DHAKA, Oct 28, 2025 (BSS) - The government has taken an initiative to formulate the “Postal Service Ordinance, 2025” to modernize, digitize, and make the Bangladesh postal system more citizen-friendly—replacing the century-old Post Office Act of 1898.

The draft of the ordinance has already been published on the website of Posts and Telecommunications Division, where the general public can submit their opinions until 4 November 2025, said an official handout. 

In addition, a meeting with relevant stakeholders will be held at the GPO on 30 October. Based on public opinion and stakeholder participation, the Posts and Telecommunications Division aims to finalize a modern, secure, and time-befitting postal service ordinance.

The new ordinance emphasizes five key areas — digital transformation, modern address management, address preservation related to climate-induced migration, protection of personal data, and institutional capacity enhancement.

Through this ordinance, Bangladesh postal service is set to undergo an epoch-making change. The ordinance proposes establishing a “Regulation Wing” under an Additional Director General, which will license, regulate, and monitor commercial postal and courier operators. Operating without a valid license may result in a fine of up to Taka 10 lakh.

The ordinance also introduces digital postage stamps (E-stamping) and directs the creation of a centralized tracking platform to ensure interoperability among all service operators. To safeguard personal information, compliance with the Personal Data Protection Ordinance, 2025 will be mandatory.

Postal service has been declared an emergency service under the ordinance, granting postal vehicles and workers priority access during national crises. Moreover, the establishment of the Office of the Chief Controller of Stamps has been proposed. For all cross-border parcels, Electronic Advance Data (EAD) submission and KYC verification will be mandatory to prevent illegal transactions and misuse.

The ordinance also declares the Post Office Savings Bank and Postal Life Insurance as state-guaranteed essential postal services, opening new horizons in public savings and insurance services. 

To expand democratic participation, postal ballot facilities will be ensured for expatriate and non-resident voters.

Additionally, by introducing digital address storage and geo-fencing capabilities, it will be possible to restore citizens’ addresses even in cases of climate change-induced displacement, river erosion, or migration.