In a major step toward citizen-centric governance, the Office of the Chief Adviser is launching a new unified public service platform titled “Nagorik Sheba Bangladesh”, or simply “Nagorik Sheba”, aimed at delivering all essential government services from a single point of access.
From May 1, individuals across the country will be able to apply to become certified service agents via the website www.nagoriksheba.gov.bd. Existing Union Digital Centres will also be integrated into this new framework.
Each ministry has been directed to enlist at least two key services that can be made immediately available through Nagorik Sheba kiosks. The initiative will begin with nearly 100 services and expand rapidly, according to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.
“This initiative will accelerate Bangladesh’s digital transformation by implementing the National Interoperability Framework and Data Governance Structure,” said Taiyeb. “Eventually, Nagorik Sheba centres will reach every city, village, and ward through certified independent entrepreneurs.”
The new service centres will allow citizens to submit applications digitally, eliminating the need to visit government or semi-government offices with printed documents. Applications will be forwarded with unique tracking numbers to relevant departments through a secure National Service Bus that ensures interoperability across ministries.
A proposed Data Governance and Interoperability Authority will oversee standards, privacy, and cybersecurity, ensuring data is handled responsibly. The platform will offer a super app and a single web portal as a universal gateway for services, billing, and payments.
Each Nagorik Sheba agent will receive formal certification, uniforms, branded materials, and ID cards. The government plans to mandate high-speed internet for these centres and is negotiating with financial institutions to offer low-interest funding for computers, furniture, and store setup. Government buildings, post offices, and telecom offices may initially serve as co-working spaces for these centres.
This platform is expected to drastically improve service delivery, particularly for millions who lack access to digital devices and currently face long waits and travel to access services.
Core services to be offered include: National ID, birth/death registration, and corrections; Land information and applications via a unified land gateway; Passport applications and renewals; Online police complaints (GD); Tax return and VAT invoice submissions; Trade license and trademark applications; Social safety net and grant applications; Utility bill submissions (electricity, water, gas); Driving license and vehicle registration renewals; Education, healthcare, and agriculture services; And other key digital services.
“This is not just about easier services,” said the Chief Adviser. “It’s about creating jobs, empowering local entrepreneurs, and transforming public service into a truly inclusive and accessible system.”
In the future, individuals may operate as “Citizen Service Persons” directly from their homes, echoing the “Village Phone Lady” model pioneered by Muhammad Yunus. The government envisions this as a social business model, offering economic opportunity and public service simultaneously.
Entrepreneurs from any part of the country are invited to register online through the Nagorik Sheba website. The process is simple, fast, and entirely digital.
This marks a transformative step in bringing government services closer to the people—faster, fairer, and free from red tape. As the slogan goes: No more waiting—become a Nagorik Sheba agent and help transform your community and the service landscape of Bangladesh.
