Bangladesh has jumped 11 places in the e-Government Development Index (EGDI), achieving a value of 0.6570. Simultaneously, Dhaka has climbed 5 spots in the e-Participation Index. This marks the highest value achieved by Bangladesh since 2003.
The index was unveiled at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday evening (September 17) Bangladesh time.
According to the EGDI-2024, Bangladesh has secured the highest EGDI among least developed countries this year. Out of 193 countries worldwide, Bangladesh is now ranked 100th, up from 119th in 2022. Moreover, in the e-Participation Index, Bangladesh now stands at 70th among the same number of countries, improving from 75th in 2022.
Key Comparisons:
India: India, being a larger and more populous country, has a vast network of digital initiatives. However, its e-governance infrastructure still faces challenges in terms of accessibility and efficiency, especially in rural areas.
Pakistan: Pakistan has been making efforts to improve its e-governance landscape, but it faces challenges due to factors such as security concerns and limited resources.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has a relatively advanced e-government system compared to some of its neighbors. The country has focused on digitalizing public services and promoting online participation.
Nepal: Nepal has been working towards improving its e-governance infrastructure, but its progress has been slower compared to some of its regional counterparts.
The e-Government Development Index (EGDI) is formulated by evaluating online service delivery by UN member states, legal and policy frameworks, e-participation status, as well as telecommunications infrastructure and human capital.
Denmark, Estonia, and Singapore lead the EGDI rankings this year. Among South Asian countries, the Maldives is ranked 94th, India 97th, Sri Lanka 98th, Bhutan 103rd, and Nepal 119th.
Bangladesh's progress is commendable, especially given its relatively lower level of economic development. However, to maintain its momentum and compete at a global level, it will need to continue investing in digital infrastructure, improving cybersecurity, and promoting digital literacy among its citizens.
