Bangladesh government launches 25 mobile apps to ’get close to people’

The government has rolled out a number of new mobile-phone applications as part of its effort to provide better services to the people.

Available on Android platform, these 25 apps can be used for various purposes -- from reading the Constitution to getting information on hospitals and agriculture.

"Information and communication technology will be fully utilised to reach government services at the people's doorsteps," State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said at the inauguration programme on Wednesday in Dhaka.

He said the apps would be available on the Google Play Store and on the websites of relevant ministries from Wednesday.

These apps are the first batch of 100 mobile apps the government is planning to release on selected services provided by various ministries, divisions and directorates.

Bangladesh on Aug 31 signed an agreement with a private company to make 500 mobile applications in Bangla for Android OS.

Of these apps, 300 will be for government ministries and institutions to provide information and services to the people.

The new apps unveiled on Wednesday include Rights to Information Act, BTC, Nazrul Geeti, government services, prize bond, national museum, public library, information on rivers, insect control of crop, among others.

Palak said these apps would provide basic information for now.

He said the government planned to eventually make mobile apps on emergency services provided by the ministries and divisions.

"The government wants to be more sincere in providing services [to the people]," the state minister said. "In future, apps for art, literature, and healthy entertainment will be made."