Khulna, Bangladesh; 19 March 2024: During the mission in Bangladesh, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, inaugurated a Smart Service Point of Post Office in Koyra, Khulna on 19 March to strengthen digital inclusion and facilitate access to public services leaving no one behind.

Accompanied by UN Assistant Secretary-General Ulrika Modeer at UNDP, the Swedish Minister for International Dev Johan Forssell and, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, MP, and State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmad Palak MP and others, Crown Princess Victoria engaged in a series of activities aimed at showcasing the transformative impact of digital services on rural communities.

The Smart Service Point (SSP) initiative, a collaborative effort integrating digital solutions with traditional postal services, represents a significant stride towards realizing the vision of a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. Offering a spectrum of amenities such as parcel tracking, bill payment, and e-commerce facilitation, SSPs are revolutionizing accessibility and efficiency in rural areas of Bangladesh.

Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury emphasized the indispensable role of Digital Centre initiatives in propelling Bangladesh towards a digitally inclusive society, stating, “Digital Centre is bringing government services to the doorstep of grassroots people, making essential services easily accessible. 

State Minister Zunaid Ahmad Palak MP underscored its pivotal role in building a digitally inclusive society. He remarked, “Smart Service Point is an innovative initiative that aims to use technology to improve the accessibility and efficiency of postal services in the community.”

The delegation also visited the Moharajpur Union Digital Centre. Throughout the visit to the Digital Centre, interactive sessions with beneficiaries showcased the tangible benefits of the Digital Centre, illustrating its contribution to enhancing access to government services, financial transactions, and other essential services for rural citizens.

Aspire to Innovate-a2i of the Cabinet Division and ICT Division, with the support of UNDP is working towards building a Smart Bangladesh through various innovative initiatives. The visit served to spotlight Bangladesh’s strides in digital inclusion and sustainable development, reflecting the nation’s dedication to leveraging technology for the betterment of society.

In attendance during the visit were Ulrika Modéer, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy UNDP, Johan Forssell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade; Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative in Bangladesh, Mollah Mizanur Rahman, Joint-Project Director (Joint Secretary) of a2i, Anir Chowdhury, Policy Advisor of a2i, along with esteemed government officials, UN delegates, and other dignitaries.