Body to Look Into ICT Division Projects Under Hasina Regime

Body to Look Into ICT Division Projects Under Hasina Regime. The ICT Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology has launched a thorough evaluation of all its projects executed over the past 15 years during the uninterrupted governance of the now-ousted Awami League administration. This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the division’s operations.

On 28 August, a seven-member committee was established to carry out this extensive review. The committee is led by Additional Secretary Mahbubur Rahman and comprises representatives from the Bangladesh Computer Council, Aspire to Innovate (a2i), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and the Controller of Certifying Authorities.

Their primary objective is to assess the projects’ intended purposes, evaluate their outcomes for the general public, and investigate any potential irregularities or corruption.

According to Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Adviser Md Nahid Islam, “The committee has been instructed to find facts impartially, based on which the next steps will be taken.” This highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring an unbiased and transparent review process.

The committee’s first meeting is set to take place this week, where they will define their terms of reference and outline the methodology for the evaluation. The projects under review are part of the “Digital Bangladesh” initiative, launched after the 2008 national election by the Sheikh Hasina government, which later evolved into the “Smart Bangladesh by 2041” vision in 2022.

The financial scope of this evaluation is considerable, with nearly Tk29,000 crore allocated primarily for infrastructure development. Despite the significant investment, there have been ongoing concerns regarding the efficacy and public benefit of these expenditures. Allegations of inefficiencies, irregularities, nepotism, and corruption have surrounded these projects, prompting the need for this thorough review.

A significant portion of the allocated budget, about one-third, has been spent on completed projects, while most of the ongoing projects are nearing completion, as reported by a committee member. However, the committee is yet to finalize the deadline for their fact-finding work, indicating that this evaluation process may be extensive.

Following the initial assessment, the committee plans to delve deeper into the areas where irregularities are suspected, ensuring that any malpractice is uncovered and addressed. Additionally, another committee has been established to specifically investigate possible irregularities in the recruitment process at the Bangladesh Data Center Company Limited, which operates under the same ministry.

The ICT Division’s decision to review projects executed during the Hasina regime demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability.

As the committee embarks on this evaluation, it aims to ensure that the substantial investments made towards “Digital Bangladesh” and “Smart Bangladesh” initiatives have genuinely benefited the public and that any irregularities are thoroughly investigated and rectified.

This process not only underscores the importance of responsible governance but also sets a precedent for future projects and administrations.