Dhaka: Bangladesh is gradually climbing up the e-governance parameter. In the e-government readiness ranking of the United Nations E-Government Survey 2008, Bangladesh has ranked 142nd. In 2005 Bangladesh was at 162nd position.

However, the ranking is still not satisfactory as other SAARC countries, except for Nepal, are placed better than Bangladesh.

This rise in the rank was attributed to its progress in Web measurement index, where the country's various government sites made their presence in large number in the last couple of years.

It was also contributed due to the various initiatives from government and non-government organisations to create awareness.

But it would be difficult to step into those advanced stages and derive the real benefit, without a compatible administrative reform and enactment of cyber-and-electronic transaction law.

The Maldives continues to dominate within the SAARC with an index close to the world average followed by Sri Lanka.

Despite some initiatives, such as the formation of the ICT Task Force and the formulation of the National Information and Communication Technology Policy 2002, only a few ministries and agencies have attained limited e-Government capability in the country.

According to the e-Readiness report, this year Sweden surpassed the US and secured the top position, while two other Scandinavian countries—Denmark and Norway—were ranked second and third respectively.

e-Governance in countries like Bangladesh can serve as an effective tool to address many of its deep-rooted problems like transparency, corruption, accountability and efficiency.

In this modern information age, national productivity could be impacted by the use of ICT in the government, as it is necessary to create a knowledge-based society and a skilled workforce capable of converting the existing system into a modern one.

e-Governance cannot take off without strong collaboration and communication amongst various government and non-government agencies, as participation and support from all corners are essential in this regard.

Most importantly, a firm commitment and political will is needed to drive this forward to reap its ultimate and actual benefit for the country.
—iGovernment Bureau