A number of citizen databases including the national voter list have already been prepared. But citizens still have to produce the same basic information already stored on those databases every time they seek any government services. Besides, it requires a lot of paperwork and time to process the applications for government services.
The government believes a central database with basic information on all citizens will make it easier for people to avail themselves of government services.
It will also cut down the time for paperwork at times of filing complaints, paying bills or applying for special services.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will undertake a pilot project to study the feasibility of creating the national database -- the National Population Register (NPR).
The project will be launched on Tuesday in Kaliganj upazila of Gazipur on an experimental basis to assess the obstacles to creating the database, said BBS officials.
The BBS will conduct the project in association with the Election Commission and the Access-to-information programme at the Prime Minister's Office, they added.
The NPR will contain all basic individual information including name, birth date, parents' names, address and photograph necessary to apply for government services.
The NPR will also be connected to the database of voter identity card.
The unique number in the voter identity card will be used as an identification number for citizens, which could be used to collect individual information from the database. None will have to fill in application forms to apply for any services, as government agencies will be able to collect the necessary information from the central database.
Biometrics data including fingerprints and retina information will also be included in the database, said BBS officials.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Rizanuzzaman Laskar
Quelle/Source: The Daily Star, 11.07.2011
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