Finance minister pushes customer-centric digital financial 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 specific services digitally," the minister said.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

He was speaking at the "Innovation Showcasing 2025-26" exhibition, held at the Secretariat office of the Finance Ministry.

Emphasising hassle-free customer experiences, the minister instructed that letters be sent to the customers highlighting different services of the ministry.

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

Today's exhibition 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 across various categories for their outstanding innovative 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 that they 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.

The minister 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.

He said that effective digitalisation would save time, cut travel costs, and boost overall productivity.

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 that technology-driven small innovations are simplifying public services, strengthening transparency, and preventing corruption.

She noted that these 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.