Agargaon: Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today emphasized the crucial role of the postal department in communication, urging it to adapt responsibly and work with dedication to keep pace with the ongoing digital transformation. She shared these insights during the closing session of a discussion held in honor of World Post Day at the Postal Directorate's conference room in Agargaon, the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana highlighted the importance of the General Post Office (GPO) as part of Dhaka's heritage and outlined the government's efforts to preserve it. She called for collective action to build a modern and discrimination-free Bangladesh.
Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, who spoke as a special guest, indicated that efforts are underway to address long-standing inequalities faced by postal employees. He assured that concerns regarding the expansion of the Secretariat at the current GPO premises have been resolved and announced plans to establish a Postal Museum at the site to preserve collective memories.
Taiyeb pointed out that the current address management system does not align with the digital economy. Initiatives are being taken to digitize it by incorporating experiences from private courier services, including integrating area codes, street codes, and house codes with geo-fencing. He emphasized the importance of data security and mentioned that updates to the Postal and Courier Act are underway to ensure this.
The special assistant revealed that 50-60 percent of mail and parcel deliveries are currently trackable under the existing system. He noted ongoing efforts to enhance the software and increase tracking system efficiency to nearly 100 percent. Additionally, steps are being taken to integrate the postal department with e-commerce services to address service disparities between rural and urban areas.
The event also featured the awarding of winners from children's art and quiz competitions, as well as the recognition of the best postal employee. It was chaired by Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Abdun Naser Khan and attended by Secretary of the ICT Division Shish Hayder Chowdhury, Director General of Postal Department S M Shahabuddin, and other officials from various offices under the ministry.