Digital gap: Birth, death registration exposes gulf between promise and reality

In the world of technological advancement, birth and death registration might seem like rudimentary concerns. Yet, for the citizens of Dhaka, these basic services remain elusive, shedding light on a pressing issue at odds with promises of a "Digital Bangladesh".

The Awami League government's pledge in their 2008 election manifesto to usher in a "Digital Bangladesh" was met with hope and anticipation. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves at the cusp of a new promise – a "Smart Bangladesh".

However, a sobering truth underpins this rosy vision: the citizens of Dhaka continue to grapple with the most elemental of services – registering births and deaths.

The blame game between the Dhaka North City Corporation mayor, LGRD minister, and the registrar general's office only serves to highlight the urgency of addressing this issue.

Mayor Atiqul Islam's impassioned plea echoes the frustration of countless citizens who have all but given up hope of availing this basic service after numerous failed attempts.

On the other hand, the registrar's office staunchly asserts that their server is operational round the clock but sometimes get slowed down due to high demand. The registrar general's office point the finger of blame at city corporation officials, saying they do not know how to use the server properly.

Perhaps it is not solely a technological glitch, but rather a symptom of an administrative structure that is struggling to keep pace with the digital age.

Whatever the reason, ultimately, the responsibility rests equally with policymakers and administrators. It is their duty to bridge the gap between lofty promises and everyday realities. Only then can we truly claim to have achieved the vision of a "Digital Bangladesh", where citizens are not left struggling for the most fundamental of services.

It is time to turn promises into action, and ensure that the digital revolution serves all, leaving no one behind.