Access to Information (a2i) Bangladesh, with the support of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Division, USAID and UNDP Bangladesh, has introduced more than 16 digital services and platforms this year in line with its vision of transforming the country into digital Bangladesh.
The a2i has introduced two online-based platforms – "Konnect" for students and "Accessible Dictionary" for visually-impaired people.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated a2i’s newly developed online-based platforms earlier in the year, reports BSS.
The a2i in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Extension has developed the digital platform “Krishi Batayon” (agriculture portal) and the “Krishak Bandhu Phone Seba” for the expansion of the e-agriculture services across the country, said the a2i officials.
Any farmer included in the list of Krishi Batayon can ask any question related to agriculture by making a call to 3331.
The a2i has also launched the "333 Call Centre" with a motto — “Government information and services, anytime” — to provide information on procedures of receiving government services and redress of social problems.
Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed inaugurated the call centre service on April 12, 2018.
Anyone can dial the helpline 333 from anywhere of the country and expatriates Bangladeshis to 09666789333 and receive information about government offices or officers, tourist attractions, districts, and solution to different social problems.
The a2i introduced "Skills Portal" (skills.gov.bd) on September 22 in the first session of the National Apprenticeship Conference 2018 held in Cox’s Bazar.
The Skills Portal is an online platform for regular coordination and monitoring of various a2i skill-development programs; assessing the demand of skilled manpower in the industry; and connecting skill development organizations with various industries.
The a2i Program and the Department of Environment launched two environment challenge funds titled "Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) Monitoring System" and "Remote River Water Monitoring System" to check river pollution and wastes discharged by factories.
The projects will protect the environment and rivers from pollution by providing information online on waste control and quality of river waters respectively.
The government launched a mobile app “Joy” on July 29, in an attempt to provide immediate assistance to women and children who were already became or are about to be victims of torture or violence.
Joy application software has been developed by the Multi-Sectoral Program on Violence Against Women (MSPVAW) of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs with funding and technical support from the a2i Program.
During any emergency, the app user can instantly send urgent SMS to the superintendent of police and deputy commissioner of the metropolitan police, three selected FNF (friend and family) numbers and the National Helpline Centre (109).
The a2i has also launched "E-Licensing and E-Learning System" for transforming services to e-services for saving time and reducing cost, and six digital centers aimed at ensuring easy, fast and low-cost access to government and private services for the RMG and fishery workers.