By Mir Abdul Alim

The government of Bangladesh introduced various initiatives and projects under the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to build a Digital Bangladesh. However, during the tenure of the previous government, corruption in the ICT Ministry emerged as a significant problem. Reports and allegations suggest that despite the promotion of the Digital Bangladesh concept, the operations of this ministry became riddled with widespread corruption. Over the last 15 years, instead of achieving progress through digitalization, stories of corruption have overshadowed the initiatives.

Corruption in ICT Projects

Many projects under the ICT Ministry during the previous government's tenure fell victim to corruption. Allegations indicate that plans for corruption were often made even before the implementation of projects.

Projects like the "National Information Portal," "Sheikh Russell Digital Labs," and the "Bangladesh Computer Council," which were launched to expand digital technology and improve digital education, became avenues of corruption. These projects aimed to enhance the quality of life by leveraging technology, but they turned into profitable ventures for officials and contractors.

The approval processes, tender procedures, and fund allocations for these projects were rife with irregularities and financial mismanagement. Allocated funds were often misused, and the intended goals of the projects remained unachieved. Many projects experienced unreasonable delays and inflated costs, with allegations of irregularities negatively impacting public trust. The ICT Ministry was even labeled as a "ministry of corruption."

From 2008 to 2020, numerous large-scale projects were undertaken to establish Digital Bangladesh. However, many of these projects became opportunities for corruption rather than progress. While substantial government funds were allocated for these projects, corruption raised questions about how and where the funds were utilized.

Hindrances to Digital Bangladesh

Despite widespread campaigns and initiatives to achieve Digital Bangladesh, the country faced significant obstacles. The public had hoped for advanced technological services, but many projects failed to materialize due to corruption and administrative inefficiency. Consequently, the goals of technological modernization and reducing inequality remained unmet.

The primary objectives of the ICT Ministry were to provide internet services, information technology benefits, and improved communication systems to the people. However, due to widespread corruption, these initiatives failed to achieve their desired success. Instead, several projects suffered from mismanagement, misuse of funds, and delays, negatively affecting the nation's economy and society.

Notable Examples of Corruption

One glaring example of corruption was the "Bangladesh Kavya Project," an initiative intended to merge education and technology. However, due to fund misuse and lack of proper monitoring, the project failed to deliver. Additionally, the ICT Ministry's projects linked to the telecommunications sector also revealed corrupt practices. Allegations of unethical dealings between the government and private telecom companies surfaced, resulting in a decline in service quality and accessibility.

The ICT Ministry building, once envisioned as a symbol of Digital Bangladesh, is now often referred to as the "center of corruption." Mismanagement in awarding contracts, misuse of project funds, irregular tendering, and favoritism towards influential individuals led to widespread criticism.

Economic Damage and Public Suffering

The corruption within the ICT sector significantly impacted the country's economic stability. Financial mismanagement, increasing foreign debt burdens, and market instability grew due to these corrupt practices. As a result, the general public suffered the most. Job creation, business development, and labor market conditions were severely affected due to the Ministry's mismanagement.

Failures of Implementation

A significant allegation against the ICT Ministry concerns its lack of effective action after project approval. Weak governance and evaluation processes created more opportunities for corruption. Many projects experienced repetitive selection of the same contractors, unnecessary expenditure, and inflated costs for service delivery.

Although initiatives aimed at public welfare were proposed, poor implementation led to widespread unemployment, lack of progress, and increasing income disparities. The public lost trust in these initiatives due to mismanagement and improper use of funds.

Conclusion

The corruption within the ICT Ministry during the previous government's tenure has cast a shadow on the vision of Digital Bangladesh. Promises made by the government were not fulfilled; instead, corruption wasted public funds and time. This situation not only obstructed national development but also eroded public trust in the government.

To address these issues, stricter oversight and monitoring by relevant authorities are now essential. Economic analysis of projects, timely implementation, and transparency must be ensured. By fostering political will, administrative efficiency, and financial integrity, the ICT sector can be reformed for national progress.

In conclusion, the corruption within the ICT Ministry during the previous government's tenure hindered the vision of a Digital Bangladesh. While initiatives were taken, widespread corruption became a major barrier to achieving success. To bring about real change in this sector, the government must adopt strict measures against corruption and ensure the transparent implementation of projects.

The writer is a, Researcher Secretary-General, Columnist Forum of Bangladesh