutions: � Following procedures correctly � Stop bribery and selling of government medicines � Reduce price of everyday commodities � Arrange for minimum wages system � Arrange for festival bonus for daily labors What can ICT do? � Use the mass media to broadcast about the hardship of the daily labors and

create awareness

m. Very Poor (Below the $1 margin) The problems: � Negligence of the government employees � Can’t gat the required medical service � Can’t get free medicine Solutions: � Provide government lands for them � Get easy loan What can ICT do? � Monitor whether the services supposed to be provided to them are actually

provided using ICT

n. Teachers The problems: � Proper medical service � Hassle in trading with government banks � Lack of correct information regarding land record � Unplanned building for educational institutes � Hassle and wastage of time in the Court of Law


Solutions: � Complaint box in every Thana and monitor them � Provide training to explain the required information regarding land � Increase honorium and social status of teachers What can ICT do? � Provide close circuit camera in all important government offices to stop bribery � Computerize land records

o. Government Employees The problems: � Has to give bribe for maintenance of utility services � Bribery in tax offices to registrar names � Has to bribe to get land contract papers or registration � Favourism in case of jobs or promotion Solutions: � Create awareness and integrity among people � Could provide 50 percent bonus for the increased price of commodities What can ICT do? � Online tax payment system � Receiving complains using ICT � Broadcasting of news, information etc. independently

Upazilla Nirbahi Office Infrastructural Status Main reason for using computer Administrative work LAN connectivity No Internet connectivity Yes Kind of Internet connection Dial Up Own mail domain No Number of Internet users (av. per office) 2 Administrative database Yes (primary) Database update and development personnel

Typist

Objective of the database General information storage Kind of information stored in database Official general information Website Yes


e-Governance status Goal Status Saving government time General improvement Saving expenditure of the government No improvement Saving citizens’ time Highly improved Saving citizens’ money Not much improvement Saving citizens’ hassle Slight improvement Increasing transparency Highly improved Time management Highly improved Increasing accountability General improvement The Upazilla Nirbahi Officers have provided separate opinions regarding the goals achieved in e-Governance, but generally they do not think there has been much improvement in reducing citizens’ time for getting services. They think that e-Governance can play very important role for their offices.

The sectors in which the citizens usually face problems are provided below in descending order.

1. Health services 2. Education services 3. Land services 4. Legal services 5. Communication

The recommendation the UNOs provided for solving these problems are:

• Transparency and accountability in every step of the procedures • Identify the actual problems in these sectors and take necessary steps in

solving them • Get the services close to the citizens • Development of the government in its own way • Give citizens more access to the government • Amendments of certain laws

The role the ICT could play to solve these problems:

• Could accelerate government procedures • Collect more data and analyze them • Trading of information could be faster

According to the UNOs the following channels (in descending order) are the most effective ways to promote e-Governance

1. Telephone 2. Electronic media 3. Print media 4. Internet

The UNOs also provided their views of the following matters that are thought to be hampering e-Governance in their organization


Hampering elements Comment Lack of Infrastructure Not at all Lack of high speed internet Not at all Lack of citizens access to Internet A lot Lack of Computer knowledge A lot Lack of adequate training A lot Lack of maintenance No Electricity crisis Some Lack of Bangla computing Some Fear of change Slightly The UNOs think that to change the mind setting of their employees towards e-Governance, the following steps could be taken

• Computer training • Provide allowance to motivate in increasing skill • Motivate employees through seminars or workshops • Provide training at Thana level • Provide necessary equipments for three steps

Number of stakeholders in citizen survey report

S.N Stakeholder category Number 1. Agro Farmers 57 2. Poultry Farmers 41 3. Fisherman 55 4. Labors 41 5. Professionals 41 6. Housewives 41 7. Students 56 8. Self-Employed Citizens 42 9. Job-Seekers 41 10. Senior Citizens 40 11. Handicapped Citizens 40 12. Daily labors 57 13. Very poor (below $1 margin income) 41 14. Teachers 40 15. Government Servants 57 16.

Overall responses

700


Annex: 2 Summary of ICT Status in Ministries

(1) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Defense Web address: www.mod.gov.bd The Ministry of defense has 12 agencies to deal with the budget, statutory and regulatory matters and to certain extent establishment and administration subjects of the armed services. Agencies of the ministry and its website:

1. Cadet College Direction Council: No website 2. Army Headquarter, Branch of ENC: No website 3. Military Medical Service Department: www.dgms-mod.net 4. National Defense College: www.ndcbd.com 5. SPARRSO: www.sparrso.gov.bd 6. Bangladesh Survey Office: www.bangladesh.gov.bd/mod/sob/sobweb.htm 7. CGDF’s office: www.cgdfbd.org 8. Chief Administrative officer’s office: No website 9. Bangladesh Climate Office: www.bmd.gov.bd 10. Secret Sign Office: website design is going to be processed 11. MODC Headquarter: website design is going to be processed 12. Military Land and Army Quarters Office: No website

Connectivity: All of the agencies of Ministry of Defense are connected with internet but its use is limited only for communication. Software & Hardware issue: The ministry is equipped with 11 computers. To build the infrastructure network as a part of introducing E-Governance initiative 1 Multimedia Projector, 10 computers with UPS, 3 DOT and 5 Laser printers will be provided to the ministry. Training: To introduce E-Governance system in the ministry of Defense ICT training courses are being provided to the Govt. official. ICT related projects: No information is provided about ICT related projects. (2) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Industry Web address: www.moind.gov.bd Ministry of Industry has a website (www.moind.gov.bd) which publishes the information of the ministry, its departments and other corporations. Website Issue: Bangladesh Industrial and technical Assistance Centre (BITAC): http:/bitac-atspace.com Bangladesh Institute Of management (BIM): www.bim.org.bd Bangladesh standards & testing Institute (BSTI): www.bsti.gov.bd National productivity Organization (NPO): www.npobd.org Connectivity: The in-house infrastructure of the ministry is going to be connected with internet and LAN. Software and Hardware issue: Some of the subordinate organizations of Ministry of Industries uses different types of softwares for Payroll system, share, accounting, personal system, daily production, sales and staff monitoring etc. ICT initiatives: No information is provided about ICT related projects


(3) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Land Web address: www.minland.gov.bd The important aims and objectives of Ministry of Land are management and settlement of the Government owned lands (khas lands), sairat mahals (jalmahal, shirmp mahal etc.), vested properties and abandoned properties. Collection of land development tax is another important task of this ministry as well as land survey and record keeping and updating. Acquisition and requisition of land are also important responsibilities of this ministry. To maintain the data and statistics of the land it is very urgent to transform it in electrical standard system to strengthen the E-Governance system of Bangladesh. But there is no mentionable initiative to make process it. The positive thing of The Govt. website of Ministry of land is that people can access for downloading the Tax collection form here. Agencies of the Ministry & its Website issue: Land Reformation Board: No website Land Appeal Board: No website Directorate of Land Records and Survey: No website Land Administration Training Centre: No website Connectivity: Internet and LAN connection is available in the ministry of Land. The process for internet connection is going to be processed in Land Reformation Board. Software & hardware issue: No information is available for software and hardware issue of the ministry. ICT related projects: No information is provided about ICT related projects (4) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Housing and public works Web address: www.mohpwd.gov.bd Ministry of Housing and public works and its agency has websites. All of the websites contains update information of the institutions and different types of project. Agencies of the ministry and its website Office of Public Works: www.pwd.gov.bd Capital Development Authority: www.rajuk.dhaka.gov.bd Chittagong Development Authority: www.cda.gov.bd National Housing Authority: www.nha.gov.bd City Development Office: www.Vdd.org Housing and Building Research Institute: www.hbri.gov.bd Khulna Development Authority: www.kda.gov.bd Connectivity: No information is available Software & hardware Issue: No information is provided about software & hardware issues. ICT related Projects: There are no ICT initiatives in the ministry and its agencies.


(5) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries and livestock

Web address: www.mofl.gov.bd

The role of Fisheries and Livestock sectors in the development of agro-based economy of Bangladesh is very important and promising.

Connectivity: No information is provided about connectivity issue.

Software & hardware Issue: No information is available

ICT related Projects: There are no mentionable ICT initiatives in Ministry of Fisheries and livestock. Already they have developed a website under “Planning and Policy Support Unit” project by the funding of DANIDA. In addition a project is running for creating network among Chief office of Fishery project and district Fishery office which is funded by “The Fourth Fishery Project”. MIS is already developed in the ministry.

(6) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Power, energy and Mineral Resources Web address: website is not yet developed Connectivity: No information is available about connectivity Software & hardware Issue: No information is provided about software & hardware issue. ICT related Projects: In Ministry of Power, energy and Mineral Resources some sorts of ICT initiatives have already been taken to strengthen its activities through different types of automation process like payment of utility bill through electronic system at PDB and DESCO. Future Plan: Some future initiatives have been planned to implement as internet banking of eastern bank Limited, pre-paid metering by PDB and DESCO.

(7) Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat (Computer Cell)

Website Address: www.parliament.gov.bd

Under E-Governance program many ICT initiatives have been taken to create accountability, to make transparency of Govt. services to the rural poor in Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat.

Connectivity: No information is available about connectivity Software & hardware Issue: Different types of softwares are used in Bangladesh National parliament Secretariat for different purposes: parliament arguments, budget of parliament secretariat, inventory of stored goods, bio data of staffs of parliament secretariat, bio data of the members of parliament, gate pass and random sampling of questions of parliament members. In addition, some IT training courses are also conducted to build the capacity of the Govt. official.

ICT related Projects: There is no ICT initiative in Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat.


(8) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Website Address: www.mopme.gov.bd Agencies of the ministry and its website: Primary Education Office: www.dpe.gov.bd Implementation of Compulsory Primary Education Observation Unit: No website Connectivity: Broadband internet connection is available in the ministry. 30 computers in the ministry and 100 computers in Primary Education Office are LAN connected. 6 divisional offices and 16 district offices are connected with WAN through central server. Software & hardware Issue: Ministry of Primary and Mass education has a very dynamic website which publishes regularly the MPO information, the list of Govt. schools and the school performance. The MPO information is very important for the school, teachers residing in rural areas. They can access it from the remote corner of their locality. It needs to mention that 76,610 MPO-included teachers of 19521 private primary schools and payment of the government portion of their monthly salary are being done through customized software. In addition, 9735 honorary teachers of 3120 Community Primary Schools and payment of their honorary payment at three months interval are being done through developed software. Primary Education Office already provided 975 PCs to the field offices under Primary Education development Activities ICT related Projects: Primary Education Office have already provided training 4500 staffs about ICT at central and field level. The ministry also established 54 ICT labs in 54 PTI to build the capacity of human resources Future Plan: The ministry have future plan to conduct training on ICT for primary school teachers to develop the capacity of Human Resource. Primary Education Office have a plan to establish Computer lab for training in each of the Institute of Primary Teachers’ Training in 6 divisional towns The Implementation of Compulsory Primary Education Observation Unit, agency of Ministry of primary and Mass Education has the following future plans – 1 To make all activities of this unit web-based 2. Print the status of all applications of teachers on the internet 3. Establish interactive communication with the teachers 4. Make the internal activities of the Unit, such as, accepting letters, decisions taken by the staffs at file notes computer based 5. A project entitled “Strengthening and Capacity Building at Compulsory Primary Education Implementation Monitoring Unit (CPEIMU)” is submitted to the ministry to start e-governance. (9) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Social Welfare Website Address: www.msw.gov.bd Ministry of Social Welfare is one of the important ministries dealing with human resource development, Poverty alleviation, Welfare-development and empowerment of the bypassed, disadvantaged segment o people. To introduce Bangladesh as a Welfare state the ministry is implementing programs like old age allowances, disable allowances, grants and aids to acid burnt victims. The ministry has a website (www.msw.gov.bd) publishes the policy, development projects and other initiatives. Agencies of the ministry & its websites: The Department of Social Services (DSS): No website National Council of Social Welfare: No website National Foundation of Disable Development: No website Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahiyan Trust: No website


Connectivity: Dial up system & Broadband ADSL is used for internet connection. Software & Hardware issue: 20 PC, 4 Server & 9 modem is used in the ministry. ICT related projects: Some capacity building trainings has also been conducted for govt. officials in the Ministry of Social Welfare. But there is no specific ICT related project to foster the implementation process of the programs like old age allowances, disable allowances, grants and aids to acid burnt victims. (10) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Communication Website address: www.moc.gov.bd The Ministry of Communication is responsible to the Minister for all aspects concerning the operation of roads and railways in Bangladesh. To create the accountability of the whole activities of the ministry the roads and Highways Department has already initiated the program of E-Governance. The website of The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is very interactive database. The website has been awarded as BEST WEBSITE in the category of E –Governance cluster of Bangladesh from World Summit for Information Society (WSIS). Agencies and its website: Road and Highway Department: www.rhd.gov.bd Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC): www.brtc.gov.bd Jamuna Multipurpose Bridge Authority (JMBA): www.jmba.gov.bd Connectivity: Under this program a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) is developed. Every Block of the main office is connected with LAN connection. In addition Bangladesh Road Research Institute, Training centers and Zonal offices, 64 district offices is connected with LAN connection. Road Building and Ministry of Communication is connected through Radio Link. Software & Hardware: In the department of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) Software for Accounting System is developed for BRTC office, main units and regional offices of BRTC. A database is also developed for buses, trucks and corresponding manpower. In the department of Jamuna Multi Purpose Bridge Authority (JMBA) customized software is developed for Payroll Accounting system. 490 PC (including field level dept), 211 PC (only RHD dept.) and (186 PC connected with LAN) are used in the ministry. ICT related projects: To strengthen the E-Governance project ICT related trainings are provided to some officers and personnel. LAN and broadband connection is available in the Jamuna Multi Purpose Bridge Authority (JMBA). ICT coordination Committee is developed with the integration of all officers from Ministry of Communication for monitoring the ICT initiatives of the ministry. (11) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Web address: No website Connectivity: No information on connectivity Software & Hardware: Under the program of SICT the ministry is already equipped with 10 PC, 10 UPS, 4 Printer and 1 scanner ICT related Projects: In the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs a website is going to be developed under SICT project with the help of BIDS as an initiative of E-Governance. (12)Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website address: www.mofabd.org The technology used in the ministry of Foreign Affairs for effective e –governance to raise the quality of the services of national as well international level. Most of the officers and staff of the ministry are conversant with the basic operations of


computer and generally face no problem in using different platforms of windows to meet their job. Connectivity: The ministry has provided internet and networking facilities to the officers and staffs for easy and smooth running of administration. Presently the ministry is using the link and connection from TTB with bandwidth of 512 kbps. Software& Hardware: The ministry generally uses the software generally requires for regular office work except for UNCLOS wing where for special purpose CARIS LOTS software and other GIS software is used for determining maritime limits and boundaries and for producing maps. The software is used in the ministry is listed below:

• Operating Software: Windows 98, Windows XP, Windows 2000. • Application Software: Office 2000,Office XP, Office XP 2003 • Anti –Virus: Norton, Symantec, McAfee • Other Software: ACD See, Acrobat Reader-writer, Nero

ICT related Projects: Ministry of Foreign Affairs has incorporated office management course in the foreign Service Academy, where all the probationary officers get specialized training on Computer and ICT. The Foreign Service academy also recognizes accounting training program for the Administrative/ personal officers of the ministry. In addition, Ministry sends its officers and staffs in different short trainings in different institutions. Future Plan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes that it will help to establish interactive connection between public officials and communities, local business people and global actors through sharing of information through internet and thereby paving the way for stronger, more accountable and transparent e-governance. There are some other specific plans in the ministry:

• To improve skill of the officers and staffs in using MS Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook Express and E-mail.

• To link its websites with the rest of the Ministries and Govt. Agencies • To install an interactive database commonly called “HR” (Human Resource)

to facilitate its overall activities which can reduce a huge paperwork. The software will provide the information about all officers like joining, transfer, leave, promotion and other related service records ,organizational structure, TO&E and other info of the headquarters and the missions

(13) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Environment and Forest Web address: www.moef.gov.bd The Ministry of Environment & Forests is the nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government, for the planning, promotion, co-ordination and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes. Connectivity: The ministry uses radio link for its networking. Broadband connection and dial up is also used in the agency of the ministry. The ministry and its agency have websites which mainly publishes the information about the ministry and development projects. Software & Hardware: The ministry has a project to develop Customized software on Dak track which is now under implementation. In addition customized software on Historical Clearance database, water quality database, Project information system, training database are also used in the unit. Software on Plant-Specimen Database Program is also used here. ICT related Projects: There is no ICT related projects in the ministry.


(14) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture Web address: www.moa.gov.bd Agencies and its websites: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC): www.barc.gov.bd Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC): www.barc.gov.bd Department of Agricultural Extension: www.dae.gov.bd\ Department of Agricultural Marketing:www.dam.gov.bd Soil Research and Development Institute www.srdi.gov.bd Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) www.brribd.org Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) www.bjril.gov.bd Cotton Development Boardwww.cdb.gov.bd Agriculture Information Service: www.ais.gov.bd Sugarcane Research Institutewww.bsri.gov.bd Seed Certification Agency www.sca.gov.bd Bangladesh Applied Nutrition and Development Board (BAN- HRDB) www.ban-hrdb.gov.bd Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) www.badc.gov.bd Connectivity: The ministry introduced the intranet system. The ministry officials exchanges information through emails among the ministry and its departments. Financial Monitoring Unit is connected to the Ministry of Finance and CAG office through WAN. Software & hardware issue: In Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) some softwares as Natural Resource database (land/soil, underground water etc),Weather Database, Inventory Database, Human Resource Database, Bangladesh Country Almanek, Plant Genetic Resources Database, Pay-roll System, Project Information Management System, Personal Management System are used here. 4 servers, 100 computers, 30printer, 1 scanner & 1 projector are used in the Ministry of Agriculture. Department of Agricultural Extension is equipped with 36 comuters, 38 UPS, 22 Printer, 1 Photocopier, 7 scanners, 3 laptop, 1 network sever, 1 multimedia, 1 multimedia projector, 1 power generator. ICT related projects: MIS is established in 2005 in the ministry of Agriculture to implement E-Governance and ICT related activities with the funding of DANIDA Already the ministry trained up the Govt. officials to make efficient on IT. A project “Institutional Support Unit (ISU)” is going to be launch for the operation of E-Governance and MIS for the year 2007-2011. Department for agricultural extension has introduced ICT Programme from June 2005 which allocates 83.52 lakhs Taka. Under this programme following initiatives have been taken to strengthen it:

• Software has been developed on Crop Production Module (CPM). • Personal Database software has been already developed. • A PDS sheet has been developed for distributing and filling up the

information. • AMIS (Agricultural Inputs Management Information System) has been

developed and being used now. • PMIS (Personal Management Information System) has been developed for

data entry.


Department of Agricultural Marketing has planned to gather all market information through internet under different projects to strengthen E-governance and ICT initiatives. In this connection ministry has already been provided computers, telephone and internet connection in the field offices. 44 district offices have been taken under the network. The collected market information has been published through the website (www.dam.gov.bd). The ministry has a future plan to expand the network. Soil Research and Development Institute has already included the IT related activities in the establishment of soil laboratory and the project of Strengthening of Soil Resource Management, Analytical and Farmers’ Services” project. Internet is connected in SRDI head office and 26 district offices. LAN is also connected here. Oracle based databank is developed for storing all information of “Land and Soil Resource User Manual” and for analyzing and mapping accordingly. In Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) an ICT cell has been set up for the operation of ICT activities. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) has already developed a database for storing information of officers and staffs of BJRI. E-governance and ICT related topics are incorporated in the regular training activities of Cotton development Board (CDB). The department already conducted ICT trainings for Govt. official to increase the capacity to handle the IT issues. ICT cell is developed in Agriculture Information Service, Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute, Seed Certification Agency, Bangladesh Applied Nutrition and Development Board (BAN- HRDB), Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) Future Plan: BRJI has some future plans to strengthen the activities of BJRI: • Connect all departments and branches of BJRI within a LAN • Set up a WAN to connect all offices in different places of the country • Provide broadband internet connection to the departments/branches of BJRI • Develop an interactive web • Develop customized S/W for Accounts (15) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Youth and Sports Web address: www.moysports.gov.bd Connectivity: LAN is set up in the ministry under the subproject of Network Backbone establishment at Bangladesh Secretariat. Hardware & Software issue: No information is available ICT related projects: No information is provided about ICT related projects. (16) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Liberation War Affairs Web address: www.mlwa.gov.bd Connectivity: LAN connection is being processed but yet now it is introduced. LAN is set up in the ministry under the subproject of Network Backbone establishment at Bangladesh Secretariat. Hardware & Software issue: No information is available ICT related projects: The ministry has a website but it is not working. There is no ICT initiative in the ministry


(17) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Website address: www.mohfw.gov.bd The ministry has a website (www.mohfw.gov.bd) which publishes the information on health services, and medical services. The ministry has taken some initiatives to make strengthen the E-Governance issues. Connectivity: No information is available about connectivity Hardware & Software issue: They have developed a PMIS (Personal Management Information System) database to retrieve – BCS (Health) cadre (Doctors) information such as service, promotion, training, leave, lien, and education etc for officials. They have a plan to make it web based, so that they can use the information through internet. Service Statistics System (S.S.S) has been developed in the ministry

• To Produces different types of SS reports and data entry screen • DGFP generating monthly FP-MCH &RH services contraceptive performance

report • To determine achievement rate of permanent, IUD, implant oral pill,

condom, indictable acceptors, contraceptive method mix etc. Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) has been developed for Family planning monthly logistics report of contraceptive stock status from central warehouse (CWH) and Regional Warehouse (RWH). At present DGFP is using dial-up e-mail facilities for data transfer from one place to another. There is no telemedicine project in E-Governance system. If the telemedicine project can be introduced then patient can get better treatment facilities from periphery through telemedicine system. ICT related projects: The ministry has a future plan to provide ICT training services to all officials and staffs, so that e-governance system would run smoothly. (18) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs Web address: www.mha.gov.bd The ministry of Home affairs has a website (www.mha.gov.bd) which publishes the information on the current activities, the strength, the departments and other wings of the ministry. Agencies & its website Bangladesh Police www.police.gov.bd Bangladesh Rifles No website Directorate of Ansar and VDP www.ansarvdp.gov.bd Directorate of Fire Service and Civil Defense No website Department of Narcotics Controlwww.dnc.gov.bd Directorate of Jail No website Directorate of Immigration and Passport www.immigration-passports.gov.bd Bangladesh Coast Guard No website Connectivity: Local Area Network (LAN) is going to be processed for connection in the ministry of Home Affairs. An email account ([email protected]) is opened for official usage. An ICT cell is formed in Bangladesh Rifles to make successful the usage of computer technology in communication. This cell is performing for communication through Dial up internet connection and email; LAN connection, to introduce the network connection in all departments by storing and sharing the


information, to establish voice communication and data through using the optical fiber, to apply the e-governance in economic accounting system. In the department of Ansar and VDP LAN is connected for sharing the information in quickest manner. Broadband is connected to main offices and academics. Some of the district offices are connected with GPRS and dial up system. The web address of the Ministry of Home Affairs is www.ansarvdp.gov.bd and email address is [email protected] for communication. Directorate of Fire Service and Civil Defense uses email for communication.In the Directorate of Immigration and Passport the development of website is under processing and Bangladesh Coast Guard plans to connect the offices into a network. Hardware & Software issue: The ministry and its departments are equipped with computers. In addition they are developing the database for different uses. In the Directorate of Jail under SICT project 11 central jails, 4 divisional offices, jail offices are connected with network. ICT related projects: No information is available about ICT related projects. (19)Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MWCA) Web address: www.mwca.gov.bd The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MWCA) aims to mainstreaming women in the development process, elevating their status in the society, raising awareness about child rights and development of the latent potential of children. Connectivity: No information is available Software & Hardware Issue: No information is available ICT related projects: In this ministry a project “Strengthening the Computer Training Center and Establishment of Computer Unit at District Level” is running to strengthen the ICT activities. There are no mentionable ICT initiatives in the ministry (20) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Commerce Web address: www.mincom.gov.bd The Ministry of Commerce, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh is mainly entrusted with the responsibility of dealing over all trade and commerce of Bangladesh. Agencies and its website: Tariff Commissions: www.btariffcom.org Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Bangladesh: www.epb.gov.bd TCB: www.tcb.gov.bd Directorate of Insurance: No website Import and Export Office: No website Bangladesh Tea Board: www.teabord.gov.bd Sadharan Bima Corporation: www.sbc.gov.bd Office of the Registrar of Join Stock Companies & Firms: www.roc.gov.bd Jiban Bima Corporation: No website Foreign Trade Institute: No website ICAB: www.icab-bd.org ICMB: www.icmab.org.bd Bangladesh Insurance Academy: www.bia.gov.bd Connectivity: No information is available about connectivity Software & Hardware issue: The ministry and it agencies are equipped with computers, printers and other equipments. 62 computers & 35 printers in the


ministry of Commerce, 32 computers & 20 printers in Tariff Commissions, 50 computers & 38 printers in Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Bangladesh, 4 Computers & 3 printers in TCB, 3 Computers & 2 Printers in Directorate of Insurance, 2 Computers & 1 printer in Import and Export Office, 50 Computers & 38 printers in Bangladesh Tea Board, 105 Computers & 79 printers in Sadharan Bima Corporation, 24 Computers & 3 Printers in Office of the Registrar of Join Stock Companies & Firms, 65 Computers & 25 Printers in Jiban Bima Corporation, 7 Computers & 2 printers in Foreign Trade Institute, 31 computers & 9 Printers in ICAB , 90 Computers & 22 printers in ICMB and 40 Computers are used in Bangladesh Insurance Academy. In Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Bangladesh Quota Management Software (Oracle) is going to be processed for export statistics. In the Office of the Registrar of Join Stock Companies & Firms a project is running titled “Computerization of the office of Register of Joint Stock Companies and Firms” with the funding of SEDF and Australian Govt. In ICAB software is developed for Tally Programme for Accounts and Inventory of Accounts department. In ICMB Exam Result, Student Information, E-library, Personal management, Member Database is already running through electronic media. ICT related Projects: There are no mentionable ICT projects in the ministry. Future plan: The ministry and its agency has following future plans:

• To set up Office automation and trade portal • To develop Office automation software and develop dynamic web page • To develop trade portal and Division wise office automation • To introduce the Computer network system • To introduce online registration. • To introduce online insurance system • To Develop an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software

(21) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Finance Web address: www.mof.gov.bd E-Governance projects are being implemented in Finance Division. Agency and it website: National Board of Revenue (NBR):www.nbr-bd.org Connectivity: Finance Division and office of the CGA have introduced the MTBF Budgeting and Transaction Accounting Computer Systems. These computer systems have been connected to the respective end users in different Ministries and Accountings offices by means of (i) at the Secretariat area a campus Based Local Area Network(LAN): which is in turn connected to (ii) a national Wide Area Network (WAN) that links to the office of the CGA. Software & Hardware: The division already developed customized software for preparing national budget, budget planning, sensitivity analysis, impact analysis, financial projections, gender and poverty related report generation. Finance Division has commented activities to build networking infrastructure to connect various offices of the government involved in public financial management so that information can be provided in a timely and transparent manner to whose who need. Finance Division provide those ministries adopting the Medium Term Budgeting Framework (MTBF) access to the computerized Budget System so that necessary budget information can be accessed for the last two years and captured for future years.


NBR is capturing revenue information of income tax and VAT using Unique Tax payers’ Identification Number (UTIN) by software and this is primarily being used in LTU-Tax and LTU-VAT office. Software is developed for capturing information about consignment and other information under Reform in Revenue Administration (RIRA) project with the funding of DFID. ICT related projects: There is no mentionable ICT initiative in the ministry Future Plan: NBR has the following plans:

• Purchase of 10 PCs and other equipments under Modernization and Automation Project (MAP)

• Start Manifest through ASYCUDA Software at the Chittagong Custom House under the Chittagong Port Facilitation project with the funding of ADB

• Conversion of the TIN (Taxpayers’ Identification Number) software to Oracle Database.

• Make the website dynamic • Make a proposal for ICT activities of NBR and its departments.

(22) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Food and Disaster Management Web address: www.mofdm.gov.bd) The ministry has website (www.mofdm.gov.bd) presents the information of the ministry, its activities and development activities Agencies & its website: Directorate of Food: www.dgfood.gov.bd Directorate of Relief and Rehabilitation: www.drr.gov.bd Disaster Management Bureau: www.dmb.gov.bd Connectivity: The ministry is connected with broadband connection. The ministry has domain email address and all the branches are connected with LAN. In Directorate of Food email is created for all district officers. This email is used for communicating with the regional, district food controller and central food reservation center. Software & Hardware issue: Following software has been developed in the ministry

• Central Relief Management Information System (CRMIS) S/W • EOI called for Disaster Management Information Network (DMIN) Portal

Development • Develop Risk Reduction Reporting • Database (RRRDB) and Disaster • Management Committee Database (DMCDB)

ICT related projects: One of the ICT initiatives in the ministry is Comprehensive Disaster Management programme (CDMP). Under CDMP project Disaster Management Information Center (DMIC) sends weather forecast and agro mate bulletin and pre signal for weather, earthquake and tsunami from Global Disaster alert & Co-ordination System (GDCS) to the ministry and district relief and rehabilitation officers through e-mail. In addition the ministry already trained up officials.


(23) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology Web address www.mosict.gov.bd The Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology, Government of Bangladesh is promoting Science and Technology as stewardship of positive change in society and for balanced socio-economic upliftment and national well-being and thus to make Science and Technology a part of national culture. Connectivity: No information is available on connectivity Software & hardware issue: No information is available. ICT related projects: The use of Science and Technology as a means of sustainable use of Environment, Ecosystem and Resources, and to contribute to world pool of knowledge in Science and Technology. There are some ongoing following projects in the ministry. (a) Support for Development of Public Sector use of ICT under EMTAP

• To establish electronic communication network within the selected ministries, divisions or organizations.

• Formulation of e-government strategy in light of existing ICT policy. • To prepare action plan for the development of ICT

(b) Basic Infrastructure for Hi-tech Park (1st stage), Kaliakair, Gajipur To build the basic infrastructure for Hi-tech Park, e.g., water, electricity, roads, boundary wall etc. (c) Development of Infrastructure for IT Applications (DIITA)

• To develop and expand IT related education and training • To establish a network backbone at BCC Bhaban

(d) Technology Expansion Cell Establishment (2nd stage) project

• To set up network among the ministry and its departments (e) To build Bangladesh- Korea Institute of Information and Communication Technology Future Plan: There are following future plans in the ministry: (a) National Intranetworking Project for Bangladesh

• To improve government efficiency and promote interaction among Government network infrastructure

• To use ICT system within the public administration to improve efficiency and transparency, reduce wastage of resources, enhance planning and raise the quality of services.

(b) To introduce Computer Training programme in educational institutions • To create the opportunities of Lab system in the school and colleges of 64

districts. • To develop the Computer related guide for the level of S.S.C and H.S.C

(c) To establish Information Technology Village in Khulna • To create the in structural and other facilities for data entry, data

processing and exporting of softwares. • To expand and development of softwares.

(d) To transform B.C.C bhaban as the central unit of ICT initiatives of Govt.


(24) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Shipping Web address: www.mos.gov.bd Agencies & its website: Chittagong Port Authority (CPA): www.cpa.gov.bd Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC):www.bsc.gov.bd Bangladesh Internal Water Transport Association (BIWTA):www.biwta.gov.bd Mongla Port Authority (MPA):www.monglaport.gov.bd Bangladesh Internal Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC):www.biwtc.gov.bd Bangladesh Land Port Authority: www.bsbk.gov.bd Department of Shipping (DOS):www.dos.gov.bd Marine Academy: www.m.academy.gov.bd Connectivity: No information is available Software & hardware Issue: A Computerized system has already been developed for financial, Accounts, Export Import, Truck Management, Activities related to Officers’ Welfare.In Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) Internet connection And LAN is available. In Mongla Port Authority (MPA) Computerized Management Information System is developed (MIS) for computerization of all activities of MPA. Department of Shipping has a website (www.dos.gov.bd) which publishes the information on its activities, marine training and the recruitment of the crew. Some important forms can be download from this website. ICT related projects: The ministry of shipping has a plan to establish and start computerized Container Terminal Management Systems (CTMS) and Management Information System (MIS) under the project Chittagong Port Trade Facilitation with the funding of ADB. (25) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Post and Tele-communication Web address: www.mopt.gov.bd Connectivity: In the Ministry of Post and Tele-communication LAN is connected Software &hardware issue: No information is available ICT related projects: Web-based customer service has been developed for BTTB telephone system. The ministry already set up BTTB sub-marine cable, national optical fiber infrastructure and DDN system. (26) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Education Web address: www.moedu.gov.bd Agencies & its website: Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (Head Office): www.dshe.gov.bd Directorate of Technical Education (Head Office):www.techedu.gov.bd National Academy for Educational Management: www.naem.gov.bd Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics: www.banbeis.gov.bd DIA: website registration is completed Technical Education Board: www.bteb.gov.bd Madrasah Education Board: www.bmeb.gov.bd NCTB: www.nctb.gov.bd UGC: www.ugc.org Education Board, Barisal: Website development is under process. Connectivity: The ministry of education is connected with LAN and internet. Software & Hardware issue: The ministry and its agencies are well equipped with PC, internet, Server, modem, and projector. The ministry has developed software on


Decentralize Education Management Information System, Monthly Pay Order Management System, and Govt. College management Teachers management software. The Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (Head Office) has developed some of the software: Office Management System, Library Management System, and Inventory Management, transcript/certificate printing, registration processing, and probable list of admit card processing and scholarship processing. They already have planned to convert the software in oracle platform. Technical Education Board already developed Affiliation software, OMR form Scan software, RIF (Registration Information Form) processing software for registration, Admit card processing software and Result processing software. Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics has developed Educational Information System (Oracle),BCS Education cadre officer PDS (Oracle),School Mapping (Arc View 3.2),Head Teachers’ Training and CPD,( Oracle ),Computer Teachers’ Database who received computer training (Access),District Level Education System (Java PHP),Web Database for Education Institutions (PHP & HTML ), Upazila-wise GIS Web Database(PDF, PHP & HTML). Education Board Computer Center has developed softwares on Result Processing Tabulation Printing Transcript/Certificate printing, Registration processing, probable list of admit card processing, Scholarship processing, different types of statistics processing. Technical Education Board developed softwares on Affiliation, OMR form Scan RIF (Registration Information Form) processing for registration, Admit card processing, Result processing. Madrasah Education Board developed software on Base Accounts management. Ministry of education is equipped with 2 servers, 86 PCs, 2 laptop, 57 printers, and 2 multimedia projectors. 4 servers, 60 PCs, 6 laptop, 1 printer, and 1 multimedia projector are used Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (Head Office),1 server, 45 PCs, 30 printers, and 1 multimedia projector in Directorate of Technical Education (Head Office), 7 server, 136 PCs, 30 printers, and 8 multimedia projector in National Academy for Educational Management, 7 servers, 100 PCs, 6 laptop, 23 printers, and 6 multimedia projectors in Bangladesh Bureau of Educational Information and Statistics,11 Pcs,10 printers in DIA, 8 Server, 260 PCs,34 printers in Education Board Computer Center, 2 servers, 78 PCs, 32 printers, and 1 multimedia projectors in Technical Education Board,1 servers, 46 PCs, 12 printers, and 1 multimedia projectors in Madrasah Education Board, 40 PC,20 laptop in NCTB, 2 servers, 78 PCs, 32 printers, and 1 multimedia projectors in UGC and 10 PCs and Printer in Education Board, Barisal are used. ICT related Projects: Korea Govt. gave the fund to BANBEIS to establish Bangladesh Korea ICT Training Center for Education (BKICE) in BANBEIS (5 labs) for Computer training of the teachers. Future Plan: The ministry and its agencies have some future plans to develop the following softwares:

• Updating BCS (Edn) cadre officer database system (Oracle) • Monitoring and Inspection Project Management software • Library Automation software • Accounting software • Online registration system software • Fund management software for BTEB • Online exam system software


(26) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Water Resources Web address: www.mowr.gov.bd Agencies & its website: Bangladesh water Development Board: www.bwdb.gov.bd Water Resources Planning Organization (WARPO) www.warpo.gov.bd Centre for environmental and geographic Information Services (CEGIS) : www.cegisbd.com FFWC: www.ffwc.gov.bd Institute of Water Modeling: www.iwmbd.org Joint River Commission: No website Connectivity: No information is available about connectivity. Software & hardware issue: ICT related Projects: There are no mentionable ICT initiatives in the ministry of Water resources and its agency. (27) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Planning, Planning Division Web address: Agencies & its website: Connectivity: Software & hardware issue: ICT related Projects: SICT project is being implemented in planning ministry. Under this project many subprojects are being implemented by SICT. These sub projects are:

• Process Automation at GM North’s office Under the ministry of post and telecommunication

• Online Public Exams Results and Education statistics Under Ministry of Education

• Online daily market Price for the ministry of Agriculture • Interactive website for Ministry of Expatriate welfare and

overseas employment • Interactive website for Ministry of labor and Employment • Connectivity and Process Automation of Bangladesh tea

Board • Interactive Website of the Ministry of Land • Land Record Archiving at Manikganj Record Room Under the

Ministry of Land • Process Automation of Board of investment • Hardware, Software and connectivity for special security

Force • Interactive Website for the Cabinet Division • Automation of Result Processing at Bangladesh Public

Service Commission • Office automation of rapid action Battalion (RAB) • Backbone Connectivity with Armed Forces Division computer

center with PM office and allied support • E-governance at Bangladesh Biman • Interactive website for the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tarcks

affairs • Process automation at Bangladesh Livestock Research

Institute


• IT system development and interactive website of River research institute

• Process automation of Fisheries Research institute • Interactive website for the Ministry of liberation war affairs • Interactive website for the rural development and cooperative

division • Interactive website for the ministry of industries. • Process automation at Karmachari kallayan Board • Process automation and network connectivity for jail • Process automation at Dhaka DC office • Process automation at Jamalpur DC office • LAN setup and connectivity among Ministries based at

Bangladesh Secretariat. • Update of ADP database and establishment of GIS at

planning Commission • President’s office automation • E-Government Initiatives National data Resource Center • Digital town • ICT Training to the Government officials. • Video-conferencing

(28) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Web address: http://probashi.gov.bd/ Agencies & its website: Bureau of Manpower, Employment & Training (BMET): No website Bangladesh Overseas Employment & Services Ltd. (BOESL): No website Association of Recruiting Agencies engaged in Manpower Export (BAIRA): No website Connectivity: LAN and internet connection is available. 21 district offices of the ministry are connected with dial system. Software & hardware issue: The ministry is equipped with 6 Computers and 6 UPS. ICT related Projects: Under the E-Governance many activities have been taken to strengthen the role of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. These initiatives are:

1. Web based e-governance application and interactive website for expertise welfare and overseas development. The main objectives of the programme to develop website, to give hardware support and training.

2. BMIT Computer Database Network Establishment. The main objective of the praogramme is to increase the accountability in the ministry and build networking among the Biman offices and dist offices.

3. Web based E-Governance application and interactive website for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment. The main objectives of the programme to develop website, to give hardware support and training.

4. Bangladesh Overseas and Services. The main objective of the programme I to modernize and mobilize the activities of recruitment in BOESEL.

In addition, the ministry already conducted ICT related training activities for the officers and employees.


(29) Name of the Ministry: Ministry of Establishment Web address: www.moestab.gov.bd Connectivity: Ministry of Establishment is running a Local Area Network (LAN) system. The officers working under the ministry located in different location of the ministry are the basic user of the LAN. For setup a LAN in the ministry all the sections are using the required Hardware and Software. The ministry is also providing Internet services for Minister, State Minister, Dy. Minister and Secretaries to all ministries and divisions. ICT related projects and activities: Data of the officers of Bangladesh Civil Service (Admn) & other cadre officers who are posted as DS or JS or Additional Secretary or Secretary have been computerized from their Personnel Data Sheet (PDS). Data of above officers are continuously being updated to take into account the following factors:

o Posting/Transfer of officers. o Promotion of officers. o Local and Foreign training of officers. o Joining report of officers. o Foreign travel of officers. o Change in academic qualifications. o Disciplinary actions etc.

• The Government of Bangladesh took up a Project named PMIS/MSW comprising three major components i.e. (1) PMIS (2) MSW including planning cell and (3) Strengthening the Secretariat Library with its documentation cell. As a result the Public Administration Computer Center (PACC) has been established, Planning cell has been created and a library with modern reading facilities has been established.The major objectives of the Project PMIS/MSW phase-I has been successfully achieved and significant development in the administrative skill of the Ministry of Establishment has improved by using computer facilities.

• The PACC was established in 1984 with the objective of strengthening the personal management services of the Ministry of Establishment (MOE) by using computer. A systematic database was designed for proper recruitment, training, placement and promotion of the public servants on merit. The main objectives of the PACC are :

o To strengthen the MOE by computerizing the latest data related to the

personnel matters of officers under its control, o To collect, analyze, evaluate and store data in the computer and use the

same for prompt decision-making, o To reduce the load of file work, simplify the complicated and outdated

procedures and evolve an effective personnel management information system.

• To perform the objectives a mini network of 24 users was established in the

PACC with terminals in the different high officials' desk including the Prime Ministers Office. Presently the network of the PACC has been extended upto the Divisional Commissioners' office. The following broad activities are being performed in the PACC:

a) Personnel Management Information System (PMIS). b) Census of Civil Posts. c) Computer Training Activities. d) Technical advice to Ministries/Divisions, Departments etc


e) Website and Internet Service Computer Training Activities: Establishment Ministry is running various types of computer training course for various levels of govt. officials. For this training programme ministry has a training center and various training equipments including 12 stand alone microcomputers. Future Plan and activities: Ministry of Establishment has an aim to computerize all collectorate and its linked offices. In this connection, ministry has been taken a project as a model to computerize Gagipur District Collectorate. The Ministry of Establishment had allocated public fund from the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (GOB) toward the "Modernization and Computerization of Collectorate and its Offices" and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this fund to payments under the contract for Application Software Development at Deputy Commissioner's Office, Gazipur.

The main objective was to develop CD-ROM Based Imaged Land Record

System having viewing, printing and Land Records Information and Administration Service facilities. The application software was developed using Oracle 9i under Windows 2003 Server and the data entry of all historical data into the databases to run the systems full functional. Database is capable of using Unicode complaints Bengali and English. Developed applications are n-tier architecture for Web enabled user interface. Also latest version of Internet Developer Suit (IDS) was used for front-end development.

The following E_Government Applications was developed by the Consultant at Deputy Commissioner's Office Gazipur:

(a) Land Records & Land Management Systems.

(b) Judicial information Management Systems.

(c) Arms Management systems.

(d) Development Project Management Systems.

(e) Personnel Information Management Systems. (f) Web-Site Development. (g) Other Daily Tasks Management Systems.

*** The report of ICT status of different ministries has prepared on the basis of replies of a quetionanire which was sent by principal Secretary to the Secretaries of all ministries. In this report the information would be updated if any information of any ministries would be available in future.


Annex 3: Name & Status of SICT project Name of the project Implementing Authority Status

Process Automation at GM

North’s Office Ministry of Post and Telecommunication

Completed

Online Daily Market Price Ministry of Agriculture Completed Online Public Exams Results and Education

Statistics

Ministry of Education Completed

Interactive Website Ministry of Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment

Completed

Interactive Website Ministry of Labor and Employment Completed Connectivity and Process

Automation Connectivity and Process

Automation Completed

Interactive Website the Ministry of Land Completed Land Record Archiving at Manikganj Record Room

Ministry of Land Completed

Process Automation Board of Investment Completed Hardware, Software and

Connectivity Special Security Force Completed

Interactive Website Cabinet Division Completed Automation of Result

Processing Public Service Commission Completed

Office Automation Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Completed ICT Training to the Government Officials

Ministry of planning Completed

Process Automation Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute

On going

Process Automation Post Office On going Video-Conferencing Ministry of planning On going e-Police Ministry of Home On going

Backbone Connectivity with Armed Forces Division Computer Center with PM Office and Allied Support

Ministry of planning On going

IT System Development and Interactive Website

River Research Institute On going

Process Automation Fisheries Research Institute On going Interactive Website Ministry of Liberation War Affairs On going Interactive Website Ministry of Civil Aviation and

Tourism On going

Interactive Website Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs

On going

Interactive Website Rural Development and Cooperative Division

On going

Interactive Website Ministry of Industries On going Interactive Website

Supreme Court On going


Hardware, Software and Connectivity

President’s Guard Regiment On going

LAN Setup and Connectivity among

Ministries

Bangladesh Secretariat On going

Process Automation and Network Connectivityi Jail

Ministry of planning On going

Update of ADP Database and establishment of GIS

Facility

Bangladesh Planning Commission On going

Digital Town On going Interactive Website Bangladesh Sugar and Food

Industries Corporation On going

Process Automation Water Development Board On going Process Automation Dhaka DC Office On going Process Automation Bangladesh Government Staff

Welfare Board On going

Process Automation Ministry of Housing and Public Works and its Subordinate Offices

On going

Office Automation with Hardware

VSAT in BPATC On going

e-Government initiatives for process automation

Department of Narcotics Control On going

e-Government system Sylhet Divisional Headquarter On going e-Government system Jamalpur DC office On going e-Government system Sherpur DC office On going Interactive Website National Savings Directorate On going

e-Governance Application Ministry of Commerce On going e-Governance Application WARPO On going e-Government initiatives Ministry of Power, Energy and

Minerals Resources On going

e-Governance Application Forest Research Institute On going Establishment of Computer Lab at National Institute

Local Government (NILG) On going

e-Governance National Security Intelligence (NSI) On going President’s Office Automation

On going

GIS Software Development Fisheries Department On going Interactive Website Vashani Navo-theatre under the

Ministry of Science & Information & Communication

on going

Hardware support Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics On going Hardware support training centre of Bangladesh

Biman On going

e-Government Initiatives National Data Resource Center On going


Annex 4: ICT Initiatives of Bangladesh Government in Annual Development Programme (ADP)

(From 2004-2005 to 2006-2007 Fiscal year)

Serial No.

Project Name

Implementing Organization

Development Partner

Ministry

Project Expenditure (unit : lakh Taka)

Fiscal Year

1

Establish 2,66,000 Digital Telephone Lines (transform 76,000 Lines )

B.T.T.B ---- Post and Tele-communication

175450 (70771)

2004-2005

2

Establish High Capacity Optical Fiber with Spar Transmission Link

B.T.T.B Post and Tele-communication

10254 (4176)

2004-2005

3

Establish/ Expansion of Digital Telephone Exchange in Different Districts in Bangladesh

B.T.T.B China Post and Tele-communication

163378 (108155)

2004-2005

4

International Telecommunication System Establishment through Sub-Marianne.

B.T.T.B I.D.B Post and Tele-communication

65702 (53382)*

2004-2005

5

Establishment of Digital Radio link & Digital telephone Exchange in Tribal Chittagong

B.T.T.B Supplier Fund

Post and Tele-communication

9519 (5787)

2004-2005

6

Introducing Internet Service in every district of Bangladesh urgently

B.T.T.B Post and Tele-communication 2171

2004-2005

7

Establish Upazilla and Growth Center Digital Telephone Exchange


38173

(15783)

2004-2005

8

Establish Digital Telephone Exchange in Metropolitan City and Important Cities


38173

(36054)

2004-2005

9 Establish Digital Telephone Exchange in

B.T.T.B UDCF, South Korea

Post and Tele-communication 33541

2004-2005


Chittagong, Khulna and Sykhet.

(15000)

10

10 lakh T&T Mobile B.T.T.B


79695

(51088)

2004-2005

11

Establish Radio Link In Different Upazilla in Bangladesh


2726

(1700)

2004-2005

12

Establish Digital Telephone Exchange in Karaniganj of Dhaka District


2715

(2057)

2004-2005

13

Introducing Pre-Paid Service By BTTB B.T.T.B


1819

(1220)

2004-2005

14

Collecting and Establish Automatic Letter Sorting machine For Bangladesh Post Division

Bangladesh Post Office

Post and Tele-communication 2820

2004-2005

14

Establishment of a Computer Institute in Feni District

Department of Vocational Education

------------ Education 2414 2004-2005

15

Establishment 0f Science & Technology University in 12 district (where there is no University)

University Grant Commission (UGC)

-------- Education 9057 2004-2005

16

Computerization of the Examination System of Bangladesh Technical Education

Ministry of Education

------- Education 393 2004-2005

17

Introducing Computer Science Course in Class Nine in Selected High School

Ministry of Education

Education 5308 2004-2005

18

Engineering Stuff College, Bangladesh

Public Work Department

Housing and Public Works

994 2004-2005

19 Expanding and greater development of

University Grants Commiss

Education 39495 (14018)

2004-2005


Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Dhaka BTI.

ion

20

Greater Development of University Grants Commission and University Resource Center

University Grants Commission

Education 508 2004-2005

21

Establish the infrastructure of Military Institute of Science and Technology in Mirpur Cantonment

Bangladesh Army Headquarter

Defense 3500 2004-2005

22

MIS Health and Services and Personnel

Health and Nutrition

Health and Family Welfare

2256 2004-2005

Information, Education and Communication (F P)

Family Planning


3040 2004-2005

23

MIS Health and Services and Personnel (F P)

Family Planning


955 2004-2005

24

Introducing Modern DVD Technology in Film and Publication department

Film and Publication Department

Information 1279 2004-2005

25

Introducing Digital technology in BFDC

Bangladesh Film Development Corporation

Information 1961 2004-2005

26

Establishment of technology Expansion Cell

Ministry of Science and Information & Communication Technology

Science and Information & Communication Technology

446 2004-2005

27

Development of Invented/prepared Projects by Young Scientist

National Science and Technology Museum


150 2004-2005

28

Permanent Storage Project of Rare District records of

Department of National Archive &

-------- Cultural Affairs 68 2004-2005


National Archive through Computerization

Library

29

Strengthen the Computer Training Centre of Department of Women Affairs and Establishment of Computer unit in District level.

Department of Women Affairs

---------- Women and Children Affair

543 2005-2006

30

Establishment of Computer Network in Local Government Division

Local Government Division

-------- LGRD 163 2004-2005

31

Development of Information & Communication Technology System of Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister’s Office

----------


296 (15)

2004-2005

32

Strengthen the Bangladesh Computer Council

Bangladesh Computer Council (B.C.C)

-----


2329 2004-2005

33

Development of Infrastructure for IT Application in Bangladesh


----------


1392 2004-2005

34 Support to ICT Task Force Program

Ministry of Planning

------


8316 (100)

2004-2005

35

E.U/ South Asia Intellectual Properties Rights Co-operation Project for Bangladesh

Department of Patent, Design & Trade Mark

E.U Industries 425 (375)

2004-2005

36

Strengthening the Policy Formulation Capacities of Ministry of Post & Telecommunication

Ministry of Post & Telecommunication

I.D.A Post & Tele-communication

2296 (1785)

2004-2005

37

The study on Urban Information Management for Greater Dhaka

Department of Bangladesh Statistics

JICA Planning 2249 (2100)

2004-2005


City

38

Strengthening the Regularity Capacity of BTRC.

B.T.R.C I.D.A Post & Tele-communication

5825 (3610)

2004-2005

39

Computerization of Project Account Manual, Development of Asset Management & Reforming Project Audit Methodology

Finance Division

------ Establishment 290 2004-2005

40

Strengthening the ICT Capacity of the Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister’s Office

UNDP Prime Minister’s Office

99 (99)

2005-2006

41

Bangladesh Korea Institute of Information & Communication Technology


KOIKA


901 (580)

2005-2006

42

Assistance to SICT for Strengthening Planning Division , ERD,IMED Trough ICT

Planning Division

UNDP


1520 2005-2006

43

Pre-Paid Metering Pilot Skim

Bangladesh Power development Board

D.R.G.A Power, Energy and Mineral Resources

3383 (2565)

2005-2006

44

Computer Training Project for Women on District basis (10 centers)

National Women Organization

------


257 2005-2006

45 Computerization of the Office of Register Joint Stock Companies & Firms

Commerce Ministry

Australia Commerce 452 2005-2006

46

Strengthening the Institutional Capacity of BTRC.

B.T.R.C UNDP Post and Tele-communication

245 2005-2006

47

Development of Small Business

Science and

Science and Information &

82 2005-2006


ICT Strategies for Bangladesh

Information & Communication

Communication Technology

48 Strengthen the Agricultural Information System

Agricultural Information Service

------- Agriculture 1500 2006-2007

49 Survey of Bangladesh Textile Industries to Update Database/MIS & Asses the Requirement of Textile Technologist of Different Level

Department of Textile

------ Industries 90 2006-2007

50 Information, Education & Communication

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

I.D.A, U.N.F.P.A


11176 (2040)

2006-2007

51 Strengthening Capacity to Generate Information on Forest Resources

Department of Forestry

F.A.O Agriculture 270 (91)

2006-2007

52 Environmental Monitoring Information Network for Water Resources

Water Resource Planning Organization (WRPO)

Canadian CIDA

Water Resources 1723 (1440)

2006-2007

53 Strengthening Capacity of BBS in Data Collection & Analysis Using GIS Maps

Bangladesh Statistics Bureau

U.N.F.P.A Health and Family Welfare

581 (14)

2006-2007

54 Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) Readiness Assessment & Implementation Plan

Implementation Monitor & Evaluation Division

I.D.A Establishment 76 (47)

2006-2007

55 Computerization of Police Stations

Department of Police

------ Home 2700 2006-2007

56 Strengthening Capacity of BBS in Data Collection and Analysis using GIS Maps

Bangladesh Statistics Bureau

UNFPA Health and Family Welfare

581 (14)

2006-2007

57 Modernization and Automation Project of NBR

I.R.D I.D.A Finance 2476 (1845)

2006-2007

58 Strengthening the Parliame Denmark Parliament 7762 2006-


* Bracketed Amount is Foreign Fund

Parliamentary Democracy.

nt Secretariat

, DFID, Netherlands, UNDP

Secretariat (4992) 2007

59 Strengthening the BANSDOC

BANSDOC

------- MOSICT 784 (9)

2006-2007


Annex: 5 Scope for ICT Initiatives of Bank in Bangladesh 1. Name of the bank: Agrani Bank Web address: www.agranibank.org Work implemented: 19 ATMs are established in different places in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet which helps persons avoid risk or carrying cash. ATM Card Holders can draw cash from any ATM location and also enjoy other services like paying variety utility bills like those of BTTB, AKTEL and Grameen Phone through ATM service. Current activities: Seven important branches of Agrani Bank in Dhaka city is integrated as a 'composite network' with Micro Wave Radio Link. Account Holder of any of the seven branches can deposit/credit cash or checks, draw cash, make money transfer, collect Statement of Account, and enquire present balance etc. at any of the networked branches. Seven networked branches in Dhaka city are: Principal branch, Ramna branch, Dhaka, Purana Paltan branch, Amin Court branch, Foreign Exchange branch, Dhaka Jatiya Press Club branch, Dhaka, BAF branch. Future plan : Provisions for payment of utility bills of DESA, WASA, TITAS gas and other organizations through ATM cards, completion of the electronic of the electronic banking project by the end of 2008 when it will be highly updated and integrated for electronic utility bill payment system. 2. Name of the bank: Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited Web address: www.bcbl-bd.com No online facility is available in BCB. They have no relevant future planning within 1 year. 3. Name of the Bank: Bangladesh Krishi bank Web address: www.krishibank.org.bd Work implemented: Bangladesh Krishi Bank started its ICT journey back in 1987 with two personal computers (PC) installing in its head office. Recently BKB has computerized its different accounting, lending and personnel activities by establishing a “Computer Cell” in the Head Office. The Cell is enriched with one Mini Computer system, one Local Area Network (LAN) system and good number of PC’s. Skilled and well trained officers from scholastic background are posted here to run the cell efficiently. Current activities: The bank has also computerized different activities like clearing house, book keeping and accounting, weekly position, scheduled bank statistics (SBS), classification of loan, follow-up, reconciliation of inter-branch transactions, employees provident fund account, preparation of statement for credit information bureau (CIB) and other necessary statements for various purposes. Now all the departments of the head Office are equipped with computer, activities of which are being monitored by the Computer Department. Future plan: Bangladesh Krishi Bank has launched a five years computerization plan under which 28 selected branches are computerized in the first phase and the computerization process will continue in future. Many precautionary measures have been taken to increase the efficiency and efficacy of the banking activities. Additional tools like money-counting machine and additional counters for utility service have been set in different branches so as to ensure better and quick services


to the customers. The traditional system of banking will be transformed into electronic and internet system of banking as much as possible. In line with government policy more rural branches/booths will be opened in the remote areas to facilitate smooth supply of agricultural credit. 4. Name of the bank: Bangladesh Shilpa Bank Web address: www.shilpabank.gov.bd Bangladesh Shilpa Bank has a website but they have no IT driven activities. 5. Name of the bank: Bank Asia Limited Web address: www.bankasia-bd.com Current activities: Bank Asia symbolizes modern banking with innovative services in Bangladesh. They are providing online banking, ATM Support, SMS and net banking services in the country. This technology based services also provide fund transfer through the internet, debit/credit card facility and free SMS message for special type of withdrawal from customers account time to time. Bank Asia has launched its M-Banking Product “THUMBPAY” which allows customers to access their bank accounts from their Mobile Phone. This service is currently available to AKTEL subscribers only. SMS Push and Pull services are available for Grameen Phone and City Cell subscribers by which a client will get a message within 5-10 seconds if any amount is debited or credited from client’s account. Through internet Banking Customers can access account to view and print the balance and account statement for last 20 (twenty) transactions. The Bank conducts its operations through twenty four (24) branches in the country. Bank Asia customers have access to 21 ATMs as a member of ETN. The Bank has already set up its own ATM machine at 6 corresponding branches and is also in the process of setting up its own ATM network at every focused point in the city with a view of providing retail banking services. 6. Name of the bank: BASIC Bank Limited (Bank of Small Industries and Commerce) Web address: www.basicbankbd.com The bank has no online or IT related facilities. 7. Name of the Bank: BRAC Bank Web Address: www.bracbank.com Current activities: BRAC bank has initiated simple & convenient SMS and internet banking. SMS service is available for both Grameen Phone and AKTEL subscribers.38 ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) & POS (Point of Sales) networks have been established. Future plan: More than 50 ATMs booth will be established within 2007. 8. Name of the bank: City Bank Ltd Web address: www.asia.citibank.com/bangladesh (Citibank has no individual website. But there is a website about the city group where information on City Bank is available.)


Current activities: Citibank provides the facilities of online banking by which customer can do banking operations from anywhere around the world with connectivity to CitiDirect Online Banking. The City bank has online facilities in 30 branches. City Bank have already set up 2 ATM booths. 9. Name of the bank: Dhaka Bank Limited Web address: www.dhakabankltd.com Current activities: Dhaka Bank initiated SMS Banking with the subscribers of Grameen phone. With SMS banking, customers can get the services: utility bill payment, balance Inquiry, statement request, cheque book Request, stop cheque and cheque status inquiry. Grameen subscribers can pay their online payment through internet banking. Dhaka bank has no own ATM booth but customers can use different ATM booths for their purposes. Recently Dhaka bank has negotiated with E Bank Consortium so that card holders can have the facilities of E-cash. Dhaka Bank also has provided the facilities of credit card to the customers. 10. Name of the bank: Dutch Bangla Bank Limited Web address: www.dutchbanglabank.com Work implemented: Installation of 149 ATMs. 650 POS terminals is established for online payment of shopping bills. Current activities: DBBL introduced SMS banking system by which the customer can perform many online banking transactions from their home, office or cyber-café. Utility bills can be paid using debit/credit card at any ATM of DBBL. DBBL also provide the facilities of internet banking system. 11. Name of the bank: Eastern Bank Limited Web Address: www.ebl-bd.com Work Implemented: EBL is using software M- Switch, the first of its type in Bangladesh. They can function any sort of work within its network independently using this software. High Speed DDN and Radio Link connectivity is using between Branches and the Head Office. Local Area Network (LAN) is providing data network connectivity at the Head Office and the branches. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is connecting the Dhk branches with HO, Ctg branches with Agrabad and Syl branches with Chouhatta. Wide Area Network (WAN) is enabling the data network circle between Head Office and the branches. Current activities: Eastern Bank Limited Bangladesh provides online banking services. Customers can paid the bill of GP post-paid phone, T & T bill, and salary of Scholastica School through using internet banking. Eastern Bank have 50 ATM booths and plans to extend it 100 in numbers within the year 2007. Future plan: EBL will provide the facilities of e-commerce Banking, EBPP Services, E-Banking Facility, e commerce Transaction. EBL has a plan to introduce the e-Commerce banking through providing the following services:

• Customers can buy mobile pre-paid card through using the mobile phone • Customers can open L/C using internet banking. • Customers can transfer the fund using internet banking. • The rate of foreign exchange will be provided to customers.


12. Name of the bank: EXIM Bank Limited Web address: www.eximbankbd.com Current activities: The bank is currently providing credit card service (MasterCard) to the privileged customers in collaboration with Prime Bank. Floating VISA card for both debit and credit card service is under process. 13. Name of the bank: IFIC Bank Limited Web address: www.ificbankbd.com Current activities: IFIC Bank Limited has recently introduced online banking in Gulshan Branch. They have a plan to extend the facilities in other branches. IFIC Bank Limited is running the opportunities of credit card and debit card. IFIC Bank Limited has 3 ATMs booth and many of the ATM booths of different bank are being used by the IFIC customers. 14. Name of the bank: Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd Web address: www.islamibankbd.com Current Activities: Islami Bank Bangladesh has ATM booths providing the facilities of withdraw or deposit cash or cheque as well as pay utility bills like those of BTTB, Grameen, AKTEL, City Cell Phone, DESA, WASA, TITAS etc. The service is now offered by ETN and eleven member banks including Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited. Now IBBL E-cash card holders can be paid their monthly installment of Mudaraba Hajj Savings, MSS (Pension), Mudaraba Muhor Savings and HDS schemes of IBBL through ATM. Customers may know their present balance at any time from the machine. Future plan: EBBL has a plan to provide the facilities of POS (Point of Sale). 15. Name of the bank: Jamuna Bank Ltd Web address: www.jamunabankbd.com Current activities: Jamuna Bank now receives Grameen Phone and Banglalink mobile bills through its 29 online branches located at Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Gazipur, Bogra, Naogaon, Narayanganj and Munshigonj. Jamuna Bank Limited has introduced its online banking on April 05, 2005.Customers can also enjoy 24 hours banking service through ATM card from any of Q-cash ATMs located in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Sylhet and Bogra. 16. Name of the bank: Janata Bank Web address: www.janatabank-bd.com Work implemented: Janata Bank has launched a credit scheme titled “Financing Computer Software Development & Data Export” to hasten the growth of information technology and to attract young energetic IT professional. Current activities: Janata Bank has internet banking services which is limited only one branch. Presently Janata Bank and other Q-cash Consortium member Banks can serve their customers through 65 ATMs. Besides Janata Bank ATMs, a Q-cash (ATM) Card holder can enjoy the facilities of all ATMs belonging to all Consortium Banks located in Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna , Sylhet, Bogra, Cox-Bazar, Sirajgonj, and Munshigonj. The bank also provides the facilities of payment of utility services to the customers through ready cash like gas bills of Titas, Bakhrabad and Jalalabad Gas Transmission and Distribution Companies, electricity bills of Dhaka Electricity Supply Authority, Dhaka Electricity Company, Bangladesh Power Development Board and Rural Electrification Board, telephone


bills of Telegraph and Telephone Board, water/sewerage bills of Water and Sewerage Authority, municipal holding tax of the City Corporation/municipalities. 17. Name of the bank: Mercantile Bank Limited Web address: www.mblbd.com Current activities: Online Banking has been activated in 32 (Thirty Two) branches of the Bank from January 01, 2006. 50 ATM booths have been installed in different places of Bangladesh. 18. Name of the Bank: Mutual Trust Bank Limited Web address: www.mutualtrustbank.com Work implemented: All the branches of the Mutual Trust Bank (except two rural branches) are connected with the central server at its Head Office through Radio Link of 3.5 frame relay network and fiber optics provided by the country's leading data communication service provider X-Net Limited, a joint venture company with GrameenPhone. The Bank has recently adopted V-SAT communication system to bring its rural branches under the online branch banking facilities. The V-SAT connectivity is being provided by Square Informatics Ltd. Mutual Bank is using Microsoft's enterprise version of SQL Server 2000 as data reservoir, the software ensures the highest level of security at application, network, database and operating systems level ascertaining the confidentiality and security of customer's personal and account's information. Current Activities: Mutual Trust Bank is a pioneering among its competitors in providing real time online banking facilities to its customers. Future Plan: Mutual Trust Bank Limited has a plan to launch debit card facilities within the 2nd week of August, 2007. They have a plan to provide the facilities of payment of utility bill services. 19. Name of the bank: National Bank Limited Web address: www.nblbd.com Current activities: National Bank Limited has 8 ATM booths. The bank also has Q cash services. Future plan: National Bank Limited has a future plan to introduce the online services. 20. Name of the bank: National Credit & Commerce Bank Ltd Web address: www.nccbank-bd.com Current activities: NCC Bank is extending ATM facility through E-Cash shared ATM Network. The number of ATM facility through E-Cash shared Network is 18 which are located in Dhaka and Sylhet. NCC Bank is currently providing on-line banking services. 21. Name of the bank: One Bank Limited Web address: www.onebankbd.com Current Activities: ONE Bank Limited offers online banking 'Any Branch' banking service that facilitates its customers to deposit, withdraw and transfer funds through the counters of any of its branches within the country.


Future Plan: The Bank will provide a state-of-the-art technology banking such as Any Branch Banking, ATM services, home-banking, tele-banking, mobile-banking etc. 22. Name of the bank: Premier Bank Limited Web address: www.premierbankltd.com Current activities: premier bank has online and SMS banking services. The bank already set up Wide Area Network using Radio, Fibre-Optics & other available communication systems to provide any branch banking to customers. Future plan: The bank has a plan to install ATMs around the country .A robust banking software will be implemented for the total banking operation. 23. Name of the bank: Prime Bank Ltd Web address: www.prime-bank.com Current activities: The Bank has set up a Wide Area Network (WAN) across the country to provide online branch banking facility to its clients. GP subscribers can pay their bill. In addition students from different private universities can pay their tuition fee from their bank account sending a request. Prime bank customers can use the ATM of Dutch Bangla Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. Future Plan: Prime bank Ltd. has a plan to introduce internet and SMS banking within 2008. Also they plan to establish own ATM booth. 24. Name of the bank: Pubali Bank Limited Web address: www.pubalibangla.com Current activities: Establishment of 3 ATM booths. Future plan: The bank plans to introduce online banking, internet & SMS banking. The bank has already declared the launch of Debit card. 25. Name of the bank: Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank Web address: www.rakub.org.bd Current activities: There is no ICT initiative in Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank Future plan: In the near future online connectivity would be applicable for central bank's other return/statements. Besides, the concept of e-Government is also coming up. Under the circumstances the Bank has revised an elaborate Perspective ICT (information and communication technology) Plan: 2006-2010. RKUB has a plan to provide online services to the customers, computerization of 353 branches and all other controlling offices. The Bank has instantaneously responded to the central bank's efforts of computerization of scheduled banks statistics (SBS), borrower’s information i.e. credit information bureau (CIB) reports and clearing house activities. 26. Name of the bank: Rupali Bank Limited Web address: www.rupali-bank.com Current activities: Rupali Bank Ltd. offers some special services to customers in addition to its normal banking operation. Collection of various utility bills is one of them. Under this service, the Bank benefited customers by collecting their various


utility bills such as telephone bill, water & sewerage bills, electricity bills free of charge. To modernize banking operation and ensure prompt services, major branches of the bank have already been computerized. Other important branches are in the process of computerization. 27. Name of the bank: Shahjalal Bank Limited Web address: www.shahjalalbank.com.bd Current activities: Shahjalal Bank Limited offers online and Mobile banking i,e SMS/Push pull service for customers in 21 branches. In addition, Grameen Phone subscribers availing the service to pay their bills, advances, security deposit and other related charges through all branches of Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited. 3 ATMs have already been established. Customers can use different booths and POS. 28. Name of the bank: Social Investment Bank Ltd. Web address: www.siblbd.com Current activities: Recently the Bank has introduced online banking amongst 20 branches of SIBL. SIBL has introduced E-Cash ATM Debit Card service since June 2004 through E-Cash ATM booths within Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Cox's Bazar. Customer can pay Grameen, Aktel and City Cell mobile phone bill through E-Cash ATM Booths. 29. Name of the bank: Sonali Bank Web address: www.sonalibank.com.bd Current activities: Sonali Bank started "Sonali Bank Ready Cash Card Service". Cardholders can easily pay utility bills like - water, telephone and gas etc. Only computerized branches of Dhaka City will deal with Ready Cash Card. Branches of other cities and towns will introduce Sonali Bank Ready Cash Card in due course. Sonali Bank has recently initiated long term and short term credit facilities on

easier terms to set up and run IT based projects. 30. Name of the bank: South East Bank Limited Web address: www.southeastbank-bangladesh.com Current activities: South East Bank has online banking in every branch. GP and Banglalink subscribers have the facilities to pay their bills. South East bank has no ATM of its own but customers can access ATMs negotiated with the bank. . Future plan: The Bank has plans to introduce internet and SMS banking within 3 months. 31. Name of the bank: Standard Bank Limited Web address: www.standardbankbd.com Current activities: Standard Bank Limited has already introduced online Banking service in 10 branches. Future plan: The bank has a plan to introduce internet banking facilities. 32. Name of the Bank: Standard Chartered Bank Ltd. Web address: www.standardchartered.com.bd


Current Activities: The bank has provided internet banking, online banking and SMS banking. In addition, the bank provides the auto bill payment facilities for Grameen phone, Aktel and Citycell subscribers. Customers can pay the utility bill such as telephone bills, electricity bills, and gas bills using the ATM cards, debit cards. More than 30 ATMs booths have already been established. 33. Name of the Bank: United Commercial Bank Ltd Web address: www.ucbl.com Current activities: UCB Ltd. has already introduced online and SMS banking services for its customers. The bank has credit card facilities. 34. Name of the Bank: The Trust Bank Ltd Web address: www.trustbankbd.com Current activities: The Trust bank has the facilities of tele banking. customer gets the facilities through tele banking - balance enquiry,exchange rate Enquiry ,request for account statements , enquiry on our products & services ,change of account address , renewal of fixed deposit, account opening assistance.


Annex: 6 Questionanire

e-Government Survey for Citizens Access To Information (A2I) Programme, BGD/06/005

Chief Adviser’s Office, Tejgaon, Dhaka This survey is designed to scan the status of e-Governance in Bangladesh that would provide a general idea about the role of your organisation regarding e-Governance.

Name Age Gender Occupation Address Area Tel

Email

ACCESS

1. Do you have access to a mobile phone/land phone? Yes � No � 2. Where is the mobile phone located? ………………………………… 3. How far is the mobile phone? …………. 4. What do you use the mobile phone for? Rank your uses and the number of

times per month you use it for that reason. a. _______________________________________________________________

__

b. _______________________________________________________________

__

c. _______________________________________________________________

__

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

5. How much money do you spend to use the phone every month?

……………………. 6. Are you happy with the pricing of the phone service? Yes � No � 7. If no, what should be pricing policy?

……………………………………………………………. 8. Do you have access to a computer? Yes � No � 9. Where is the computer located? ………………………………… 10. How far is the computer? ………….

Rank #times/month

Rank #times/month


11. What do you use the computer for? Rank your uses.

a. _____________________________________________________________

___

b. _____________________________________________________________

____

c. _________________________________________________________________

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

12. How much money do you spend to use the computer every month?

……………………. 13. Are you happy with the pricing of the computer service? Yes � No � 14. If no, what should be pricing policy?

……………………………………………………………. 15. Do you watch TV? Yes � No � 16. Where do you watch it? …………………………………… 17. How many hours/week do you watch TV? ………….. 18. What are your favourite channels?

…………………………………………………………… 19. What are your favourite TV programs? Please Rank them. a. _________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

20. What type of programs would you like to see more? Please Rank them. a. _________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

21. Do you listen to radio? Yes � No � 22. Where do you listen to it? …………………………………… 23. How many hours/week do you listen to radio? ………….. 24. What are your favourite stations?

…………………………………………………………… 25. What are your favourite radio programs? Please Rank them. f. _________________________________________________________________

g. _________________________________________________________________

h. _________________________________________________________________


i. _________________________________________________________________

j. _________________________________________________________________

26. What type of programs would you like to listen to more? Please Rank them. f. _________________________________________________________________

g. _________________________________________________________________

h. _________________________________________________________________

i. _________________________________________________________________

j. _________________________________________________________________

SERVICES

1. What are the important services your take from the Government? Please Rank them. What is the average time required to get a service? What is the average cost spent in obtaining the service including transportation cost?

a. ________________________________________________________________

b. ________________________________________________________________

_

c. ________________________________________________________________

_

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

2. What problem do you face in getting services or information from the Govt.? a. _________________________________________________________________

b. _________________________________________________________________

c. _________________________________________________________________

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

3. What would you suggest as possible measures to address these problems?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Rank Time Cost


_________________________________________________________________

4. How do you think ICT (computer, internet, mobile phone, TV, radio) could help in addressing these problems?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

5. Prioritize the following channels of information delivery as you feel best to

use for this country.

a. Internet

b. Telephone (mobile, land phone)

c. Print media

d. Electronic media (TV, radio, etc.)

Signature of Citizen


Bangla Version of the questionnaire

B-Mf‡g©›U Rwic bvMwiK‡ì Rb¨ G‡·m Uz Bbdi‡gkb (G Uz AvB) †cÖvMÖvg, wewRwW/06/005 cÖavb Dc‡`óvi Kvh©vjq, †ZRMuvI, XvKv|

bvg eqm gwnjv/ cyil

‡ckvv wVKvbv GjvKv ‡dvb/ B-‡gBj

wk¶vMZ †hvM¨Zv: gvwmK Avq: 3000 Gi wb‡P 3000-6000 6000-10000 10,000-15000 15,000-20,000 20,000-30,0000 30,000-45,0000 45,000-80,000 80 nvi Gi Ic‡i GK‡mm:

1. Avcwb wK j¨vÛ‡dvb/†gvevBj †dvb eënvi K‡ib? � n uv � bv 2. ‡gveBj †dvbwU wK Avcbvi wb‡Ri? bv n‡j Gi Ae ’vb †Kv_vq? KZ ~‡i?

............................................................................................. 3. ‡gveBj †dvb Avcwb wK Kv‡R eënvi K‡ib? µgvYymv‡i ‡gvevBj †dv‡bi eënvi Ges cÖwZgv‡m eënv‡ii Mo LiP

D‡j−L Ki“b| K. .............................................................................. L. .............................................................................. M. .............................................................................. N. .............................................................................. O. ..............................................................................

4. cÖwZgv‡m †gvevBj †dvb eënv‡i Avcbvi †gvU KZ UvKv e¨q nq? ... 5. ‡dvb ‡mevi `vg wb‡q wK Avcwb mš‘ó? � n uv � bv 6. hw` bv nq, g~j¨bxwZ wK nIqv DwPr? ................................................... 7. Avcwb wK Kw¤úDUvi eënvi K‡ib? � n uv � bv 8. Kw¤úDUviwU wK Avcbvi wb‡Ri? bv n‡j Gi Ae ’vb †Kv_vq? KZ ~‡i?

................................................................................................... 9. cÖwZgv‡m Kw¤úDUvi eënv‡i Avcbvi KZ UvKv e¨q nq? ... 10. Kw¤úDUv‡ii `vg wb‡q wK Avcwb mš‘ó? � n uv � bv 11. hw` bv nq, Gi g~j¨bxwZ wK nIqv DwPr? ................................................ 12. Avcwb wK B›Uvi‡bU eënvi K‡ib? 13. B›Uvi‡bU ms‡hvMwU wK Avcbvi wb‡Ri? bv n‡j †Kv_vq Avcwb B›Uvi‡bU eënvi K‡ib? KZ ~‡i?

........................................................................... 14. B›Uvi‡b‡Ui `vg wb‡q wK Avcwb mš‘ó? � n uv � bv 15. bv n‡j Gi `vg wKiKg n‡Z cv‡i? .. ........................... 16. B›Uvi‡b‡Ui eënv‡I gv‡m †gvU KZ mg‡qi Rb Avcbvi KZ UvKv LiP nq? . . . . . . . . 17. Kw¤úDUvi/B›Uvi‡bU Avcwb wK Kv‡R eënvi K‡ib? µgvYymv‡i D‡j−L Ki“b|

Kw¤úDUvi � K‡¤úvR

bs UvKv/gvm µg K L M N O


� †Mwgs

� we‡bv`b

� wnmve wbKvk

� cov‡kvbv

� eëmvwqK KvR

� ..................

� ...................

� ....................

� ....................

B›Uvi‡bU

� eªvDwRs

� B-‡gBj

� P¨vwUs

� eëmvwqK Kv‡R

� ..................

� ..................

� ..................

� ……………...

18. Avcwb wK wUwf †`‡Lb? � n uv � bv 19. Avcwb †Kv_vq wUwf †`‡Lb? ........................................................ 20. mßv‡n Avcwb KZN›Uv wUwf †`‡Lb? ............................................ 21. Avcbvi wcÖq wUwf P¨v‡bj †Kvb¸wj? ...................................................... 22. Avcbvi wcÖq wUwf Abyôvb †Kvb¸wj? cQ‡›ì µgvYymv‡i wjLyb|

� Lei

� bvUK

� UK †kv

� Mv‡bi Abyôvb

� bvP

� we‡bv`bg~jK

� K„wl wfËxK

� ...................

� ....................

� ....................

� ...................

� ..................

� ..................

23. Avcwb wK ai‡bi Abyôvb AviI †`L‡Z Pvb? µgvYymv‡i wjLyb|

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

24. Avcwb wK †iwWI ‡kv‡bb? � n uv � bv 25. Avcwb †Kv_vq †iwWI ‡kv‡bb? ........................................................ 26. mßv‡n Avcwb KZN›Uv †iwWI ‡kv‡bb? ........................................... 27. Avcbvi wcÖq †iwWI †÷kb †Kvb¸wj? ...................................................... 28. Avcbvi wcÖq ‡iwWI Abyôvb †Kvb¸wj? cQ‡›ì µgvYymv‡i wjLyb|

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ...............


29. ‡iwWI‡Z Avcwb AviI wK Abyôvb ïb‡Z Pvb? cQ‡›ì µgvYymv‡i wjLyb|

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ................

� ............... ‡mevmg~n: 1. miKvix †Kvb ¸i“Z¡c~Y© †mev¸wj Avcwb †bb? cQ‡›ì µgvbymv‡i wjLyb| cÖwZwU †mev †c‡Z M‡o KZ mgq jv‡M? †hvMv‡hvM e¨qmn cÖwZwU †mev †c‡Z Avcbv‡K M‡o KZ LiP Ki‡Z nq? µg ‡mev mgq LiP

2. miKvix Z_¨ ev †mev †c‡Z Avcbv‡K wK wK mgm¨vi m¤§yLxb n‡Z nq? 3. mvg‡_©i g‡a¨ mgm¨v¸wj mgvavb Ki‡Z Avcbvi civgk© wK? 4. Avcbvi g‡Z Z_¨ cÖhyw³ (Kw¤úDUvi, B›Uvi‡bU, †gvevBj ‡dvb, wUwf, ‡iwWI) GB mgm¨vejx mgvav‡b wK f~wgKv cvjb Ki‡Z cv‡i? 5. Avcbvi g‡Z wb‡Pi †Kvb Z_¨ I †hvM‡hvM gva¨g‡jv AMÖvwaKvi wfwË‡Z GB †`‡ki Rb¨ me©vwaK Dc‡hvMx?

K. B›Uvi‡bU � L. ‡Uwj‡dvb (†gvevBj, j¨vÛ †dvb) � M. wcÖ›U wgwWqv � N. B‡jKUªwbK wgwWqv (wUwf, †iwWI BZ¨vw`) �

ZvwiL : ............... gš—e¨:

m mg

x¶vKvixi

¯^v¶i

x¶vKvixi

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gx¶vKvixi


(b) e-Government Survey for DC Office Chief Adviser’s Office, Tejgaon, Dhaka

This survey is designed to scan the status of e-Government in Bangladesh that would provide a general idea about the role of your organisation regarding e-Government.

Full Name : Designation :

STATUS OF INFRASTUCTURAL SUPPORT 1. How many computers do you have in your office? …………………… 2. What are the computers used for? Check all that apply.

a. Administrative work � b. Training � c. Providing information to public � d. Email � e. Internet browsing � f. Other �

Explain …………………………………………….. …………………... 3. Do you have any existing LAN? Yes � No � 4. Do you have any internet connection? Yes � No � 5. What kind of connection do you have? Broadband � Dial Up � 6. Do you have any mail domain? Yes � No � 7. Domain Name …………………….

8. How many persons have access to internet at your office? ……………………..

9. No. of Officers ………… No. of Staffs …………..

10. Do you have any organizational database? Yes � No �

11. Who is responsible for maintenance and update?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. What is the database used for? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

13. What kind of content is stored in the database?


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

14. Do you have any organizational website? Yes � No � 15. What is the website address? _______________________________

16. Who is responsible for maintenance and update of the website?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17. What kind of content is stored on the website? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18. How often is the website updated? ……………………………………………………

e-GOVERNANCE 1. Below are some of the goals of e-Government. How much progress do you think your organisation has made towards attaining each goal?

A lot of progress

A fair amount of

progress

A little progress

Not much progress

No Progress

a) Save time for the Govt.

� � � � �

b) Save the cost of the Govt.

� � � � �

c) Save time for the citizen service

� � � � �

d) Save cost for the citizen

� � � � �

e) Reduce hassle for the citizen

� � � � �

f) Increase transparency

� � � � �

g) Saves time � � � � � h) Increase accountabilit

� � � � �


y

2. Overall, would you say that e-Government will have a positive or negative effect on the way that your organisation operates?

Very positive

�

Somewhat

positive �

Neutral

�

Somewhat

negative �

Very negative

�

3. What services do you feel people have the most problems with? Please Rank

them. f. _________________________________________________________________

g. _________________________________________________________________

h. _________________________________________________________________

i. _________________________________________________________________

j. _________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

6. Prioritize the following channels of information delivery as you feel best to use for this country.

e. Internet

f. Telephone (mobile, land phone)

g. Print media

h. Electronic media (TV, radio, etc.)

7. Of the factors below, which of them are hampering your organisation's ability to

deliver services through e-governance? Not at all A little Somewhat Quite a lot Greatly


a) Lack of infrastructure

� � � � �

b) Lack of high speed internet connection

� � � � �

c) Citizen's lack of access to internet resources

� � � � �

d) Citizen's lack of computer literacy, particularly in target populations

� � � � �

e) Lack of adequate training

� � � � �

f) Insufficient maintenance

� � � � �

g) Power failure � � � � � h) Lack of Bangla computing

� � � � �

i) Fear of change

� � � � �

8. Do you think change in the mind set of employees is important for effective

implementation of e-Government in your office? Yes � No � 9. If YES, what is your suggestion for the best enhancement of the employees’

mind set toward e-Government:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

10. If you would like to make any further comments, please do so below or attach a separate sheet. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

_____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

Signature of Authority

Date:


Bangla Version of the questionnaire B-Mf‡g©›U Rwic †Rjv cÖkvmK‡ì Rb¨ G‡·m Uz Bbdi‡gkb †cÖvMÖvg, wewRwW/06/005 cÖavb Dc‡`óvi Kvh©vjq, †ZRMuvI, XvKv| GB RwicwU evsjv‡`‡ki B-Mf‡g©‡›Ui eZ©gvb Ae ’v g~j¨vq‡bi Rb¨ cwiPvwjZ n‡”Q hv Avcbvi cÖwZôv‡b B-Mf©‡g‡›Ui f~wgKv m¤ú‡K© Z_¨ cÖ vb Ki‡e| c~Y© bvg : ........................................................ cèx : ....................................................... AeKvVv‡gvMZ myweavi Ae ’v

1. Avcbvi Awd‡m KqwU Kw¤úDUvi Av‡Q? ............................. 2. wK wK Kv‡R Kw¤úDUvi eënvi Kiv nq? (m¤¢ve¨ cQ‡›ì cv‡k wUK wPý w`b)

K. cÖkvmwbK KvR � L. cÖwk¶Y � M. RbMY‡K Z_¨ cÖ vb � N. B-‡gBj Av`vb cÖ vb � P. B›Uvi‡bU eënvi � Q. Ab¨vb¨ KvR � weeiY: ...........................................................................................

3. eZ©gv‡b Avcbvi wK †Kvb LAN ms‡hvM i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv 4. Avcbvi Awd‡m wK B›Uvi‡bU ms‡hvM i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv

5. Avcbvi ms‡hvMwU wK ai‡Yi? � eªWe¨Û � Wvqvj Avc

6. Avcbvi Awd‡m wK †Kvb †gBj †Wv‡gBb i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv

7. †Wv‡gB‡bi bvg (hw` _v‡K) : ............................

8. Avcbvi Awd‡m †gvU KZ Rb B›Ui‡bU eënvi K‡i? .. .. .. ......................... 9. B›Ui‡bU eënviKvix Kg©KZ©vi msL¨v: ............. Kg©xi msL¨v: ...................... 10. Avcbv‡ì wK †Kvb cÖvwZôvwbK Z_¨fvÊvi Av‡Q? � n uv � bv

11. G¸‡jvi nvjbvMv` I Dbœqb †K K‡i?

.............................................................................................................................................................

............................................................... 12. Z_¨ fvÊvi wK Kv‡R jv‡M?

.............................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................. 13. Z_¨fvÊv‡i wK ai‡Yi Z_¨ msi¶b Kiv nq?

.............................................................................................................................................................

...............................................................


14. Avcbvi cÖwZôv‡bi wK †Kvb I‡qemvBU Av‡Q? � n uv � bv 15. I‡qemvB‡Ui wVKvbv (hw` _v‡K) :......................................

16. I‡qemvB‡Ui nvjbvMv` I Dbœqb K‡i †K? ........................................................................................ 17. Avcbv‡ì I‡qemvB‡U wK ai‡Yi Z_¨ Av‡Q? ................................................................................... 18. KZw`b ci ci I‡qemvB‡Ui nvjbvMv` Kiv nq? ..............................................

B-Mfv‡b©Ý

1. wb‡P B-Mf‡g©‡›Ui wKQy j¶¨ †Ìqv Av‡Q| GB j¶¨¸wj AR©‡bi w`‡K Gig‡a¨ Avcbvi cÖwZôvb KZ ~i GwM‡q‡Q e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib?

me©vwaK mvaviY mvgvb¨ ‡Zgb †Kvb G‡Kev‡iB DbœwZ DbœwZ DbœwZ DbœwZ bq DbœwZ bq K. miKv‡ii mgq mvkªq � � � � � L. miKv‡ii e¨q ms‡KvPb � � � � � M. bvMwiK ‡mevi mgq mvkªq � � � � � N. bvMwiK ‡mevi e¨q ms‡¶cY � � � � � O. bvMwiK‡ì Sv‡gjv Kgv‡bv � � � � � P. ¯”QZv e„w× � � � � � Q. mgq mvkªq � � � � � R. Revew`wnZv e„w× � � � � �

2. m‡e©vcwi, Avcbvi cÖwZôv‡bi cwiPvjbvq B-Mf©‡g›U wK ai‡bi (BwZevPK ev †bwZevPK) fywgKv ivL‡e e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib?

� Lye fvj � †gvUvgywU fvj � Av‡Mi g‡ZvB � Lvivc � Lye Lvivc

3. ‡Kvb ai‡Yi †mev Lv‡Z Rbmvaib me©v‡c¶v mgm¨vi m¤§~Lxb nq? µgvYymv‡i wjLyb K. ................................................................................................. � L. ................................................................................................. � M. ................................................................................................. � N. ................................................................................................. � O. ................................................................................................. �

4. GB mgm¨v¸wj mgvav‡b Avcbvi civgk© wK? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................

5. Avcbvi g‡Z Z_¨ cÖhyw³ (Kw¤úDUvi, B›Uvi‡bU, †gvevBj ‡dvb, wUwf, ‡iwWI) GB mgm¨vejx mgvav‡b wK ai‡Yi mnvqZv Ki‡Q?

...........................................................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................

........................................................................................................................ 6. Avcbvi „wó‡Z wb‡Pi †Kvb Z_¨ gva¨g¸wj AMÖvwaKvi wfwË‡Z GB †`‡ki Rb¨ me©vwaK hyMc‡hvMx? (cQ‡›ì µgvbymv‡i)

K. B›Uvi‡bU � L. ‡Uwj‡dvb (†gvevBj, j¨vÛ †dvb) � M. wcÖ›U wgwWqv �


N. B‡jKUªwbK wgwWqv (wUwf, †iwWI BZ¨vw`) � 7. wb‡Pi †Kvb welq¸wj Avcbvi cÖwZôvb‡K B-Mf©‡b‡Ýi gva¨‡g †mev cÖ v‡b euvav m„wó Ki‡Q e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib?

‡gv‡UB bv mvgvb¨ ‡gvUvgywU ‡ewk A‡bK †ewk K. AeKvVv‡gvMZ NvUwZ � � � � � L. D”PMwZi B›Uvi‡b‡Ui Afve � � � � � M. RbM‡Yi B›Uvi‡b‡U Kg mshyw³ � � � � � N. RbM‡Yi we‡kl K‡i wPwýZ Rbmvavi‡Yi Kw¤úDUvi Áv‡bi Afve � � � � � O. Dchy³ cÖwk¶‡Yi Afve � � � � � P. Ach©vß i¶Yv‡e¶Y � � � � � Q. we` yr NvUwZ � � � � � R. evsjv Kw¤úDwUs‡qi Afve � � � � � S. cwieZ©b fxwZ � � � � �

8. Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib Avcbvi Awd‡m Kg©x‡ì gvbwmK Ae ’vi cwieZ©‡bi Rb¨ B-Mf©‡g›U cÖ‡qvRb? � n uv � bv

9. n uv n‡j, Kg©x‡ì gvbwmKZv B-Mf©‡g‡›Ui cÖwZ AviI BwZevPK Kivi Rb¨ Avcbvi civgk© wK? ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................

10. hw` Avcwb AviI †Kvb civgk© w`‡Z Pvb, AbyMÖn K‡i c„_K KvM‡R Zv mshy³ Ki“b| Avcbvi civgk© mv`‡i we‡ePbv Kiv n‡e|

...........................................................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................

........................................................................................................................ KZ…©c‡¶i ¯v¶i ZvwiL:


(c) e-Government Survey for

UNO Office Chief Adviser’s Office, Tejgaon, Dhaka





Explain …………………………………………….. …………………... 21. Do you have any existing LAN? Yes � No � 22. Do you have any internet connection? Yes � No � 23. What kind of connection do you have? Broadband � Dial Up � 24. Do you have any mail domain? Yes � No � 25. Domain Name …………………….

26. How many persons have access to internet at your office? ……………………..

27. No. of Officers ………… No. of Staffs …………..

28. Do you have any organizational database? Yes � No �




31. What kind of content is stored in the database? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

32. Do you have any organizational website? Yes � No � 33. What is the website address? _______________________________

34. Who is responsible for maintenance and update of the website?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35. What kind of content is stored on the website? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 36. How often is the website updated? ……………………………………………………

e-GOVERNANCE 1. Below are some of the goals of e-Government. How much progress do you think your organisation will make towards attaining each goal?

A lot of progress

A fair amount of

progress

A little progress

Not much progress

No Progress

i) Save time for the Govt.

� � � � �

j) Save the cost of the Govt.

� � � � �

k) Save time for the citizen service

� � � � �

l) Save cost for the citizen

� � � � �

m) Reduce hassle for the citizen

� � � � �

n) Increase transparency

� � � � �


o) Saves time � � � � � p) Increase accountability

� � � � �

11. Overall, would you say that e-Government will have a positive or negative effect

on the way that your organisation operates?

Very positive

�

Somewhat

positive �

Neutral

�

Somewhat

negative �

Very negative

�


them. k. _________________________________________________________________

l. _________________________________________________________________

m. _________________________________________________________________

n. _________________________________________________________________

o. _________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


i. Internet

j. Telephone (mobile, land phone)

k. Print media

l. Electronic media (TV, radio, etc.)


deliver services through e-governance? Not at all A little Somewhat Quite a lot Greatly j) Lack of � � � � �


infrastructure

k) Lack of high speed internet connection

� � � � �

l) Citizen's lack of access to internet resources

� � � � �

m) Citizen's lack of computer literacy, particularly in target populations

� � � � �

n) Lack of adequate training

� � � � �

o) Insufficient maintenance

� � � � �

p) Power failure � � � � � q) Lack of Bangla computing

� � � � �

r) Fear of change

� � � � �




______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


Date:


Bangla Version of the questionnaire B-Mf‡g©›U Rwic Dc‡Rjv wbe©vnx Kg©KZ©v‡ì Rb¨ G‡·m Uz Bbdi‡gkb †cÖvMÖvg, wewRwW/06/005 cÖavb Dc‡ `óvi Kvh©vjq, †ZRMuvI, XvKv| GB RwicwU evsjv‡`‡ki B-Mf‡g©‡›Ui eZ©gvb Ae ’v g~j¨vq‡bi Rb¨ cwiPvwjZ n‡”Q hv Avcbvi cÖwZôv‡b B-Mf©‡g‡›Ui f~wgKv m¤ú‡K© Z_¨ cÖ vb Ki‡e| c~Y© bvg : ........................................................ cèx : ....................................................... AeKvVv‡gvMZ myweavi Ae ’v

19. Avcbvi Awd‡m KqwU Kw¤úDUvi Av‡Q? ............................. 20. wK wK Kv‡R Kw¤úDUvi eënvi Kiv nq? (m¤¢ve¨ cQ‡›ì cv‡k wUK wPý w`b)

K. cÖkvmwbK KvR � L. cÖwk¶Y � M. RbMY‡K Z_¨ cÖ vb � N. B-‡gBj Av`vb cÖ vb � P. B›Uvi‡bU eënvi � Q. Ab¨vb¨ KvR � weeiY: ...........................................................................................

21. eZ©gv‡b Avcbvi wK †Kvb LAN ms‡hvM i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv 22. Avcbvi Awd‡m wK B›Uvi‡bU ms‡hvM i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv

23. Avcbvi ms‡hvMwU wK ai‡Yi? � eªWe¨Û � Wvqvj Avc

24. Avcbvi Awd‡m wK †Kvb †gBj †Wv‡gBb i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv

25. †Wv‡gB‡bi bvg (hw` _v‡K) : ............................

26. Avcbvi Awd‡m †gvU KZ Rb B›Ui‡bU eënvi K‡i? .. .. .. ......................... 27. B›Ui‡bU eënviKvix Kg©KZ©vi msL¨v: ............. Kg©xi msL¨v: ...................... 28. Avcbv‡ì wK †Kvb cÖvwZôvwbK Z_¨fvÊvi Av‡Q? � n uv � bv


.............................................................................................................................................................

............................................................... 30. Z_¨ fvÊvi wK Kv‡R jv‡M?

.............................................................................................................................................................

..............................................................


31. Z_¨fvÊv‡i wK ai‡Yi Z_¨ msi¶b Kiv nq? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

32. Avcbvi cÖwZôv‡bi wK †Kvb I‡qemvBU Av‡Q? � n uv � bv 33. I‡qemvB‡Ui wVKvbv (hw` _v‡K) :......................................

34. I‡qemvB‡Ui nvjbvMv` I Dbœqb K‡i †K? ........................................................................................ 35. Avcbv‡ì I‡qemvB‡U wK ai‡Yi Z_¨ Av‡Q? ................................................................................... 36. KZw`b ci ci I‡qemvB‡Ui nvjbvMv` Kiv nq? ..............................................

B-Mfv‡b©Ý


me©vwaK mvaviY mvgvb¨ ‡Zgb †Kvb G‡Kev‡iB DbœwZ DbœwZ DbœwZ DbœwZ bq DbœwZ bq K. miKv‡ii mgq mvkªq � � � � � L. miKv‡ii e¨q ms‡KvPb � � � � � M. bvMwiK ‡mevi mgq mvkªq � � � � � N. bvMwiK ‡mevi e¨q ms‡¶cY � � � � � O. bvMwiK‡ì Sv‡gjv Kgv‡bv � � � � � P. ¯”QZv e„w× � � � � � Q. mgq mvkªq � � � � � R. Revew`wnZv e„w× � � � � �



13. ‡Kvb ai‡Yi †mev Lv‡Z Rbmvaib me©v‡c¶v mgm¨vi m¤§~Lxb nq? µgvYymv‡i wjLyb K. ................................................................................................. � L. ................................................................................................. � M. ................................................................................................. � N. ................................................................................................. � O. ................................................................................................. �

14. GB mgm¨v¸wj mgvav‡b Avcbvi civgk© wK? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................

15. Avcbvi g‡Z Z_¨ cÖhyw³ (Kw¤úDUvi, B›Uvi‡bU, †gvevBj ‡dvb, wUwf, ‡iwWI) GB mgm¨vejx mgvav‡b wK ai‡Yi mnvqZv Ki‡Q?

...........................................................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................

........................................................................................................................


16. Avcbvi g‡Z wb‡Pi †Kvb Z_¨ I †hvMv‡hvM gva¨g¸‡jv AMÖvwaKvi wfwË‡Z GB †`‡ki Rb¨ me©vwaK hyMc‡hvMx? (cQ‡›ì µgvbymv‡i) K. B›Uvi‡bU � L. ‡Uwj‡dvb (†gvevBj, j¨vÛ †dvb) � M. wcÖ›U wgwWqv � N. B‡jKUªwbK wgwWqv (wUwf, †iwWI BZ¨vw`) �

17. wb‡Pi †Kvb welq¸wj Avcbvi cÖwZôvb‡K B-Mf©‡b‡Ýi gva¨‡g †mev cÖ v‡b euvav m„wó Ki‡Q e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib?

‡gv‡UB bv mvgvb¨ ‡gvUvgywU ‡ewk A‡bK †ewk K. AeKvVv‡gvMZ NvUwZ � � � � � L. D”PMwZi B›Uvi‡b‡Ui Afve � � � � � M. RbM‡Yi B›Uvi‡b‡U Kg mshyw³ � � � � � N. RbM‡Yi we‡kl K‡i wPwýZ Rbmvavi‡Yi Kw¤úDUvi Áv‡bi Afve � � � � � O. Dchy³ cÖwk¶‡Yi Afve � � � � � P. Ach©vß i¶Yv‡e¶Y � � � � � Q. we` yr NvUwZ � � � � � R. evsjv Kw¤úDwUs‡qi Afve � � � � � S. cwieZ©b fxwZ � � � � �

18. Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib Avcbvi Awd‡m Kg©x‡ì gvbwmK Ae ’vi cwieZ©‡bi Rb¨ B-Mf©‡g›U cÖ‡qvRb? � n uv � bv

19. n uv n‡j, Kg©x‡ì gvbwmKZv B-Mf©‡g‡›Ui cÖwZ AviI BwZevPK Kivi Rb¨ Avcbvi civgk© wK? ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................

20. hw` Avcwb AviI †Kvb civgk© w`‡Z Pvb, AbyMÖn K‡i c„_K KvM‡R Zv mshy³ Ki“b| Avcbvi civgk© mv`‡i we‡ePbv Kiv n‡e|

...........................................................................................................................................................................

.....................................................................

........................................................................................................................ KZ…©c‡¶i ¯v¶i ZvwiL:..............


(d)

e-Government Survey for

UP Office Chief Adviser’s Office, Tejgaon, Dhaka





Explain …………………………………………….. …………………... 39. Do you have any internet connection? Yes � No � 40. What kind of connection do you have? Broadband � Dial Up � 41. Do you have any organizational database? Yes � No �



44. What kind of content is stored in the database?


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


e-GOVERNANCE 1. Below are some of the goals of e-Government. How much progress do you think your organisation will make towards attaining each goal?

A lot of Progress

A fair amount of

progress

A little progress

Not much progress

No Progress

q) Save time for the Govt.

� � � � �

r) Save the cost of the Govt.

� � � � �

s) Save time for the citizen service

� � � � �

t) Save cost for the citizen

� � � � �

u) Reduce hassle for the citizen

� � � � �

v) Increase transparency

� � � � �

w) Saves time � � � � � x) Increase accountability

� � � � �

20. Overall, would you say that e-Government will have a positive or negative effect

on the way that your organisation operates?

Very positive

�

Somewhat

positive �

Neutral

�

Somewhat

negative �

Very negative

�


them. p. _________________________________________________________________

q. _________________________________________________________________

r. _________________________________________________________________

s. _________________________________________________________________

t. _________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


m. Internet

n. Telephone (mobile, land phone)

o. Print media

p. Electronic media (TV, radio, etc.)


deliver services through e-governance? Not at all A little Somewhat Quite a lot Greatly s) Lack of infrastructure

� � � � �

t) Lack of high speed internet connection

� � � � �

u) Citizen's lack of access to internet resources

� � � � �

v) Citizen's lack of computer literacy, particularly in target populations

� � � � �

w) Lack of adequate training

� � � � �

x) Insufficient maintenance

� � � � �

y) Power failure � � � � � z) Lack of Bangla computing

� � � � �


aa) Fear of change

� � � � �




______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________


Date:


Bangla Version of the questionnaire

B-Mf‡g©›U Rwic BDwbqb cwil` Awd‡mi Rb¨ G‡·m Uz Bbdi‡gkb †cÖvMÖvg, wewRwW/06/005 cÖavb Dc‡`óvi Kvh©vjq, †ZRMuvI, XvKv| GB RwicwU evsjv‡`‡ki B-Mf‡g©‡›Ui eZ©gvb Ae ’v g~j¨vq‡bi Rb¨ cwiPvwjZ n‡”Q hv Avcbvi cÖwZôv‡b B-Mf©‡g‡›Ui f~wgKv m¤ú‡K© Z_¨ cÖ vb Ki‡e| Avcbvi †Ìqv Z_¨ Ab¨Î eënvi bv Kivmn Gi m¤ú~b© †MvcbxqZv eRvq ivLvi wbðqZv †Ìqv n‡”Q| c~Y© bvg : ........................................................ cèx : ........................................................ BDwc, Dc‡Rjv Ges †Rjvi bvg: ........................................................ AeKvVv‡gvMZ myweavi Ae ’v

37. Avcbvi Awd‡m KqwU Kw¤úDUvi Av‡Q? ............................. 38. hw` _v‡K, wK wK Kv‡R Kw¤úDUvi eënvi Kiv nq? (m¤¢ve¨ cQ‡›ì cv‡k wUK wPý w`b)

K. cÖkvmwbK KvR � L. cÖwk¶Y �� M. RbMY‡K Z_¨ cÖ vb � N. B-‡gBj Av`vb cÖ vb � P. B›Uvi‡bU eënvi � Q. Ab¨vb¨ KvR � weeiY: ...........................................................................................

39. Avcbvi Awd‡m wK B›Uvi‡bU ms‡hvM i‡q‡Q? � n uv � bv 40. hw` _v‡K, Avcbvi ms‡hvMwU wK ai‡Yi? � eªWe¨Û � Wvqvj Avc 41. wK ai‡bi Z_¨ mvavibZ Avcbviv msMÖn K‡i _v‡Kb?

42. Avcbv‡ì Awdwmqvj Z_¨ wKfv‡e msMÖn Kiv nq?


44. Z_¨ eë ’vcbv, eënvi Ges msi¶‡b †Kvb Amyweav nq wK?

45. Gme Kv‡R Kw¤úDUvi eënvi Kiv n‡j wK myweav n‡e Avi Sv‡gjvUvB ev †Kv_vq?

B-Mfv‡b©Ý


me©vwaK mvaviY mvgvb¨ ‡Zgb †Kvb G‡Kev‡iB DbœwZ DbœwZ DbœwZ DbœwZ bq DbœwZ bq K. miKv‡ii mgq mvkªq � � � � � L. miKv‡ii e¨q ms‡KvPb � � � � � M. bvMwiK ‡mevi mgq mvkªq � � � � � N. bvMwiK ‡mevi e¨q ms‡¶cY � � � � �


O. bvMwiK‡ì Sv‡gjv Kgv‡bv � � � � � P. ¯”QZv e„w× � � � � � Q. mgq mvkªq � � � � � R. Revew`wnZv e„w× � � � � �



23. BDwc †_‡K ‡Kvb ai‡Yi †mev Lv‡Z Rbmvaib me©v‡c¶v mgm¨vi m¤§~Lxb nq? µgvYymv‡i wjLyb| K. ..................... � L..................... � M..................... � N..................... � O..................... �

24. GB mgm¨v¸wj mgvav‡b Avcbvi civgk© wK

25. Avcbvi g‡Z Z_¨ cÖhyw³ (Kw¤úDUvi, B›Uvi‡bU, †gvevBj ‡dvb, wUwf, ‡iwWI) GB mgm¨vejx mgvav‡b wK ai‡Yi

mnvqZv Ki‡Q?

26. Avcbvi g‡Z wb‡Pi †Kvb Z_¨ I †hvMv‡hvM gva¨g¸‡jv AMÖvwaKvi wfwË‡Z GB †`‡ki Rb¨ me©vwaK hyMc‡hvMx? (cQ‡›ì µgvbymv‡i) K. B›Uvi‡bU � L. ‡Uwj‡dvb (†gvevBj, j¨vÛ †dvb) � M. wcÖ›U wgwWqv � N. B‡jKUªwbK wgwWqv (wUwf, †iwWI BZ¨vw`) �

27. wb‡Pi †Kvb welq¸wj Avcbvi cÖwZôvb‡K B-Mf©‡b‡Ýi gva¨‡g †mev cÖ v‡b euvav m„wó Ki‡Q e‡j Avcwb g‡b K‡ib? ‡gv‡UB bv mvgvb¨ ‡gvUvgywU ‡ewk A‡bK †ewk K. AeKvVv‡gvMZ NvUwZ � � � � � L. D”PMwZi B›Uvi‡b‡Ui Afve � � � � � M. RbM‡Yi B›Uvi‡b‡U Kg mshyw³ � � � � � N. RbM‡Yi we‡kl K‡i wPwýZ Rbmvavi‡Yi Kw¤úDUvi Áv‡bi Afve � � � � � O. Dchy³ cÖwk¶‡Yi Afve � � � � � P. Ach©vß i¶Yv‡e¶Y � � � � � Q. we` yr NvUwZ � � � � � R. evsjv Kw¤úDwUs‡qi Afve � � � � � S. cwieZ©b fxwZ � � � � �

28. Avcwb wK g‡b K‡ib Avcbvi Awd‡m Kg©x‡ì gvbwmK Ae¯’vi cwieZ©‡bi Rb¨ B-Mf©‡g›U cÖ‡qvRb? � n uv � b v

29. n uv n‡j, Kg©x‡ì gvbwmKZv B-Mf©‡g‡›Ui cÖwZ AviI BwZevPK Kivi Rb¨ Avcbvi civgk© wK? (hw` Avcwb AviI †Kvb civgk© w`‡Z Pvb, AbyMÖn K‡i c„_K KvM‡R Zv mshy³ Ki“b| Avcbvi civgk© mv`‡i we‡ePbv Kiv n‡e|) mgx¶vKvixi ¯v¶i ZvwiL:.............. gš—e¨:


(e) e-Government Survey

for NGO / Business

Access To Information (A2I) Programme, BGD/06/005 Chief Adviser’s Office, Tejgaon, Dhaka

This survey is designed to scan the status of e-Governance in Bangladesh that would provide a general idea about the role of your organisation regarding e-Governance.

Name Designation Organization Name Address Tel

Fax Email website

GENERAL INFORMATION

27. What is the objective of your organization? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28. Who are your target audiences?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STATUS OF INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT

45. How many computers do you have in your office? …………………… 46. What are the computers used for? Check all that apply.


Explain …………………………………………….. …………………... 47. Do you have any internet connection? Yes � No � 48. What kind of connection do you have? Broadband � Dial

Up �


SERVICE DELIVERY

6. What are the important services your organisation provides to citizens? Please rank them. Which of these services is dependant on service or information from the Government?

a. _______________________________________________________________

__

b. _______________________________________________________________

__

c. _______________________________________________________________

__

d. _________________________________________________________________

e. _________________________________________________________________

7. What are the important services your organisation often takes from the

Government? Please Rank them. What is the average time required to get a

service? What is the average cost spent in obtaining the service including

transportation cost?

f. ________________________________________________________________

g. ________________________________________________________________

_

h. ________________________________________________________________

_

i. _________________________________________________________________

j. _________________________________________________________________

8. What service or support from the Govt. do you most need for your operational efficiency? Please Rank them.

u. _________________________________________________________________

v. _________________________________________________________________

w. _________________________________________________________________

x. _________________________________________________________________

y. _________________________________________________________________

9. What problem do you face in getting services or information from the

Govt.? f. _________________________________________________________________

Rank Dependent?

Rank Time Cost


g. _________________________________________________________________

h. _________________________________________________________________

i. _________________________________________________________________

j. _________________________________________________________________

10. What would you suggest as possible measures to address these

problems?

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________


_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

12. Prioritize the following channels of information delivery as you feel best to

use for this country.

q. Internet

r. Telephone (mobile, land phone)

s. Print media

t. Electronic media (TV, radio, etc.)


Date:


(f) A Baseline Survey on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Bangladesh: Knowledge, Awareness, and Usage

Questionnaires for Individuals e-Gove Cell of Chief Advisor’s Office would like to invite you to participate in a quick survey on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) which is currently undertaking among the citizen of Bangladesh to identify and explore the opportunity of FOSS. We would appreciate your kind effort. Section 1: Background Information 1. Name ____________________________ 2. Occupation ____________________ 3. Institution/Organization ____________________________________________ 4. Email _____________________________ 5. Mobile _______________________ 6.Gender a □Male b □Female 7. Age _______________. Section 2: Knowledge and Awareness of FOSS 8. Have you previously heard of free and open source software (FOSS)? 1 □Yes 2 □No 9. Would you like to know more about FOSS? 1 □Yes, 2 □No 10. If yes, how did you come to know about FOSS? (Tick all that apply) a □Newspaper b □Internet c □Magazine/journals

d □ Television e □Conference/workshop f □Work colleagues

g □Radio h □Friends i □Academics

j □FOSS community k □During studies l □Training

m □Other, please specify____________ 11. What is your understanding of FOSS? (Tick all that apply) a. It is software that is distributed freely to anyone interested. □ True □ False □ Not sure b. It allows users access to the programs source code. □True □False □Not sure


c. It allows users to modify the source code. □True □False □Not sure d. It allows users to redistribute the modified software to others. □True □False □Not sure e. Its license should not include unreasonable restrictions. □True □False □Not sure 12. What is your level of awareness of FOSS? 1 □ Slightly aware of open source concepts. 2 □ Have adequate information about FOSS, but need further information

before using. 3 □ Have investigated thoroughly on FOSS and have decided to use. 4 □ Highly involved in FOSS arena. 13. Do you use Open Source Software, e.g. Linux, Apache, MySQL 1 □ Currently using 2 □ Planning to use within the next 3-5 years 3 □ Not using now, thinking of using in future but not decided yet 4 □ Not using now and have no plans to use in future 5□ Used before but not using now. Why? _________________________________________________________ Section 3: Usage of FOSS (for FOSS User) 14. Have you used following FOSS software packages: a. Linux □Yes □No b. Apache □Yes □ No c. OpenOffice.org □Yes □ No d. Mozilla Firefox □Yes □ No e. MySQL/PostgreSQL □Yes □ No 15. Who provides support for FOSS products that you use? (Tick all that apply) 1 □ In house staff 2 □ Software company/paid supplier 3 □ FOSS newsgroup 4 □ Websites 5 □ Friends/relatives 6 □ Self 7 □other, please specify …………….. 16. Have you undergone any training on FOSS products? 1 Yes. 2 No 17. How much important the followings are for open source software:


1=very important 2=important 3=neither nor 4=less important 5=not important 6=don’t know 7= NR

Criteria

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1. Open and/or modifiable source code

2. Low or no license fees

3. Better price to performance ratio

4. Higher performance

5. Higher stability

6. Better protection against unauthorized access

7. Better functionality

8. Higher number of potential applications

9. Lower hardware costs for FOSS.

10. Technical People on FOSS

11. Better response with bug fixes and/or support

12. Less reliance on a particular vendor

13. Better inter-operability with other products due to open standards

Section 4: Perception of FOSS 18. How important is FOSS for you? 1 □ very high 2 □ high 3 □ medium 4 □ low 5 □ very low 8 □ don’t know 19. What are your most important sources of information on FOSS? (Tick all that apply) a □Newspaper b □Internet c □Magazine/journals d □ Television e □Conference/workshop f □Work colleagues g □Radio h □Friends i □Academics j □FOSS community k □During studies l □Training m □Other, please specify____________ 20. Have you benefited by using FOSS? □Yes □ No If Yes, then how --- a. □reduce costing b. □Better security c. □easy to develop/ customize d. □Other, Please Specify ____________ 21. Have you faced any problem while using FOSS?


□Yes □ No If Yes, what kind of problem you have faced? a. Hardware related b. Software related c. Interoperability d. Security e. Other, Please Specify ____________ 22. How do you overcome FOSS related problem? a. Taking help from Technician b. Internet Community c. Friends d. Colleagues e. Other, Please Specify ____________ Section 5: Participation and Contribution to FOSS community 23. If used or using FOSS, what is your role in the open source project? 1 □Maintainer 2 □Both developers & user 3 □Developer only 4 □User only 5. □Other, please specify____________ 24. How are you involved in your contribution to open source? 1 □ Volunteer 1.1 □Self employed 1.2 □Employee (non profit org) 1.3 □Employee commercial company 1.4 □Educational institute/research 25. Are you involved in or aware of any FOSS groups? 1 □ Yes, 2 □ No If yes, please specify the mane of the group ……………………. 25. Further Comments ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you for your cooperation.


(g) A Baseline Survey on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in Bangladesh: Knowledge, Awareness, and Usage.

Questionnaire for Software Industry We invite your organization to participate in a new research project that we are undertaking. Experience reported from numerous projects and international institutions suggests that free and open source software has particular features that are inductive to not only cost reduction, but also in supporting sustainable development of software and capacity building. It is assumed that the benefits of FOSS can be brought to bear in Bangladesh.However; very little information is available regarding its use, although there is evidence of its use by a few institutions.This research revolve around a central question: "How can we benefit from FOSS?" or paraphrased “What do we need to do to derive benefit from FOSS?" In order to attempt to get information on this question, this research seeks answers on the extent of FOSS usage, knowledge and awareness, perception, contribution and potential of use in future. Section 1: Background Information 1. Name _______________________________________ 2. Designation _______________________________________ 3. Organization _______________________________________ 4. Email _____________________________ 5. Phone _____________________________ 6. Fax ___________ 7. Website address______________________________________________ 8. Gender a□ Male b□ Female 9. Age a□ 20-24 b□ 25-29 c□ 30-34 d□ 35-39 e□ 40-44 f□ 45-49 g□ 50-54 h□ 55-59 i□ 60-64 j□ 65-69 k□ 70+ Section 2: Organizational Profile 10. What is the category that best fits your organization? Please specify its main services (see additional notes for this)? 1□ Government and Public Sector __________________________ 2□ Regional Organization _________________________________ 3□ Private Sector ________________________________________ 4□ Civil Society_________________________________________ 5□ Other, please specify__________________________________ 11. How would you best categorize your organization? a. Number of employees 1. □ not more than 5 persons 2. □ 6-20 persons 3. □ 21-100 4. □ more than 100 persons b. Turnover or total assets


1. □ not more than $30,000 2. □ between $30,001 - $100,000 3. □ between $100,001 – $500,000 4. □ between $500,001 - $2 million 5. □ more than $2 million c. Foreign exchange earnings 1. □ not more than $30,000 2. □ between $30,001 - $500,000 3. □ between $500,001 - $2 million 4. □ more than $2 million 5. □ Not applicable Section 3: Knowledge and Awareness of FOSS 12. Have you previously heard of free and open source software (FOSS)? 1□ Yes 2□ No 99□ NR 13. Would you like to know more about FOSS? 1□ Yes, why ___________________________________________________________________________ 2□ No, why _____________________________________________________________________ 99□ NR 14. If yes, how did you come to know about FOSS? (Tick all that apply) a□ Newspaper b□ Internet c□ Magazine/journals d□ Television e□ Conference/workshopf □ Work colleagues g□ Radio h□ Friends i□ Academics j□ FOSS community k□ During studies l□ Training m□ Other, please specify____________ n□ NR 15. What is your understanding of FOSS? (Tick all that apply) a. It is software that is distributed freely to anyone interested. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR b. It allows users access to the programs source code. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR c. It allows users to modify the source code. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR d. It allows users to redistribute the modified software. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR e. Its license should not include unreasonable restrictions. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR


16. Now we would like to ask about General Public License (GPL) and Berkeley Systems Distribution (BSD) License. Do you know what GPL and BSD Licenses stand for? 1□ Yes 2□ No 99□ NR a. The GNU Public License (GPL) allows you to make any changes to the FOSS software as you may wish. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR b. The GPL requires that all changes to the software are publicly distributed. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR c. The BSD License allows you to make any changes to the software as you may wish. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ NR d. The BSD License requires that all changes to the software are publicly available. □ True □ False □ Not sure □ Section 4: Usage of FOSS 17. Please tick all kinds of services that your company provides. (Tick all that apply) 1□ Computer maintenance and engineering 2□ Computer supplies and accessories 3□ Off the shelf software packages 4□ Network design, planning and installations 5□ Programming and system analysis 6□ Hardware repair 7□ Multi-processing UNIX servers 8□ Telecommunications systems 9□ Computer training 10□ Software upgrades and repairs 11□ Routers/ADSL/DSL support 12□ Cable installation 13□ Support for EFTPOS machines 14□ Web design, development & hosting 15□ Helpdesk for IT support 16□ Software & licensing training 17□ Design & implementation of customized software applications 18□ Other, please specify ___________________________________________________ 99□ NR 18. Is your organization using Proprietary Software, e.g. Windows XP, etc. 1 □ Currently using 2 □ Used before but not using now. Why? ___________________________________________________ 3 □ Planning to use within the next 3-5 years 4 □ Not using now, thinking of using in future but not decided yet 5 □ Not using now and have no plans to use in future 90 □ Don’t know 99 □ NR


19. Is your organization using Open Source Software, e.g. Linux, Apache, mySQL 1 □ Currently using 2 □ Used before but not using now. Why? ___________________________________________________ 3 □ Planning to use within the next 3-5 years 4 □ Not using now, thinking of using in future but not decided yet 5 □ Not using now and have no plans to use in future 90 □ Don’t know 99 □ NR 20. While using FOSS did your organization a. Modify the software to our needs □ Yes □ No b. Redistribute the software freely after modifications □ Yes □ No c. Seek assistance in installation and maintenance □ Yes □ No d. Encounter major difficulties in using □ Yes □ No e. Reported bugs to online community □ Yes □ No 21. What proportion of software used in your organization is available under 1 □ open source license, No. of packages_____________ and No. of copies __________________ 2 □ proprietary license, No. of packages_____________ and No. of copies __________________ 90 □ Don’t know 99 □ NR 22. In your organization, please describe the process of how it was decided to use particular software? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 23. The following selection of Proprietary and FOSS software packages. Please indicate whether you are aware of each package or have used each one and the reasons for doing so. (Tick all that apply) a. Linux □ Yes □ No Using Reasons b. Apache □ Yes □ No


Using Reasons c. OpenOffice.org □ Yes □ No Using Reasons d. Mozilla/Konqueror □ Yes □ No Using Reasons e. MS Office □ Yes □ No Using Reasons f. Windows XP □ Yes □ No Using Reasons g. Macintosh □ Yes □ No Using Reasons h. MySQL/PostgreSQL □ Yes □ No Using Reasons i. JAVA □ Yes □ No Using Reasons j. Oracle □ Yes □ No Using Reasons 24. Please select where FOSS is used specifically. (Tick all that apply) 1□ Infrastructure (network, server, etc) 2□ Administration 3□ Finance 4□ Teaching 5□ Student Labs 6□ Research 7 □ Production 8 □ Medical 9 □ Manufacturing 10□ PCs for client applications 11□ Database 12□ Creating websites 13□ Banner system 14□ Scheduling 15□ Project management 16□ Inventory management 17□ Resource planning 18□ Training 19□ Audio/Video production 20□ Software development 21□ Other, please specify_____ 90 □ Don’t know 99□ NR


25. Now I will present to you several criteria that can influence a decision in favour of or against FOSS. Please tell me, how important each of the following criteria was in your decision to favour of or against Open Source. 1=very important 2=important 3=neither nor 4=less important 5=not important 6=don’t know 7= NR 1. Open and/or modifiable source code 2. Low or no license fees 3. Better price to performance ratio 4. Higher performance 5. Higher stability 6. Better protection against unauthorized access 7. Better functionality 8. Higher number of potential applications 9. Open Source applications were already integrated into the Open Source Server. 10. Lower hardware costs for FOSS. 11. Cost savings regarding installation, integration and customization to company needs. 12. Cost savings regarding daily operations, administration and support 13. Cost savings regarding training and introduction of users 14. FOSS recommended as a better alternative by IT personnel, media, Internet, etc. 15. Existing solutions, know-how and/or experiences in your company regarding Open Source server operating systems 16. Better response with bug fixes and/or support 17. Less reliance on a particular vendor 18. Better inter-operability with other products due to open standards 19. FOSS used for internal purposes and Proprietary for external communications. 20. Other, please specify 25. Does your organization train staff and users on FOSS products? 1□ Yes. How? _________________________________________________________________________ 2□ No Section 3: Perception of FOSS 26. How important is the FOSS for your company? 1□ very high 2□ high 3□ medium 4□ low 5□ very low 90□ don’t know 99□ NR 27. Now I have some questions on the general use of FOSS in your company. They are not related to any specific IT area. In the following, I will present a number of statements to you. Please, tell me for each statement how much it applies to your company. For your answer, you can use the following range: 1=totally agree 2=somewhat agree 3=neither nor 4=somewhat disagree 5=totally disagree 90=don’t know 99=no answer 1. FOSS is used because people want to be more independent from the pricing and licensing policies of the big software companies.


2. Using FOSS supports the Open Source community. 3. Open source development is the most efficient way to develop software. 4. FOSS is superior in quality to proprietary software. 5. Proprietary software is generally better supported than FOSS. 6. Proprietary software has its uses. 7. Some proprietary software is high quality. 8. It is difficult to find FOSS for specific requirements. 9. FOSS maintenance is more expensive than proprietary software. 10. Hardly any FOSS competent people around us to support its use. 11. FOSS use is good for internally use. 12. FOSS use externally is not good as not compatible with many other proprietary software users. 13. FOSS users need to have more than basic PC applications knowledge to sustain its use. 28. What are your most important sources of information on FOSS? (Tick all that apply) a□ Newspaper b□ Internet c□ Magazine/journals d□ Television e□ Conference/workshop f□ Work colleagues g□ Radio h□ Friends i□ Academics j□ FOSS community k□ During studies l□ Training m□ Other, please specify____________ n□ NR 29. What have been your greatest concerns about FOSS? 1=very important 2=important 3=neither nor 4=less important 5=not important 90=don’t know 99= NR 1. Inter-operability 2. Identification of relevant software 3. Managing in-house projects 4. Maintenance & support for troubleshoot 5. Compatibility with other users, particularly external users 6. Modification of source code 7. Skilled personnel in FOSS Section 4: Participation and Contribution to FOSS community (for non-users skip this section) 30. What would best describe your level of involvement in open source software? 1 □ Use open source software, but do not participate in development to any extent. 2 □ Indirect contribution to open source software development, e.g. filing bug reports, project administration on a moderate scale. 3 □ Contributing directly to the development work of open source software projects (including documentation) on a significant scale. 90 □ don’t know 99 □ no answer 31. If answered 2, 3 to the above questions, please state it 1□ Yes, please state these collaborations ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2□ No 90□ don’t know 99□ NR


32. What have been your greatest concerns for FOSS development? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Section 5: Potential Usage of FOSS 33. Who is responsible for making software purchasing decisions? (Tick all that apply) 1 □ The CEO 2 □ IT Manager 3 □ Human Resources Manager 4 □ Personally as its for personal use 5 □ Other 90□ don’t know 34. How much flexibility do individuals have in using FOSS within the organization?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 35. Do you look to any outside bodies for guidance on what software to purchase? 1 □ Yes, who is responsible for doing this research? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2 □ No, please explain how the decision is made? _____________________________________________ 90□ don’t know 99□ NR 36. Any additional comments? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Thanks


(h) Survey on Computer Training Centre For Training Centers

1. Name :

2. Designation :

3. Organization :

4. Email :

5. Phone/ Mobile Number :

6. Please name the courses you offer.

7. How do you maintain your quality of service?

8. Do you think people are benefited after completing these courses? If yes, please explain.

9. Which courses should be given preference for job market? How do you cope with the job market?

10. What is the overall standard of training centers in Bangladesh? How can we improve the standard? How can government help you in this regard? Your opinion.

11. How do your trainees perform in the job market? In which categories of

jobs they usually get into?

12. What is your opinion about vendor certification?

Thanking you for your cooperation.


(h)Survey on Computer Training Centre For Trainee

1. Name :

2. Designation :

3. Organization :

4. Email :

5. Phone/ Mobile Number :

6. Why have you enrolled for this training? What is your expectation after completing this training?

7. What are the courses that should be given preference to improve skills for job/ better job?

8. Do you think that people are doing well after completing these kinds of training?

9. Do you have any plan for further training?

10. What is your opinion about the current standard of training centers?

11. What is you opinion about Vendor certification?


Annex -7

List of Tables Table: 1.1 Bangladesh Data Sheet

Table: 1.2 Bangladesh at a glance

Table: 1.3 Key economic ratios and long term trends

Table: 1.4 Structure of the Economy

Table: 1.5 Rank Status

Table: 4.1 Different Data Service Provider by BTTB

Table 4.2: Monthly Cost for 2Mbps connection in different countries (Core toISP)

Table 4.3: Monthly cost for 256 kbs data link in different countries (ISP to End

user)

Table 5.1: Alternatives of Proprietary Software on FOSS)


Annex -8 Lists of Figures Fig: 2. 1usages of Mobile Phone (on the basis of Expenditure)

Fig: 2.2 Expected Call rate of Mobile Phone

Fig: 2.3Use of Computer in Different Purposes

Fig: 2.4Status of Different TV Programs

Fig: 4.1 Ratio of share in PSTN Market

Fig: 4.2Total Mobile Phone Subscriber

Fig: 4.3Tele density (in Mobile Phone)

Fig 4.4: SEA-ME-WE-4 Sub Marine Cable

Fig: 4.5 Status of installed capacity comparison in respect to fuel

Fig: 4.6 Total Budget in ICT sector

Fig: 4.7 proposed budget in Infrastructure build up

Fig: 4.8 Status of Bangla interface

Fig: 4.9 Number of updated information

Fig: 4.10 Number of Bangla interface

Fig: 4.11 Number of Form Download

Fig: 4.12 Status of online banking

Fig: 4.13 Usages of ATM card

Fig: 4.14 Domestic ICT market in Bangladesh

Fig: 4.15 Software & ITES Export and import

Fig: 4.16 Technical Job Distribution surveyed software companies

Fig 5.1: Importance of open source in software industry

Fig 5.2: Importance of different features to popularize open source software

Fig 5.3: Usages of different open source software


Annex 9: Research Team of Horizon Scan report Supervisors

• Mr. A.A Munir Hasan, PIS, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s Office

• Mr. Anir Chowdhury, Policy Adviser, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s

Office

• Mr. Fokruzzaman, Consultant, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s Office

• Mr. KAM Morshed, Assistant Country Director, MDGs & e-Development

Cluster, UNDP

Principal Investigator

• Ms. Mirza Afreen Fatima Lusha, Jr. Consultant, A2I Programme, Chief

Adviser’s Office

Assistant Investigator

• Ms. Suparna Roy, Programme Assistant, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s

Office

• Mr. Md. Jabed Morshed Chowdhury, Research Assistant, A2I

Programme, Chief Adviser’s Office

Reviewers

• All Technical Committee Members, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s Office

• Mr. Md Mostafizur Rahman, Director -2, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s

Office

• Mr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Khan, Director -15, A2I Programme, Chief

Adviser’s Office

• Mr. Shakib Ahmed, System Analyst, ASIST, Planning Commission

• Ms. Rubaiya Ahmed, Jr. Consultant, A2I Programme, Chief Adviser’s

Office

• Mr. Rashid Naim,Programme Assistant, A2I programme, Chief Adviser’s

Office

• Mr. Kazi Md. Khalid Hossain, Research Assistant, A2I Programme, Chief

Adviser’s Office

Field Researchers

Supervisor

• Mr. Pallab Mohaimen, In-charge IT page, The Daily Prothom Alo

Surveyors

• 33 field surveyors of Horizon Scan Team



Documents

An assessment study of e-Governance in Bangladesha2i.pmo.gov.bd/.../11/12-e-Governance-Horizon-Scan-Report-2007.pdf · An assessment study of e-Governance in Bangladesh ... funded