Dhaka: Use of e-filing and digital office management is rapidly expanding across the country to build a faster, transparent, and accountable administration by reducing paper-based activities in government offices. Officials say that digital administrative systems are reducing service time, lowering costs, and making citizen services much easier and more effective than before.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Public Administration, the ICT Division, and the a2i (Aspire to Innovate) program, e-nothi and e-filing systems have already been introduced in most ministries, divisions, district administrations, upazila administrations, and various autonomous institutions. Even when government officials are not physically present in the office, they can process files, approve documents, and conduct official communications online.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani stated that around 80 percent of file-related work in ministries is now being done digitally. This shift has decreased the time required to dispose of government files and accelerated the implementation of decisions. Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division, Humayun Kabir, highlighted that previously, moving a file from one desk to another could take days or weeks, but e-filing now resolves many documents within hours.
The introduction of digital systems has increased administrative efficiency and reduced corruption and unnecessary delays. Kabir emphasized that digital e-documents eliminate the possibility of altering note sheets for personal gain, significantly reducing corruption. Officers can now approve and sign files even when they are outside Dhaka or abroad, enhancing speed, transparency, and accountability.
As part of implementing Smart Bangladesh 2041, officials claimed government offices are gradually transforming into smart offices. Online activities include e-filing, digital document storage, virtual communication, online leave management, digital attendance, and service progress monitoring. According to the Cabinet Division, thousands of e-files are being processed daily, reducing overhead expenses like paper, printing, and transportation, contributing to an eco-friendly administration.
ICT experts assert that e-filing is modernizing administration and transforming public service culture. Citizens can now monitor document progress easily via digital tracking systems, eliminating the need for multiple office visits. At the district administration level, smart office systems have positively impacted land services, certificate issuance, license renewals, and social safety net programs, reducing public inconvenience.
Jhalakathi Deputy Commissioner Momin Uddin noted that digital document management allows urgent government directives to be swiftly delivered to the field level. It plays an effective role in disaster management, law and order monitoring, and development project supervision. Emphasis is being placed on improving technology-based skills through training programs for government employees.
Training institutions under the Ministry of Public Administration are providing courses on e-document management, cybersecurity, and digital office operations. Experts believe successful e-filing implementation requires strong cybersecurity, uninterrupted internet connectivity, and skilled human resources. There is also a focus on developing integrated data management systems across all government offices.
A Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration mentioned plans to further modernize office management by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and integrated digital platforms. This is expected to further reduce service delivery time and increase transparency and accountability. Previously, submitting applications, tracking file progress, or obtaining approvals required repeated office visits. Now, many services are accessible from home through digital systems.
Service recipient Sharmin Akter from Rajshahi remarked that e-filing has increased work speed. Previously, tracking a file's location took time, but now officials respond quickly. Dependence on middlemen has decreased, and digital systems enable direct access to services, reducing extra expenses. Rural residents can access various government services through Union Digital Centers and online platforms, narrowing the service gap between urban and rural areas.
E-filing has created significant benefits for women, the elderly, and working individuals by reducing the need to stand in long queues or undertake repeated office visits. Experts predict that with future integration of artificial intelligence and digital data systems, government services will become even faster, easier, and more effective.