Play store
Bangladesh has initiated steps to introduce an e-Parliament system as part of efforts to establish a paperless, modern and technology-driven legislature.
The initiative was discussed on Sunday during a meeting between Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal MP, who also chairs the Library Committee of the 13th Parliament. Committee members Nayab Yusuf Ahmed and ABM Mosharraf Hossain were also present.
During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the need to introduce the e-Parliament system to make parliamentary activities more dynamic, modern and technology-driven.
The proposed system will include both Bangla and English versions and is expected to make the management, preservation and exchange of parliamentary documents faster, easier and more efficient.
The Speaker directed that a committee, headed by the Deputy Speaker, be formed to oversee the implementation of the e-Parliament system. The committee will review the proposed system’s structure, implementation process, required technological infrastructure and other related issues before taking the necessary steps.
The Speaker also instructed the authorities concerned to arrange a presentation on the proposed e-Parliament system by the end of September. The presentation is expected to outline how the system will operate, its technological capabilities, implementation plan and other key aspects.
Officials said the introduction of the e-Parliament system could become an important milestone for the present government. Once implemented, various parliamentary activities and documents will be managed digitally.
The move is expected to significantly reduce the use of paper while saving time and administrative costs and improving the speed, efficiency and coordination of parliamentary operations.
The meeting also decided to approach the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), donor countries and development partners to secure the necessary technical and other support for the project. Their assistance may be sought at different stages of implementation, depending on requirements.
The introduction of the e-Parliament system is being seen as an important and timely step towards building a paperless and technology-driven parliament.
Relevant officials of the Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat were also present at the meeting.