Table of Contents

Name of Contents Page No

1. Executive Summary………………………………………………………………. 1

2. Chapter -11.1. Introduction…………………………………………………………. 21.2. Methodology……………………………………………………….. 31.3. Limitation…………………………………………………………….. 41.4. Scope of the Study……………………………………………….. 51.5. Objective……………………………………………………………….6

3. Chapter -2

2.1. Overview of the topics…………………………………………. 7

4. Chapter -3

3.1. Literature review………………………………………………….. 8

5. Chapter -4

4.1. Analysis………………………………………………………………….9

6. Chapter-5

5.1. Findings……………………………………………………………………………………….10

7. Chapter- 6

6.1. Recommendation………………………………………………….11

6.2. Conclusion…………………………………………………………….12

8. Chapter -7

7.1. References……………………………………………………………13

Executive Summary

The essence of good governance lies in successful implementation of e- governance in wide range of government activities. In current days of digital and ICT based environment, it is impossible to have good government without E-governance. The purpose of this study is to discuss the performance of Bangladesh in E-governance implementation, identify some of the challenges and suggest some of the remedial measures. As per UN E-governance survey Bangladesh performed worse in 2012 than 2010. The challenges arise from change in government policy with change in government, lack of sufficient skilled well-trained human resource, supply of sufficient fund for implementing such capital intensive project, etc. But the situation can be changed by taking necessary steps like political consensus, development of human resource, ICT penetration, and taking proper long-term plan implementing E-governance in Bangladesh.

Introduction

Widespread use of ICT is increasing the gap between developed and developing countries and the gap is increasing day by day. Because the rate of growth of developed countries is much higher than that of developing. The developed countries all over the world are harnessing ICT to obtain the maximum benefit through creating IT infrastructure, changing policy, managing the change, business process reengineering, etc. As a result the developing countries can’t keep pace with developed, even can’t maintain the distance constant. But it is the time for developing countries to turn around for changing their age as well as lifestyles with ICT. Countries without high levels of resources like Bangladesh can hope to accelerate development if they are able to develop knowledge, which, combine with adequate ICT related infrastructure, can allow successful integration into knowledge-based economies. Only the use ICT in the government functioning is expected to bring a radical change in this field E-governance is the most attractive, interesting, useful people-oriented and growing phenomenon and has become one of the pivotal parts of administrative reform to bring good governance in any country (Moon, 2002).

Methodology

The study is based mainly on secondary data. Some primary data were collected through discussion with the government officials of Dhaka and Chittagong. Secondary data were collected from different books journals, websites, etc. The performance of Bangladesh in E-governance development was measured based on the survey conducted by United Nations in 2012. Here the performance of Bangladesh was compared with other countries of SAARC, as Bangladesh belongs to this region and is a member of SAATRC. It shares mostly similar socio-economic and political situation with other countries. To present these data different statistical tools like average, chart, etc. were used.

Objectives of the Study

The study is aimed at fulfilling the following objectives:

To conceptualize e-governance and E-governance in Bangladesh context;

To evaluate performance of Bangladesh in implementing e-governance;

To recognize probable challenges and ways to overcome those;

Limitation

Disadvantages OF E-GOVERNANCE IN BANGLADESH

The main disadvantages concerning E-governance is the lack of equality in public access to the internet, reliability of information on the web, and hidden agendas of government groups that could influence and bias public opinions. There are many considerations and potential implications of implementing and designing E-governance, including disintermediation of the government and its citizens, impacts on economic, social, and political factors, vulnerability to cyber attacks, and disturbances to the status quo in these areas:

Internet connectivity: Many of the government offices are out of Internet confectioner using very slow Internet connection. Though, Bangladesh connected with high speed fiber optics connection but all of the government offices are not connected to the internet yet. So, most of government officials cannot get the opportunity to use the internet and different types of government websites lack of internet connection and computer. According to Internet world status report only3.5 percent people use internet among the total population till 2011

Internal network: All Government offices of different ministries of Bangladesh are not within the same network. One ministry cannot share their data with another ministry and government is not using properly the ICT in their offices. So the implementation e-governance is not very fruitful for the public.

Security issues: A modern organization requires security of all kinds of ICT assets where the government is no exceptional. Threats and attacks to the ICT assets may come in different forms from different sources. In the case of e-governance, the source of attacks can be internal or external to the government. With the sharp division of the government employees, the possibility of internal attacks should not be ruled out in Bangladesh. Employees who are working within e-governance projects may misuse the access privileges for financial or other gains. Threats may come from external sources like professional hackers, criminal organizations, terrorist organizations, and intelligence and investigation agencies. Professional hackers, having excellent technical skills, can break into e-governance systems.

The aim of such attackers is only sadistic pleasure of disrupting e-governance services to the citizens. This attack may be occurred on financial sector in future when fully automated online transaction will be started in e-governance services

Central database problem: Bangladesh government did not design any central database for citizen’s access using through internet. Even there is no available information of any citizen in government offices to use any emergency situation. For this reason government officers have to face many difficulties to identify any person for any special reason.

Problem at financial sector: It is not possible to transfer of funds through online from one bank to others banks using internet for the lack of national transaction gateway. There is no proper agreement with the international online payment gateway and the Central bank of Bangladesh yet. For this reason, it is not possible to transfer fund from any international bank to local bank from outside the Bangladesh.

Use of computer: Government has developed many websites for the different government sectors but public can not getting the full benefits of e-Governance using different websites due to no-automation system of government websites. Such as, people cannot fill-up any online form of government website’s to get full functional of e-governance services yet. People cannot deposit annual income tax through National Board of Revenue (NBR) Website till now.

Financial problems: Bangladeshis a developing country. Financial limitation is the main barrier for implementing any project. Government has to consider many things to implement any large project. Most of the times, government has to depend on foreign investors, developed countries or World Bank. Without support of others Bangladesh government cannot run any large project with self fund.

Public awareness about government portal: His majority of the government officials and public are unaware about the e-Citizens Service application portal. Very few percent of the government officials and general people of the country are aware about the portal. Only few portions of the people are using the e-governance portal.

Lack of Training: Trained people can play the vital role for implementing e-governance project. Unfortunately, majority portion of government officials do not have enough training on Computer yet. It is a big barrier for implementing e-governance

Scope of the study

Advantages OF E-GOVERNANCE IN BANGLADESH

E-governance helps simplify processes and makes access to government information more easily accessible for public sector agencies and citizens. For example, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles simplified the process of certifying driver records to be admitted in county court proceedings. Indiana became the first state to allow government records to be digitally signed, legally certified and delivered electronically by using Electronic Postmark technology. In addition to its simplicity, e-democracy services can reduce costs. Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Wal-Mart and NIC developed an online hunting and fishing license service utilizing an existing computer to automate the licensing process. More than 140,000 licenses were purchased at Wal-Mart stores during the first hunting season and the agency estimates it will save $200,000 annually from service. The anticipated benefits of E-governance include efficiency, improved services, better accessibility of public services, sustainable community development and more transparency and accountability.

Democratization

One goal of E-governance will be greater citizen participation. Through the internet, people from all over the country can interact with politicians or public servants and make their voices heard. Blogging and interactive surveys will allow politicians or public servants to see the views of the people they represent on any given issue. Chat rooms can place citizens in real-time contact with elected officials, their offices or provide them with the means to replace them by interacting directly with

public servants, allowing voters to have a direct impact and influence in their government. These technologies can create a more transparent government, allowing voters to immediately see how and why their representation in the capital is voting the way they are. This helps voters better decide who to vote for in the future or how to help the public servants become more productive. A government could theoretically move more towards a true democracy with the proper application of E-governance. Government transparency will give insight to the public on how decisions are made and hold elected officials or public servants accountable for their actions. The public could become a direct and prominent influence in government legislature to some degree.

Environmental bonuses

Proponents of E-governance argue that online government services would lessen the need for hard copy forms. Due to recent pressures from environmentalist groups, the media, and the public, some governments and organizations have turned to the Internet to reduce this paper use.

Speed, efficiency, and convenience

E-governance allows citizens to interact with computers to achieve objectives at any time and any location, and eliminates the necessity for physical travel to government agents sitting behind desks and windows. Improved accounting and record keeping can be noted through computerization, and information and forms can be easily accessed, equaling quicker processing time. On the administrative side, access to help find or retrieve files and linked information can now be stored in databases versus hardcopies stored in various locations. Individuals with disabilities or conditions no longer have to be mobile to be active in government and can be in the comfort of their own homes.

Public approval

Recent trials of E-governance have been met with acceptance and eagerness from the public. Citizens participate in online discussions of

political issues with increasing frequency, and young people, who traditionally display minimal interest in government affairs, are drawn to electronic voting procedures. Although internet-based governmental programs have been criticized for lack of reliable privacy policies, studies have shown that people value prosecution of offenders over personal confidentiality. Ninety percent of United States adults approve of Internet tracking systems of criminals, and 57% are willing to forgo some of their personal internet privacy if it leads to the prosecution of criminals or terrorists.

Overview of the topicBangladesh is a small country with a population of more than 135 million people. It was part of India until 1947 and then part of Pakistan until 1971, when it achieved independence. As a young nation, Bangladesh began its journey as a socialist economy that placed most major industries under government ownership and control.

This trend was especially adverse for the country’s telecommunication industry, which has yet to fully recover from years of inefficient management by the Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB). As of 2002, telephone penetration (fixed and mobile) had reached only 1.32 per 100 people, far below that of neighbors India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Telephone lines are heavily concentrated in urban areas.

BTTB charges for telephone calls are among the highest in the world, with the costs of Internet access through dial-up services commensurably expensive. Due to some shortsighted decisions by the government, Bangladesh is still not directly connected to the Global Information

Superhighway, leaving ISPs to connect to it through satellite or Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).

Despite these constraints, some positive developments are taking hold. In the last few years, some private operators have begun to operate in the mobile telephony sector. The fixed telephony sector has recently been liberalized, with resulting scope for the entry of private operators. Internet service providers have emerged in scores, promoting a heavily competitive environment. Fiber optic cables have been laid through much of the country to carry Internet traffic.

Steps are being taken to link Bangladesh to the Global Information Superhighway through underwater submarine cables, while BTTB charges have begun to be reduced. The establishment of a national Internet backbone to carry domestic Internet traffic is being discussed at the highest policy-making levels. BTTB now provides dial-up Internet services to all 64 districts. In addition, a new regulatory body—the Bangladesh Telecommunication

Regulatory Commission (BTRC)—has been established to promote liberalization, competition, and greater efficiency in the telecommunication industry. The potential of E-governance is heavily dependent on the establishment of an affordable and broadly accessible ICT infrastructure to deliver online services. With the recent steps outlined above, Bangladesh is setting the stage for the gradual proliferation of E-governance services throughout the country

Literature Review

The implementation of e- governance in developing nations faces many challenges. For example, Node suggests political commitment as the most important factor for the implementation of E-governance in developing nations. Dalai views laws regarding openness as the backbone of the success for E-governance. Chen and Knepper propose a set of elements for successful adoption of E-governance. Many other authors have contributed to this issue. Literature suggests that a vast majority of the studies used case studies and qualitative approaches. Based on the existing body of knowledge, our research classifies determinants into four categories, e.g. institutional, resource-related, access-related and legal aspects. Each of these categories is briefly discussed in the following sub-sections.

Institutional Factors

Institutional factors such as political commitment, administrative leadership and organizational structure are considered critical for E-governance implementation. For example, Coursey and

Norris and Koh et al view political commitment and appropriate organizational structure as the two key factors for E-governance adoption. A similar view is expressed by Kettle. According to OECD, the most important element for successful reform is the strength and consistency of support from the highest political level. For any reform to materialize, political commitment is considered to be the most important success criterion especially in the context of developing nations suggests that 'public sector leaders must embrace E-governance as a tool to transform and improve government and connect it to the people it serves. Singh asserts that the top officials within a department are the main driving forces for making any sustainable changes. Therefore, it is critical that they have a clear understanding of the definition and scope of E-governance. While political commitment is the milestone of any change, administrative leadership with effective management process is crucial.

Resource-Related Factors

Resource-related factors such as technical, financial and human resources are critical for E-governance implementation. The shortage of IT skills is identified as a major constraint for introducing E-governance in developing nations. More-over, there is a lack of institutional support to develop expertise and skills related to E-governance application. Hence, many E-governance projects in developing nations suffer from acute shortages of skilled human resources. Generally, E-governance projects are inter sectoral or inter-organizational in nature. Dawes and Prado suggest that inter-organizational projects often lack adequate financing. Chaffey highlights that resource-shared projects are often implemented on an ad-hoc basis where financial and man power supports are generally inadequate to sustain these projects. A similar view has also been expressed by Edisto and Norris et al. Technical capability is related to the computer hardware, software, and expertise required for implementing projects. E-initiatives demand investments for securing hardware, software, and expertise. Bonham et al. and Bourn indicate the lack of technical infrastructure as a significant barrier to deliver e-services. The ICT infrastructure in developing nations is generally weak and at the same time the use of ICT is low Hence, the E-governance adoption becomes more challenging when sub-optimal use of available infrastructure is added to inadequate technical infrastructure.

Analysis

The ICM analysis was applied to twelve determinants of E-governance implementation in Bangladesh. The analysis was conducted in the following manner. The mean values for twelve assessment determinants on importance and commitment were calculated. A t-test was conducted to ascertain the significance of difference between what is important and what has so far been committed for E-governance implementation as perceived by the respondents. As is apparent from the analysis that the top three determinants as perceived by the respondents are 'political commitment' (mean = 4.88), 'human resource' (mean = 4.80), and administrative leadership (mean = 4.37). From the commitment perspective, the top three determinants are political commitment (mean = 3.46), economic resource (mean = 3.24), and administrative leadership (mean = 3.05). Overall, the mean importance values of all determinants are higher than the mean values of commitment except for the 'economic resource' and 'technical resource' determinants. These differences are found to be statistically significant for all determinants except for the 'technical resource' determinant.

Similar analysis was conducted for the higher-level determinants. The results show that the most important higher-level determinant is 'institutional' issues (mean = 4.46), followed by 'access' (mean = 3.93) and 'legal' aspect of E-governance implementation (mean = 3.88). The least important higher-level determinant is 'resource' (mean = 3.60) (Table 7), whereas, the current commitment- level is highest for the 'resource' determinant (mean = 2.93), closely followed by the 'institutional' determinants (mean = 2.87). The respondents perceived that currently the least commitment is being given to the 'legal' aspects of E-governance (mean = 1.74). The difference between means of importance and means of commitment are statistically significant expect for ‘resource’.

The overall mean values of importance and commitment were calculated. The low and high values used to draw the vertical and horizontal axis were decided based on the relative rather than the absolute levels of importance and commitment. The position of the cross-hairs that divide the matrix into four quadrants is critical as it since influences the interpretation of the results (Figure 3). Since mean and median values are close, mean values were used as the dividing points in this study, to avoid discarding useful information. Twelve determinants of E-governance implementation that were located in the four quadrants of importance-commitment map are shown in Figures 3. The analysis shows that two determinants fall into quadrant 'low priority', three into 'possible overkill', two into 'keep up the good work', and five into 'concentrate here' category. Figure 3 also shows an isolating line, where commitment equals importance.

Findings

The results indicate that from the supply perspective the critical determinants of E-governance are political commitment, administrative leadership, human resource, organizational structure and regulatory framework. The critical determinants from the demand perspective include education in general and education in IT in particular, and awareness. It appears from the results that currently there is a high degree of political commitment, and administration leadership to introduce E-governance in Bangladesh.

From these results the following recommendations can be suggested:

Build awareness of E-governance among government officials through training.

Develop awareness and improve access to citizens: E-governance to be accessible to all users, the government should invest resources and introduce necessary policies to extend ICTs.

Recruit ICT skilled human resource in government agencies to ensure the sustainability of the projects.

Develop appropriate organizational structures for E-governance implementation and formulate appropriate regulatory framework for monitoring systems.

Results of this research can easily be transferred to other developing nations.

Conclusion

Government is the key player in the process of e-governance. But it is not possible on the part of the government alone to bring about the expected revolutionary change in the field of e-governance. Government and private initiatives as well as NGOs can contribute much towards this end. The donor agencies should also realize the need of implementing e- governance in the developing countries like Bangladesh and can play a proactive role in this regard. As we know lion’s share of our development budget comes from foreign as aid, donation, loan, etc. But fund is not the only factor, what is important here is to make a long-term plan through dialogue with experts and consensus with all the political parties and to implement e-governance gradually. As time is passing, it is to be remembered that bureaucracy and delay in this regard is not desirable. Otherwise the optimum benefit from e-governance can’t be obtained. It is a matter of pleasure that government is realizing the need for wide spread use of ICT in governance. But real effort to materialize this end is non-existence.

Recommendation

The activities of CAHDE constitute a concrete and substantive follow-up action to Recommendation Red (2004)15” and that “a strong correlation exists between e-governance and e-democracy. E-Governance is based upon, and strongly linked to democratic values and practice. E-democracy, in turn, necessitates e-governance. Numerous concepts, policies and practices of e-democracy are equally applicable to e-governance. E-Governance concerns the same institutions as e-democracy.

References

[1] http:// vvww.thedailystannet/supplements/2011/anniversary/part1/ pg13.htm

[2]http://goliath.ecnext.com / coms2 /giO 199- 683885/introducing-E-governance-in-bang ladesh.html

[3] Internet World Stats, http://www.internetworldstats.com/asia/bd.htm

[4] Prof. I. Kushchu , Md Wahidul Habib , Chowdhury Golam Hossan, success and failure factors for E-governance projects implem- entation in developing countries: a study on the perception of government officials of Bangladesh,2011

[5]Population and housing census 2011 Bangladesh at a glance, 2011

[6]Ziauddin Ahmed, Electricity Crisis of Bangladesh: Result of Organizational Inefficiency, Energy and Environment Research Vol. 1, No. 1; December 2011 K.A.M. Morshed, E-Governance: Bangladesh Perspective,

[7]http://www.unpanl.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/AP CITY/UNPANO26253.pdf

[8]Country Reports on Local GovernmentSystems:angladesh,http://www.unescap.org/huset/Igstudy/new-countrypaper/ Bangladesh/ Bangladesh.pdf.