Digital ID overhaul needs local expertise

Bangladesh stands on the brink of a major digital transformation, poised to overhaul its citizen identity system.

This crucial national undertaking, encompassing everything from foundational National IDs to sensitive applications like driving licences and banking e-KYC, has naturally attracted considerable international interest. As we embark on this journey, it is vital to recognise and champion the unique advantages offered by our own local IT talent.

While foreign players certainly bring valuable expertise, the long-term success, security and contextual relevance of a complete digital citizen ID ecosystem hinge on empowering Bangladeshi companies. Our local IT professionals possess an inherent understanding of our socio-economic landscape, cultural nuances and specific challenges -- knowledge often beyond the grasp of external entities. This deep familiarity translates directly into solutions that are not only functional but genuinely optimised for the Bangladeshi population.

Consider the impact a locally built ID management ecosystem could have on our financial system. The benefits are immense: from efficient loan approvals to significant improvements in operational efficiency and, critically, stronger fraud detection. Imagine a system where the intricacies of local financial practices are seamlessly integrated into its design, where common fraud patterns in our context are intuitively recognised, and where user experience is tailored to the digital literacy levels of our diverse population. This kind of responsive development is a game-changer that only local talent can consistently deliver.

Beyond contextual understanding, the cost-effectiveness of local IT solutions cannot be overstated. Engaging foreign firms often involves high costs, including expatriate salaries, international travel and complex contractual arrangements. In contrast, investing in domestic talent channels funds directly into our economy, creates jobs and fosters a self-reliant IT industry. This approach reduces initial implementation costs and significantly lowers long-term maintenance and upgrade expenses, as support and development remain within the country.

Long-term sustainability is another vital concern for an infrastructure as critical as a national identity system. When foreign companies develop such systems, we risk becoming dependent on their proprietary technologies and continued support. This makes us vulnerable to geopolitical shifts, changes in corporate strategy or rising service fees. A locally built system, however, ensures national ownership of intellectual property, allowing for continuous innovation, timely adaptations and reliable maintenance by those invested in the country's progress.

Bangladesh boasts a thriving IT sector, with skilled professionals who have already made their mark on the global digital stage. Our experts have developed ID solutions for over 10 countries, and local firms currently manage banking client IDs for more than 150 million unique users. By prioritising these proven Bangladeshi companies in the development of our national ID systems, we are not merely awarding contracts; we are making a strategic investment in national capacity building, technological sovereignty and a generation of experts ready to lead Bangladesh's digital future.

The overhaul of our citizen identity system is more than a technological upgrade; it is a nation-building endeavour. Let us choose the path that strengthens our capabilities, empowers our people and lays the foundation for a secure, efficient and locally owned digital future.

The writer is the president of DataSoft Systems Bangladesh Limited and can be reached at [email protected].