The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division is taking strides to create a reliable and inclusive payment ecosystem through the payment aggregator ‘EkPay.’ This initiative is designed to allow people to pay utility bills, education fees, and government institution fees through any payment channel of their choice. The ‘EkPay’ platform, currently operated by the ICT Division under the supervision of Bangladesh Bank, aims to ensure the use of IT in financial services and to bring the grassroots people under the financial services network, said a press release on Friday. To achieve this vision, a day-long workshop titled "Payment Ecosystem in Financial Services: Challenges and Solutions" was held on Thursday at the a2i Conference Room of the ICT Division. Organised by Aspire to Innovate (a2i), the workshop brought together stakeholders and service providers involved in ‘EkPay.’ In his keynote speech, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury stressed the need for innovation and technological integration in the electronic payment systems to make them more accessible and inclusive. He said the ICT Division, in coordination with the Central Bank, is working to develop ‘EkPay’ as a national payment aggregator. Independent audit clears Nagad of allegations “The distrust of many people regarding ‘EkPay’ has already been removed. EkPay will be the most trusted payment aggregator in the country,” said the secretary. Speaking at the function, Policy Adviser of the ICT Division Foyez Ahmed Tayeb emphasized the need for interoperability in the mobile financial services sector. "Our goal is to build an ecosystem where interoperability is ensured. A reliable payment aggregator like EkPay is crucial for public institutions. In the long term, the ICT Division envisions EkPay as a platform connecting government institutions, utility providers, educational institutions, banks, mobile financial services (MFS), and fintech platforms,” he said. Project Director of a2i Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, who presided over the workshop, said EkPay simplifies the payment processes for various service fees and bills. "We want to assure that there is no room for mistrust in EkPay," he said.

BNP has lodged two complaints with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) alleging killings of its 2276 leaders and activists in ‘crossfires’ and making 153 others disappeared across the country from 2008 to August 5, 2024.Md Salauddin Khan, coordinator of the BNP’s case data information cell of the party, lodged the complaints against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and different law enforcement agencies at the prosecution wing of the tribunal on Thursday.Advocate Nurul Islam, another member of the cell, was present there.According to the complaints, the BNP leaders and activists were killed in crossfires during the tenure of the Awami League government in a bid to annihilate BNP. ICT issues arrest warrants against Sheikh Hasina, 10 others“We have submitted the lists of killings in crossfires in district and upazila levels,” he said.One fifty three people including former BNP leaders Ilias Ali and Chowdhury Alam were victims of enforced disappearances. ICT seeks list of Khulna magistrates during July-August protestsFormer Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was made the main accused in the case and some members of law enforcement agencies were also named in he complaint.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Monday issued warrants for the arrest of 11 people including former Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina in connection with enforced disappearance during the Awami League tenure. The three-member tribunal led by its chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder passed the order following a petition, said chief prosecutor of the tribunal Md Tajul Islam. Tajul said a petition was filed with the ICT seeking issuance of  warrants for the arrest of 11 people including Hasina, PM's Security Adviser Major General (retired) Tariq Ahmed Siddique and former IGP Benazir Ahmed in connection with their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances. 3 to die for killing EUB student Jisan The court also asked to produce them before it on February 12. Besides, the court also asked police to produce former army official Ziaul Ahsan, who is in jail now in another case, before the court on that day. The names of others could not be revealed for the sake of the investigation, said Tajul Islam. So far, two cases have been filed against Sheikh Hasina with the ICT. ACC files 3 cases against ex-PSC driver, family over graft Meanwhile, three cases were filed with ICT in connection with enforced disappearances during the tenure of the AL government. Tribunal prosecutors Gazi Monawar Hossain, BM Sultan Mahmud and Abdullah Al Noman were present during the hearing. Besides, Sanjida Islam Tulee, one of the coordinators of Mayer Dak and the family members of the victims were present there.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has sought a list of magistrates who were in charge in Khulna during the mass protests by students and the public in July-August. Following the imposition of curfew on July 20, magistrates worked alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the army. The tribunal has urged authorities to submit detailed reports on the actions and directives issued by these magistrates. Last week, the tribunal sent an official letter to the Khulna deputy commissioner seeking the list. According to sources at  the DC office a report will soon be sent to the tribunal after reviewing the request. Top listed criminal Azim among five arrested from Dhaka: KMP Khulna District Magistrate Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed receiving an official letter from the International Crimes Tribunal. He said that the matter is currently under process to reach a final decision. The anti-quota protests began on June 5 and later escalated into a mass uprising. Initially, the deputy commissioner did not give much attention to the movement. However, after a High Court ruling, students took to the streets, and police intervention began. The tribunal's letter specifically highlighted events following the curfew imposed on July 19, including police activities, alleged abuse, threats from political groups like Jubo League and the now-banned Chhatra League, and clashes between protesters and law enforcement. It has called for detailed accounts of the deputy commissioner’s role during this period. During the protests, Khondkar Yasir Arefin served as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Khulna. On the first day of the curfew, he issued seven directives, including safeguarding public lives and property, protecting government assets, and maintaining peace and order by deploying magistrates in nine sub-districts. ACC starts investigation against its former commissioner Jahurul Haque According to district records, the magistrates in charge in Khulna metropolitan and surrounding areas from July 19 to August 5 included Navid Sarwar, Rubayet Ahmed, Md. Muntasir Hasan Khan, Md. Anwar Sadat, Jubayer Jahangir (Dacope), Iftekharul Islam Shamim (Paikgachha), Asadur Rahman (Batiaghata), Papia Sultana (Phultala), Arafat Hossain (Dumuria), Sumaiya Sultana Annie (Terokhada), BM Tariq Uz Zaman (Koyra), Khan Masum Billah (Digholia), and Kohinur Zaman (Rupsha). Many of these magistrates have since been transferred to other locations. Sources added that two days before the curfew, the then district magistrate informed the relevant ministry that there was no significant damage in Khulna. He also requested increased police deployment in key areas such as Shibbari, Sat Rasta, Zero Point, Gallamari, Khulna University premises, and major roads. On August 4, the district magistrate requested the Khulna sector commander of BGB to deploy forces to maintain public safety and order. On the same day, an appeal was made to the principal staff officer for deploying the armed forces in the area.

The government has appointed four prosecutors to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) with immediate effect. A gazette notification issued by the solicitor wing of the Law and Justice Division on Wednesday confirmed the appointments. The newly appointed prosecutors are: — Md Abdus Sobhan Tarafder, accorded the status and benefits of an additional attorney general. — Md Shahidul Islam Sardar, with the status and benefits of a deputy attorney general. — Faruk Ahmed, holding the status and benefits of a deputy attorney general. — Md Hasanul Banna, enjoying the status and benefits of an assistant attorney general.

With 2024 nearing its end, one of the year’s most disturbing events remains to be the prolonged internet shutdown during the July mass uprising in Bangladesh, which not only disrupted communication but also caused an estimated loss of Tk 2,000 crore to the nation’s ICT and e-commerce sectors. The internet shutdown was enforced during the student-led mass movement against the Awami League regime led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The initial disconnection began on July 18 and continued in phases, affecting both mobile and broadband services. BMCA hails inclusion of internet access as fundamental right Although broadband internet was restored on July 24 and mobile internet resumed on July 28, social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok remained inaccessible until July 31. This period saw a significant blow to Bangladesh’s burgeoning ICT sector. According to the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB), the first 10 days of the shutdown alone resulted in losses amounting to Tk 1,400 crore. By the end of the shutdown, the total estimated loss to the e-commerce industry reached Tk 2,000 crore. The impact extended beyond e-commerce, crippling banks, insurance companies, offices, and airports reliant on internet-based operations. Businesses dependent on digital marketing, content creation, and online transactions faced severe disruptions. Startups and small-scale digital entrepreneurs were particularly affected, many reporting setbacks from which recovery may take years. Besides, the decision to restrict access to social media platforms aimed to curb alleged anti-government propaganda. But these actions sparked widespread criticism, both domestically and internationally, for impeding freedom of expression and undermining the digital economy. Speakers demand recognising internet as fundamental right in Bangladesh Former ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak faced scrutiny for justifying the shutdown with claims of damage to data transmission lines by protesters. Investigations later revealed no evidence of such incidents, and his statements were dismissed as attempts to deflect criticism. This extended disconnection has been widely criticised as an unprecedented blow to Bangladesh’s ICT sector, tarnishing its reputation as an emerging digital economy. Experts have expressed concerns that such measures discourage foreign investment and hinder the sector’s overall growth. The interim government has since launched an inquiry into the incident, with ICT Advisor Nahid Islam leading efforts to assess the causes and accountability behind the decision. Preliminary findings indicate that the shutdown was implemented under direct orders from the then-Prime Minister. Internet shutdown was as per Hasina’s directive: Palak While the internet has long been heralded as a pillar of modern connectivity and economic growth, the 2024 shutdown highlights the fragility of Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure in the face of political crises. For the ICT sector, rebuilding trust and ensuring uninterrupted services remain paramount to achieving long-term stability.  

The European Union (EU) has underlined the importance of ensuring due process at all stages of the legal proceedings and expressed "concern" about the legal framework of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which "should be revised" as soon as possible to bring it in line with international human rights standards. Paying respect to the victims and survivors of the violent crackdown on protestors in July-August, as well as prior human rights violations, Bangladesh and the EU recently discussed the importance of transitional justice. They agreed on the need to hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. Both sides agreed on the need to address the human rights concerns of women, children, and persons belonging to minorities and marginalised groups. No one should live in fear of violence, harassment or discrimination while law and order "should be ensured" for all, including the most vulnerable, according to the EU. The interim government says it condemns any kind of violence and does not want to see any violence. The 11th meeting of the sub-group on good governance and human rights of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission was held in Dhaka recently under the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Cooperation Agreement. The sub-group was co-chaired by the head of the Bangladesh delegation, Mohammad Mohiuddin, head of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs division at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and by head of the European Union's delegation, Rensje Teerink, Head of Division for South Asia at the European External Action Service (EEAS). They were also joined by observers from the Embassies of the EU Member States in Dhaka. The sub-group reported to the Bangladesh-EU Joint Commission that addressed all areas of bilateral cooperation on Monday. "Very happy to be back in Dhaka to co-chair the 11th EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. We reviewed the wide range of cooperation during these transitional times," said Deputy Managing Director for Asia Pacific Department at the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni after the meeting. They conveyed EU support to reforms for an "inclusive" democratic transition. The EU and Bangladesh reinforced their commitment to "strengthen cooperation" in the field of human rights, good governance and on-going reform process of the interim government. They recognised that the political transition the country is currently undergoing constitutes an "unprecedented opportunity" to make progress on human rights and good governance in Bangladesh. Bangladesh-EU relations transforming from development-centric to wide-ranging strategic partnership: Paola Pampaloni They paid tribute to the courage and determination of the students and members of the general public that stood up for their rights – and remembered those that lost their lives – during the popular uprising in July-August. The EU welcomed the interim government’s "strong commitment" to advance reforms and take the necessary steps towards a "democratic, pluralistic and inclusive" Bangladesh that is grounded in the rule of law and human rights. This commitment is notably reflected in Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), and in the creation of a Commission of Inquiry on enforced disappearances, according to the EU. Announcements to repeal or swiftly amend some of the legislations that have been used to crush dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms, such as the Cyber Security Act, are further signals of this commitment. Bangladesh explained the process for carrying out structural reforms in several key areas, including through the recently established reform commissions. The EU welcomed the ongoing work of the commissions and underlined the importance of taking into account the realities and perspectives of the population in all its diversity, including women and minorities. The need for clarity over the further process of consultation and decision-making based on the commissions’ reports was discussed. The subgroup discussed a number of areas of reform, such as the justice sector, public administration, the security sector, and capacity building of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division. Following up on the EU’s long-standing engagement with Bangladesh on labour rights, Bangladesh and the EU agreed on the urgency and opportunity to make progress in this regard, namely by making labour inspections more effective. The EU recalled that the preferential access of Bangladeshi exports to the European market is premised on the respect of international human rights and labour standards. Besides, the EU drew attention to recently adopted legislation that will reinforce the protection of human rights and labour rights, as well as improve environmental sustainability, throughout European supply chains, including for products from Bangladesh. Helpful Reference for Electoral Reforms Agreeing on the need for thorough electoral reforms, they acknowledged the recommendations of the EU Election Expert Mission of January 2024 as a "helpful reference" for Bangladesh to rebuild public trust in the electoral process and ensure that international standards on elections are upheld. The EU reiterated its great appreciation for Bangladesh temporarily hosting 1.2 million forcibly displaced Rohingya people on its territory. Measures to best meet the needs of the Rohingya people and host communities, as well as perspectives for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return were discussed.   The EU and Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in Rakhine that is seriously affecting the commencement of Rohingya repatriation. The EU encouraged the government of Bangladesh to further cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to issue a standing invitation to UN Special Procedures in order to benefit from relevant expertise in the context of the country’s political transition. Bangladesh shared that the promotion and protection of human rights of all citizens is one of the priorities of the interim Government and it is working closely with the OHCHR in this regard. At the invitation of interim government, the UN is undertaking an independent UN Fact Finding Mission regarding the human rights violations committed in the context of the July-August student-led mass movement. Bangladesh underlined that the interim government would give due consideration to the recommendations of the UN Fact Finding Mission. They both expressed the expectation that, with Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to human rights and democracy, collaboration and alignment in multilateral human rights fora would increase.  

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Sunday showed 20 people including  10 former ministers, two advisers and  a judge arrested in cases over the killings during the July-August mass uprising. The three-member tribunal led by its Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza asked the authorities concerned to produce 14 of the detained people before the tribunal on November 18 and the rest on November 20. The other members of the tribunal are - Justice Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Judge Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. Earlier, chief prosecutor of the ICT Tajul Islam submitted tow separate petitions for producing them before the tribunal and show them arrested. They are former advisers Salman F Rahman, Toufiq- e- Elahi Chowdhury, former ministers Anisul Huq, Abdur Razzaque, Faruk Khan, Dipu Moni, Shahjahan Khan, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Golam Dastagir Gazi, Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, former Supreme Court Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik and former secretary Jahangir Alam. Besides, the police and army officers include former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, suspended Major General Ziaul Ahsan, Abdullah Al Kafi, Arafat Hossain, Abul Hasan and Mazharul Islam. Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam said that they submitted three petitions to the tribunal. Meanwhile, the tribunal also issued arrest warrants against 17 people including former DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman, in connection with another case over similar charges, following a petition submitted by the prosecution. Then Awami League government allegedly committed genocide during the student-led mass upsurge in July-August that prompted the interim government to prosecute the accused through the ICT. As part of this, the Dr Yunus government reconstituted the ICT. Till the middle of October, 60 complaints on enforced disappearances, killings and genocide were lodged at the ICT, accusing former premier Sheikh Hasina, leaders of the Awami League-led 14 party alliance, senior officials of the law enforcement agencies.

Bangladesh has scored 62 out of 100 in the 2024 edition of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) ICT Development Index (IDI). This score places Bangladesh below the average for both lower-middle-income countries, which is 64.8, and the Asia & Pacific region, which averages 77.3. In South Asia, Bangladesh’s performance is mixed compared to its neighbors. Pakistan scored 55.6, Sri Lanka 71.3, Bhutan 85.9, Maldives 81.5, and Afghanistan 33.1. Notably, India and Nepal were marked as having “insufficient data” in this year’s index. Read more: Malaysia keen on increasing investment in Bangladesh’s Telecom, ICT: Palak One of the key metrics where Bangladesh lags is universal connectivity, scoring 39.4. Internet usage among individuals stands at 38.9%, and 38.1% of households have internet access, according to ICT Development Index. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh excelled in mobile network coverage, achieving 98.5% population coverage for 3G and 4G networks. The 2024 ICT Development Index revealed an overall average score of 74.8 for the 170 economies surveyed, showing a 3.3% improvement from the previous year. Over half of the studied economies scored above 80 points, yet significant disparities remain: the lowest IDI score is 21.3, and 29 economies scored below 50 points. “Measurement is critical for achieving universal and meaningful connectivity. The journey toward a fully and meaningfully connected world is far from over, but with the right data, tools, and commitment, we can make significant strides in ensuring everyone benefits from digital connectivity, contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “However, we have to recognize that each country has its own characteristics, faces its own challenges, and must follow its own development path.” Read more: Mobile phone calls drops: Govt to enforce stricter compensation, says Palak The ITU, a United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), continues to drive innovation in ICTs alongside its 193 Member States and over 900 member companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. 

The government of Bangladesh has undertaken eight strategic initiatives aimed at transforming the nation into a cost-effective, sustainable, innovative, intelligent, and knowledge-based 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041. These initiatives are designed to enhance the ICT sector's contribution to the GDP, expand digital services, and foster innovation across various domains. Key Initiatives and Targets ICT Sector Growth: The government aims for the ICT sector to contribute 20 percent to the GDP by 2041. This ambitious target is part of a broader strategy to diversify the nation's economic foundations. Digitization of Government Services: By 2041, 100 percent of government services will be digitized, making them more accessible to the populace. This effort seeks to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of public service delivery. Boost in ICT Exports and Employment: The plan includes increasing ICT exports to USD 5 billion and expanding ICT employment to 3 million by 2025. Additionally, professional mentorship will be provided to 1,000 Bangladeshi startups by 2025 to nurture emerging entrepreneurs. Innovation Hubs: Establishment of 10 innovation hubs within the top universities aims to stimulate creativity and technological advancement. Startup Ecosystem: The goal to build at least 5 unicorns—startups valued at over USD 1 billion—reflects the government's commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem. Specialized Labs for 4IR Technologies: Universities will host specialized labs focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as Robotics, AI, IoT, Big Data, Blockchain, and AR/VR, preparing students for future job markets. Smart Digital Leadership Academy and 4IR Centre: These institutions will play pivotal roles in cultivating leadership and technical skills necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Read more: Govt to include Smart Bangladesh in mid-term dev plan: Official Document Current Progress and Future Plans With over two-thirds of Bangladesh's population in the workforce, skill development and employment generation, particularly in the ICT sector, are high priorities. The government is actively transforming its large workforce to meet future market demands, as evidenced by the slight decrease in unemployment from 4.2 percent in FY 2016-17 to 3.6 percent in 2022, according to the Labor Force Survey 2022. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently highlighted that the unemployment rate is at three percent. Efforts to decrease this further include the Skills for Employment Improvement Program, implemented by the Finance Division, under which over 600,000 individuals have been trained. Furthermore, the successful implementation of various initiatives has already facilitated employment for about 2 million people in fields ranging from IT freelancing to fintech and e-commerce, according to the official document ‘Medium Term Macroeconomic Policy Statement (2023-24 to 2025-26)’. The Bangladesh Hi-tech Park Authority is also working to convert over 60,000 youths into IT professionals by 2025, with 37,800 already having completed training programs, the document added. Read more: Join hands in building ‘Smart Bangladesh’ under PM Sheikh Hasina's leadership: Envoy Looking Ahead The ICT Division has formulated the "Smart Bangladesh: ICT 2041 Master Plan" centered around four pillars: Smart Citizen, Smart Government, Smart Economy, and Smart Society. These pillars are expected to guide Bangladesh to the next stage of development, leveraging the potential of the 4IR to achieve a smarter and more sustainable future. The initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy by the Bangladesh government to harness the power of digital technology and innovation, steering the country toward significant economic transformation and enhanced global competitiveness by 2041. Read more: Palak delivers speech on Smart Bangladesh in Singapore