SERVICE DELIVERY THROUGH NATIONAL IDENTITY SYSTEM IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

A significant improvement of service delivery has been made by the Government
of Bangladesh using information and communication technologies to strengthen
governance and counter corruption. An important foundation for an effective
service delivery is the State’s capacity to identify citizens accurately and quickly
and the ability of individual citizens to track what services they are entitled to
receive from the State. A comprehensive nation-wide identification system is a
powerful tool in achieving these goals. The prime objective of this research is to
find out possible areas of effective service delivery through identification system
in Bangladesh. The author concluded that National Identity System (NIDS) of
Bangladesh is the most reliable, robust and dynamic database of the country
having over 99 percent accuracy. The system is augmented with strong biometric
data which enables verification of citizens accurately and authentically. Demand
of verification through NIDS is predominantly increasing. Author focuses on
Government service deliveries targeting only two sectors besides identifying
what services may be delivered using NIDS. Law Enforcement Agencies, Mobile
Network Operators, Finance Ministry, National Board of Revenue, All banks are many of the few users of the system. A significant achievement in service
delivery has already been achieved, which, recognized the system as dependable,
reliable and trust worthy. Service delivery by government institutions through
NIDS directly contributing in the National Economy and National Security.
National Identity Wing must be upgraded to a division to continue operating
such structure. Service deliveries using NIDS to be made compulsory to ensure
transparency, accountability and efficiency. Below 18 citizens must be endorsed
at earliest to expand service delivery. Further studies should be made to explore
potential service deliveries of other sectors.