DHAKA, Feb 5, 2025 (BSS) - A taskforce of the interim government has 
recommended establishing NID-based open data platforms.

"Establishing open data platforms based on the National Identity (NID) system 
- similar to India's Aadhar card - can revolutionise service delivery across 
numerous sectors," says a recent of the taskforce. 

The taskforce came up the recommendation as these platforms can facilitate 
access to finance, efficient distribution of subsidies, social protection 
programmes, tax compliance, bank account openings, and meeting Know Your 
Customer (KYC) requirements. 

It says this digital intervention has already been tested successfully in 
other contexts and promises to have a transformative, economy-wide impact.

The taskforce proposes improving government efficiency saying there is 
substantial scope for efficiency gains within government operations. 

"Strategies to enhance operational efficiency may include transitioning to 
paperless offices, minimising ceremonial and protocol-related expenses, 
reducing unnecessary construction of facilities, and limiting the frequency 
of meetings to save time and resources," the report reads. 

Identifying and implementing these 'minor adjustments' collectively can 
result in significant improvements in government efficiency, according to the 
taskforce.

It suggests removing political influence from the banking sector since a 
powerful vested interest group has played pivotal role in weakening the 
sector for decades. "This needs to be dismantled." 

Noting that the Bangladesh Bank must be allowed to function independently, as 
per the Bangladesh Bank Amendment Bill 2003, the taskforce says a single 
individual or group of individuals should not be allowed to obtain majority 
ownership of more than one commercial bank. 

"No new bank licenses should be given out on political grounds. Use of public 
funds to recapitalise poorly governed commercial banks needs to stop. An exit 
policy for troubled banks should be formulated to protect the depositor 
interest," the report says.

Education and Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud handed over the 
report of the taskforce on "Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising 
Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development" to Chief Adviser 
Professor Muhammad Yunus on January 30.

The 12-member taskforce was formed on September 10 to reframe the development 
strategies, find out leakages in financial system and restore discipline in 
project implementation.