Finance minister urges customer-centric digital services

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has directed all financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, to deliver digital services tailored to customers’ needs, ensuring citizens can access essential services from the comfort of their homes.

“Every institution must deploy two personnel at each of its outlets. Their primary responsibility will be to assist visiting customers, understand their needs and guide them on how to access those services digitally,” the minister said.

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He was speaking at the “Innovation Showcasing 2025-26” exhibition held at the finance ministry’s Secretariat office.

Emphasising hassle-free customer experiences, the minister instructed officials to send letters to customers highlighting the ministry’s various services.

“This initiative will save customers time, prevent harassment, reduce suffering and enhance overall transparency,” he added.

The exhibition yesterday showcased 329 digital services developed by 25 departments and agencies under the Financial Institutions Division (FID).

The finance minister spent nearly two hours reviewing briefs on each innovation. Five institutions received awards in various categories for their outstanding initiatives.

While appreciating the progress, the minister urged officials not to become complacent.

“What I have seen is highly commendable, but it is not enough. You must ensure that these services reach people’s doorsteps and are actually adopted by the public,” he said.

The minister said the government is committed to accelerating the country’s digital transformation to make public service delivery faster, more transparent and more cost-effective.

He noted that digitalisation is no longer an option but a necessity for economic growth, efficiency and good governance.

He added that the government’s overarching goal is to bring all citizens -- including businesses, professionals, farmers and workers -- under a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

Effective digitalisation would save time, reduce travel costs and boost overall productivity, he said.

The minister also informed the audience that a high-level delegation, including the ICT adviser and the Bangladesh Bank governor, is currently visiting Estonia to study its globally acclaimed digital governance model.

Presiding over the event, FID Secretary Nazma Mobarek said technology-driven innovations are simplifying public services, strengthening transparency and preventing corruption.

She said the digital initiatives align with the government’s election manifesto to establish Bangladesh as a technology-driven nation, increase tax compliance and curb financial irregularities, including money laundering.