Published : 27 May 2025, 05:36 AM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 01:20 PM
A new digital platform "Nagorik Sheba Bangladesh" has been rolled out to provide all public services under one roof, with the slogan “All citizen services in one address”.
The pilot phase of this initiative was inaugurated on Monday at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.
According to a press release from his office, the programme has been initiated under its directive and is being supervised by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division.
Under the pilot phase, citizen service centres have been set up in Gulshan, Uttara, and Nilkhet.
The centres in Gulshan and Uttara have already begun operations, with the Nilkhet centre expected to open shortly.
Trained citizen service entrepreneurs will deliver these services to the public from the designated centres.
At the launch, Yunus said: “We must establish a system where a child receives a birth certificate the moment they are born. This should be their formal recognition as a citizen.”
He expressed hope that this initiative will play “a revolutionary role” in reducing the dominance of middlemen, preventing harassment and ensuring hassle-free citizen services.
The interim prime minister also directed the ICT Division to establish special service centres to implement the concept of “all services at one address” for expatriates in the same way.
“Our aim is to foster positive competition among ministries in service delivery,” he added. “We are working to bring as many services as possible from every ministry under this platform, as quickly as possible.”
On the operation and ownership of the citizen service centres, he explained that entrepreneurs would lease spaces from property owners and pay rent at a reduced rate during the initial phase.
They would also be responsible for security, maintenance, and utilities.
Licences perhaps will be revoked if service standards are not upheld.
“Nagorik Sheba Bangladesh is not just a service delivery platform, it is a movement to bridge the gap between the government and the people, driven by technology and powered by local entrepreneurs,” Yunus said.
“This inclusive, sustainable, and scalable initiative is poised to reshape the landscape of citizen services nationwide.”
On behalf of the ICT Division, Yunus’s Special Assistant Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said: “By implementing this project on a zero budget, we have proven that progress is possible by utilising existing national resources.”
He added that the initiative aims to transform underused government facilities, including post offices, into modern co-working spaces, which will be operated by local entrepreneurs.
Located within walking distance for citizens, the centres will offer several digital government services--including national ID, passport application, and tax filing--provided by trained local entrepreneurs.
“This model will not only make government services more accessible to citizens,” Faiz said, “but also create economic empowerment opportunities for youth and women.
“Inspired by the principles of social business and operated through public-private partnership, this initiative embodies inclusive development and citizen empowerment.”
WHAT SERVICES WILL THE CENTRES OFFER?
Trained entrepreneurs at the centres will provide digital government services such as national ID cards, passports and tax filing.
The centres will be set up within walking distance for local residents.
AIM TO BUILD NATIONWIDE SERVICE NETWORK
The initiative aims to create an effective and easily accessible digital service network across the country, which will also contribute to social and economic development through the empowerment of local entrepreneurs, according to the government.
TRAINED ENTREPRENEURS LEAD THE WAY
From an initial pool of 200 applicants, 100 people (50 women and 50 men) have been selected and certified through training to begin delivering services through these centres.
3 CENTRES IN PILOT PHASE
The pilot project includes centres in Gulshan, Uttara, and Nilkhet.
