Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, the Chief Adviser's special assistant for Post, Telecommunications, and ICT, stated on Wednesday that the establishment of the National Data Authority would not lead to job cuts but would instead generate new job opportunities in the ICT sector.
“The government wants to establish an independent National Data Authority to improve the National ID (NID) services, akin to international standards, as part of its long-term plan to enhance the ICT sector and digital infrastructure,” he told a press conference at ICT Bhaban at Agargaon in the capital.
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb said at least 93 countries in the world have their local government ministries manage databases, with exceptions such as small island nations like Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent, where the Electoral Commission handles citizen data.
“However, it is not an international standard for the Electoral Commission to manage a national database, as such data does not always contribute to the execution of voting rights,” he added.
Taiyeb also said the existing databases would remain with the relevant authorities until the National Data Authority is formed, after which it would take charge, ensuring seamless interoperability across ministries.
The proposed Cyber Security Ordinance also aims to enhance technical capabilities, and the government plans to boost skilled ICT resources and provide international-level cybersecurity training, he said.
The creation of the National Data Authority will unlock digital economic opportunities, modernize digital public infrastructure, and bring discipline to governance, fostering employment in the technology sector, he pointed out.
Taiyeb also said, “National Data Authority would not fall under any specific ministry. Instead, it will be treated as a national resource. While ministries will have access to the data necessary for service delivery, no single ministry will own the entire dataset. For instance, the Electoral Commission will maintain control over the data required to ensure voting rights.”
Highlighting the importance of data quality over quantity, Taiyeb said, “Although the Electoral Commission currently holds numerous data fields, concerns remain over data security and integrity. Notably, the address verification required for voter rights implementation is still missing.”
Chief adviser’s special assistant also discussed the challenges Bangladesh faces in implementing a Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), something many countries have already done. The regulatory authority for the PDPA remains undecided among ministries, but Taiyeb stressed that citizen data should not be confined to one ministry.
“An independent National Data Authority is crucial to protect citizens from harassment, data theft, and illegal trade on the dark web. Interoperability between ministries is impossible if all data is held by one agency, as it goes against global standards,” he said.
Taiyeb further said, “Establishing a digital ecosystem with proper data sharing between ministries, combined with technical security measures, would help modernize the country’s infrastructure and create a more robust economy.”
The creation of the Citizen Data Wallet, he added, would be possible only once a structured understanding and agreement between ministries regarding data exchange and the National Data Authority's framework is achieved.
Secretary to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Shish Haider Chowdhury was also present at the press conference.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
