She said this at a dialogue titled ‘E-Governance in Local Government Institutions: Current Situation and Future Actions’ organized by CPD at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka on Monday (August 31).
Fahmida Khatun said, e-governance should not be made merely a medium for one-way service delivery; citizens’ opinions and participation must be ensured. Its success should be evaluated on the basis of accessibility of services, participatory decision-making, and accountability.
She also called for creating opportunities for youth employment, skill development and entrepreneurial support on local government platforms, as well as involving them in digital surveys and participatory budget formulation.
She also stressed the importance of ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, low-income families and people in remote areas are not left out of e-governance. She also advised taking effective measures to prevent online harassment, ensure cyber security and protect personal information.
She said, without reliable internet, trained workforce, integrated information repository, cyber security and clear institutional responsibility, good governance cannot be ensured only through technology.
