Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant on the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, emphasized that digital transformation encompasses more than just developing applications; it involves fundamentally rebuilding the foundations of the state. He articulated these views while serving as the chief guest at the international conference titled ‘Building Trust and Sustainability through Data Governance’ held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) with support from the Information and Communication Technology Division (EDGE Project) and the Government of Bangladesh. Taiyeb highlighted that the country’s approach to digital transformation should evolve beyond isolated projects or app-based initiatives. He underscored that it is a long-term, foundational transformation of the state, with data governance, cybersecurity, and citizens’ rights at its core.
Taiyeb noted that despite the existence of many digital systems in Bangladesh, a lack of interoperability poses a significant challenge, inhibiting decision-making and limiting the effective use of artificial intelligence. The government is already working on establishing three legal foundations-cyber safety, personal data protection, and national data governance-to serve as key pillars for future Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Discussing telecommunications and device access, Taiyeb stressed that digital services will be effective only when citizens, regardless of their urban or rural location, have access to secure devices and equal network coverage. He also envisaged a future where every citizen has a digital data wallet, securely storing information from birth to death, with data usage limited to specified periods and requiring citizen consent.
Taiyeb warned that without legal and infrastructural foundations, digital transformation remains an illusion. He asserted that the government is steering away from erroneous paths and is focused on establishing the right foundations.
Information and Communication Technology Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury emphasized that effective data governance extends beyond policy formulation. It necessitates robust institutional capacity, cross-sector coordination, and a clear accountability framework. As digital services broaden across public and private sectors, ensuring responsible data use, security, and compliance is vital for fostering public trust and achieving sustainable digital transformation.
The conference highlighted data protection, management, and responsible use in the digital era. It included three sessions on the practical application of data protection policies, comparing Bangladesh’s data management practices with international standards, and the role of professional accountants in data governance.
Participants such as Jean Bouquot, President of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Jean Pesme, Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan at the World Bank, government policymakers, and experts from various sectors contributed to the discussions. They concluded that a robust and reliable data governance system could be developed through collaborative efforts between the government, regulatory bodies, professional organizations, and the private sector, thereby enhancing trust and supporting sustainable development in the country.