Bangladesh: Strengthening Digital Governance Through Privacy and Public Sector Modernisation

Bangladesh is moving steadily toward stronger digital governance as part of its long-term national development strategy. While the country does not yet have a dedicated law for automated systems, it has begun setting foundations through data protection rules, national digital transformation plans, and public-sector modernisation programmes. The overarching aim is to ensure technology supports inclusion, economic growth, and accountable digital services.

• The government is preparing updates to the Digital Security Act and related privacy frameworks to increase transparency and due process.
• The national Digital Bangladesh Vision continues to expand digital public services with growing expectations around responsible data handling.
• The ICT Division is working on ethical guidelines for public-sector automation and data use.
• Pilot initiatives on digital identity, e-governance, and citizen-service platforms are beginning to include fairness and transparency checks.
• Bangladesh cooperates with UNDP, World Bank, and regional partners to strengthen governance capacity.

• Public agencies adopting digital identity and service platforms.
• Telecom, fintech, and mobile money providers handling personal data at scale.
• Startups in logistics, agriculture, and education using analytics.
• International service providers offering cloud or data-processing services.

1. Privacy and security: Stronger controls over data collection and processing.
2. Accountability: Public institutions must document how digital tools support decisions.
3. Fairness: Services should support inclusive access and avoid discriminatory outcomes.
4. Transparency: Citizens should understand how digital systems affect their rights.
5. Digital development: Technology must support national economic and social goals.

With stronger privacy and digital-service reforms underway, organisations operating in Bangladesh should:

• Maintain clear records of data usage and user consent.
• Document any automation used in public-facing processes.
• Demonstrate fairness and inclusion, especially in financial services.
• Prepare for future requirements related to algorithmic transparency and audit trails.

Early alignment with responsible practices strengthens credibility during tenders and partnerships with government agencies.

• Updates to the Digital Security Act to incorporate clearer privacy safeguards.
• National guidelines for responsible automation in public services.
• Growth of AI-supported agriculture and public health systems.
• International cooperation with South Asia and ASEAN partners.