Media and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) has drafted the Bangladesh E-Participation Policy Framework to boost citizen engagement in government policymaking and decision-making through digital platforms.
The draft was unveiled Thursday at the Bangladesh Computer Council auditorium, where officials and stakeholders emphasized that digital participation could foster a more transparent and inclusive governance system.
In his welcome speech, Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, additional secretary of the ICT Division, said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader digital transformation agenda. MRDI’s Executive Director Hasibur Rahman outlined the background and objectives of the proposed framework before formally handing a copy to Katharina Koenig, deputy team leader of the Nagorikota–Civic Engagement Fund.
Presenting the draft, Dr Anannya Raihan, chairperson of iSocial, highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid digital penetration. He noted that around 91 percent of the population now uses mobile phones, with usage rates nearly equal in rural and urban areas. Such widespread access, he said, creates a strong foundation for citizens to participate directly in policy discussions and government initiatives through digital means.
Among the special guests were Md Daud Mia, director general of the NGO Affairs Bureau; Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan, secretary (in charge) of the Chief Adviser’s Office; and Shish Haydar Chowdhury of the ICT Division.
Speaking at the event, Mahmudul Hossain Khan said digitalization is reshaping governance worldwide. “We must keep pace. Expanding e-participation will reduce the need for physical presence and help curb corruption,” he added.
Shish Haydar Chowdhury highlighted Bangladesh’s technological progress: “There was a time when houses had no electricity and people used lanterns. Even 15–20 years ago, many did not own mobile phones. Today, nearly everyone carries one — even in informal settlements. Some households in slums now have laptops. We have to continue advancing digitalization.”
Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, who presided over the program, acknowledged that digitalization brings both benefits and challenges. “It is affecting our interpersonal bonds and raising concerns around privacy. Yet, to keep pace with the rest of the world, we must prioritize e-participation,” he said. He added that despite its drawbacks, expanding digital civic engagement is crucial for ensuring governance becomes more responsive and reflective of public needs.
