Government moves to integrate NID, passport, birth and tax databases; 120 Cyber Security Agency posts under recruitment
DHAKA, November 4: The government is planning to introduce a 'One Citizen, One ID' framework by integrating fragmented citizen databases, develop a homegrown Bangla artificial intelligence (AI) model to protect data sovereignty and strengthen national cybersecurity.
The initiatives are part of a broader plan to build an integrated digital governance system, ensure secure data sharing among government agencies and reduce identity fraud and irregularities.
Dr Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, secretary of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division, disclosed the plans at a views-exchange meeting with the executive committee of the Center for Technology Journalism (CTJ) at the ICT Tower in Agargaon on Monday.
Under the proposed 'One Citizen, One ID' framework, databases containing National Identity Card (NID), passport, birth registration and tax-related information will be brought under an integrated system.
The initiative is expected to reduce data misuse, identity fraud and administrative irregularities while improving coordination and ensuring secure access to information across government agencies.
The ICT Division is also working to establish a trusted interoperability framework that will allow government institutions to exchange information securely.
Highlighting the importance of technological self-reliance amid growing global competition in artificial intelligence, the ICT secretary said the government was taking initiatives to develop a homegrown AI model in Bangla alongside shared graphics processing unit (GPU) infrastructure.
Such infrastructure would help Bangladesh strengthen its technological capabilities, improve AI-based services in the Bangla language and retain greater control over sensitive national data.
On cybersecurity, Bhuiyan said the government was strengthening the Cyber Security Agency to improve the country's ability to protect its digital infrastructure and cyberspace.
The recruitment process for 120 positions at the agency is currently underway, with a significant number of posts designated for technical professionals.
He also said Startup Bangladesh and the ICT Division were jointly working on funding initiatives to support entrepreneurs and innovative businesses.
In another initiative, the government plans to introduce an integrated digital toll collection system across bridges and toll plazas nationwide by December this year.
At the meeting, CTJ President and Daily Samakal assistant editor Hasan Zakir stressed the need for transparency and accountability in implementing technology-related projects.
He cautioned against repeating past practices in which nominal training programmes were allegedly used as opportunities for misappropriating public funds, urging the government to avoid unnecessary and wasteful projects.
CTJ General Secretary and Daily Jugantor staff reporter Saif Ahmad also called for stronger safeguards for data privacy and cybersecurity in technology policy implementation.
He stressed that financial assistance under startup and innovation programmes should reach genuine entrepreneurs without nepotism or irregularities.
The journalists' organisation placed several demands, including timely access to essential government data for news reporting, regular training and workshops to improve journalists' expertise in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and CTJ representation in relevant policymaking committees and meetings.
Describing the demands as timely, Bhuiyan said the ICT Division was committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the technology sector.
He said the division would no longer organise training programmes without international certification, following clear directives from the prime minister.
"Opportunities to spend public funds on nominal training programmes will no longer exist," he said.
The secretary also assured the journalists that transparency would be maintained in financing startups and innovation projects, while expressing willingness to work with CTJ through cooperation and joint initiatives.
The meeting was attended by CTJ Vice President Mizanur Rahman Sohel, Director (Organisational) Rezaul Karim Jan, Bangladesh Pratidin special correspondent Kazi Sohag, Prothom Alo staff reporter Rahitul Islam and other executive committee members.
ICT Division Joint Secretary Md Mojibor Rahman was also present.
