Authors :
Jahir Emam; Dr. Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 9 - September
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3BKCjol
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7085926
Abstract :
ICT policy is required to facilitate e-services
to the citizens and to guide stakeholders of ICT to
minimize the socio-economic barriers in ICT facilities.
This study has examined the vision, objectives, strategic
themes of the National Information and
Communication Policy (NIP) 2018 of Bangladesh to find
out whether this policy addresses ‘Digital Divide’ and
encouraging digital inclusion of Bangladesh. In last
decade, the government of Bangladesh has initiated
massive digitization, still the question remains, are the
citizens receiving the e-services at doorstep or it is
creating digital divide. Bangladesh is an agricultural
country and 62% of citizen live in rural areas.
Furthermore, for receiving e-services it requires ICT
accessibility, engagement, and skill, but most of the
citizen do not have those perquisites. That is why, rapid
digitization and e-services of the government has
created the possibility of digital divide. This study has
investigated the e-services accessibility for the citizen as
committed in ICT policy 2018. For this study, author
followed a qualitative method for primary data
collection. Author has examined the NIP 2018 with
relevant policy documents and finds the underlying
gaps and issues, which have the threats of digital divide.
Author has also conducted FGDs and Key Informant
Interview (KII) to find out possible policy solution. The
author has identified the issues, challenges, and gaps
while analyzing the NIP 2018. Despite that, the author
has proposed, if the NIP 2018 would implement with
priority and dedication, the government of Bangladesh
can minimize the threats of digital divide and bring the
e-services to the doorstep of the citizen.
Keywords :
ICT Policy 2018, Digital Divide, e-Service delivery, e-service accessibility
ICT policy is required to facilitate e-services
to the citizens and to guide stakeholders of ICT to
minimize the socio-economic barriers in ICT facilities.
This study has examined the vision, objectives, strategic
themes of the National Information and
Communication Policy (NIP) 2018 of Bangladesh to find
out whether this policy addresses ‘Digital Divide’ and
encouraging digital inclusion of Bangladesh. In last
decade, the government of Bangladesh has initiated
massive digitization, still the question remains, are the
citizens receiving the e-services at doorstep or it is
creating digital divide. Bangladesh is an agricultural
country and 62% of citizen live in rural areas.
Furthermore, for receiving e-services it requires ICT
accessibility, engagement, and skill, but most of the
citizen do not have those perquisites. That is why, rapid
digitization and e-services of the government has
created the possibility of digital divide. This study has
investigated the e-services accessibility for the citizen as
committed in ICT policy 2018. For this study, author
followed a qualitative method for primary data
collection. Author has examined the NIP 2018 with
relevant policy documents and finds the underlying
gaps and issues, which have the threats of digital divide.
Author has also conducted FGDs and Key Informant
Interview (KII) to find out possible policy solution. The
author has identified the issues, challenges, and gaps
while analyzing the NIP 2018. Despite that, the author
has proposed, if the NIP 2018 would implement with
priority and dedication, the government of Bangladesh
can minimize the threats of digital divide and bring the
e-services to the doorstep of the citizen.
Keywords :
ICT Policy 2018, Digital Divide, e-Service delivery, e-service accessibility
