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Published : 06 Jul 2026, 05:35 PM
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for the rapid digitalisation of Bangladesh, saying the country has "no option" but to embrace technology to drive growth and improve public services.
The minister made the remarks on Monday while addressing the Innovation Showcasing 2025-25 programme organised by the Financial Institutions Division at the Secretariat.
"We have decided that Bangladesh must be digitalised as quickly as possible, without wasting a single moment," he said.
Before the event, he visited exhibition stalls showcasing innovations introduced by commercial banks and financial institutions to improve customer services.
The finance minister said Bangladesh could not progress without technology and digitalisation.
"Whether it is service delivery, transparency, cost reduction or making better use of people's time in daily life, all of these are embedded in digitalisation," he said.
He said the government wanted digital services to reach every section of society.
"We want ordinary citizens, businesspeople, professionals, farmers and workers to be part of this system. These services must reach every citizen of Bangladesh."
"When I say all citizens, I mean all citizens. You will have noticed in the budget that everyone has been included in our allocations. Nobody has been left out."
However, he added that economic inclusion was not enough on its own.
"Door-to-door delivery of services must also be ensured. Otherwise, there is no opportunity to move forward."
Highlighting the importance of learning from global experience in technology, the minister said a high-level government delegation is currently visiting Estonia to study the country's technological excellence and digital governance model.
Addressing officials from banks and financial institutions, Amir Khosru said the innovations displayed at the event were encouraging, but more continuous improvement would be needed to achieve the desired goals.
He urged banks and insurance companies to assess what proportion of their customers are actually receiving digital services.
The minister also called on branch officials to encourage customers to adopt online services by helping them change long-standing habits and by informing them of the benefits of digital services through attractive communication.
