Chapter 43 Ministry of Post and Telecommunication

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1 Introduction Chapter 43 Ministry of Post and Telecommunication 1.1 Free flow of information is one of the important prerequisites for economic growth in this era of globalization. National information and communication technology policy 2009 notes that information and communication technology can be the best effective tool in establishing the social power as promised in our constitution with the maximum use of huge population and limited natural resources. In this similar ground, Sixth Five Year Plan also underscores the establishment of an improved, reliable and strong telecommunication infrastructure. Moreover, universal access to information has also been emphasized to reduce the digital divide between have and have-nots. Ministry of post and telecommunication is working to achieve these goals. It has taken several steps to deliver quality post and telecommunication services to people at affordable price. 1.2 Besides revenue collection, ministry of post and telecommunication plays an important role in speeding up economic activities by ensuring undisrupted transection of information. The sectoral contribution was 3.31 percent in total GDP in the economic year of Major responsibilities of this ministry include establishment and maintenance of telecommunication network throughout the country, providing post and telecommunication services, supplying telecommunication equipment, providing saving schemes and life insurance services through post offices; and maintaining liaison and protocol along with signing contracts with foreign countries, international institutions and organizations. 1.3 Reception, transportation and dissemination of postal materials are conducted by 9886 post offices throughout the country. Along with the expansion of existing postal services and enhancement of their quality, this ministry is continuing its effort in introducing technology-based new services. Introduction of mobile money order and postal cash card are two such initiatives. By converting rural post offices into modern e-centres, this ministry is trying to reach the marginal population of the country by bringing the information service to their doorsteps. With their active initiatives, number of mobile and PSTN users has reached to 986 lacs from lacs and number of internet users increased from lacs to lacs within last 3 years duration. As a result, tele-density has increased from 53.28% to

2 % and internet density has increased from 15.20% to 9.93%. To ensure greater use of internet and its affordable price, bandwidth charge has been lessened from 18 thousand/mbps to 8 thousand/mbps. 100% of population and 99% of geographical area is now within the coverage of telecommunication network. Under the guidance of this ministry, Bangladesh has accomplished all necessary preparations to be connected with the second sub-marine cable that will have significant positive impact in ensuring undisrupted information flow. 1.4 The ministry of post and tele-communication is also playing an important role in establishing e-governance in Bangladesh. Presently, 502 educational institutions are conducting their admission process through Teletalk. Besides, strong telecommunication infrastructure made possible the publishing of public results in web, introducing online application process for important organizations including Public Service Commission-PSC and providing health services and others through mobile. At the same time, this ministry has continued the production and supply of tele-communication equipment like telephone sets, digital electric meters, mobile batteries and chargers etc. 2.0 Major Functions of the Ministry To establish and maintain telecommunication network throughout the country; To provide telecommunication services; To provide postal services; To supply of telecommunication equipments through telephone industries; To provide Post Office Savings Account services; To provide Postal Life Insurance services; To maintain liaison, protocol and sign agreements with international organizations/ bodies and other 3.0 Strategic objectives of the Ministry and their Relevance with Women s Advancement and Rights 3.1 The Strategic objectives of the ministry of post and tele-communication and their relevance for women s advancement are as follows: Affordable telecommunication services: Expanded telecommunication services will increase opportunities for women to get education and health care services. In addition, training on information technology and its application will reduce their daily working hours, and create congenial working environment in the work places for working women, and increase

3 311 their participation in labour market and income generating activities. As a result, the social status of women will improve. Improved, efficient and affordable postal services and mobilization of savings for national development: If the programs outlined in the strategic objectives are implemented the opportunities for the women to get education and training will increase. This will increase women s participation in the labour market and income generating activities. 4.0 Relevance of the Roles and Responsibilities of the Ministry for Women s Advancement and Rights 4.1 How the policies and programs of this ministry impact upon the women s advancement, specifically from the aspect of mobility, connectivity and access to information is worth-examining. In this regard, we may analyze how their policy documents address and interpret gender needs in one hand; and may explore the scope within their defined activities to contribute to the women s empowerment on the other. 4.2 National information and communication technology policy 2009 sets its mission as to ensure social justice, gender equality, equal-opportunity and equal-participation through optimal use of information and communication technology. Social equity has been emphasized as the strategic theme of this policy document. Reducing economic disparity and digital divide has been prioritized with the broader aim of mainstreaming disadvantaged population, specifically of 4 categories: a. low-income groups, b. minority communities, c. women and d. autistic and people with special needs. This policy sets an action plan that includes strategy for reducing gender disparity in IT study and IT related professions. At the same time, this plan emphasizes on the establishment of e-commerce centers that will help expanding the market for women led cottage industry. 4.3 Providing the telecommunication service to the grass root people will not only contribute to their personal and family connections, rather will also ensure the free flow of economic, political, social and legal information in this rural communities. This will in turn play significant role in strengthening the security, rights and social status of women. Besides, improved and efficient postal service at affordable price will have positive impact upon the personal, social and economical communication of the whole population including women. Saving program run by this ministry will enhance the personal and family savings in one hand, and will speed up national economic activities on the other.

4 Priority Spending Areas and Benefits for Women s Advancement Priority Spending areas/programs 1. Increasing telecommunication and internet density through affordable telecommunication services: Development of telecommunication systems is essential for the overall growth and development of the country. Telecommunication facilities can be available at the door steps of the people by removing the digital divide, increasing telecommunication density and access through the development of telecommunication systems. With this consideration, increasing the tele-access and tele-density is given the highest priority. 2. Introduction of new technology and further value added services in the telecommunication sector It is very important to provide ultra modern, technology based mobile services to meet the increasing and changing demand of the people. In order to maintain competitiveness in mobile market, further value added services will be provided to the people through the introduction of 3G technologies and expansion of 2.5G network technologies. With this consideration, these activities are given the 2nd priority. 3. Automation of postal services: There is no alternative to automation of postal services to bring it to the international standard. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of postal services, computerization and automation of the department is identified as the 3rd priority area. 4. Improvement of existing postal services and introduction of updated services: In order to compete in the domestic and international markets and to meet the fast-changing demand of the people, it is very important to improve the quality of existing postal services through quality improvement and product diversification. Further, sections of the population in rural areas will be connected with internet and other modern technologies through conversion of rural post offices into Post e-centres. With this consideration, the activities are included in the priority list. Direct/indirect effect upon women s advancement Along with the whole population, women will also be the beneficiaries of the economic advancement, gained through improved tele-communication service. Besides, this improved service will broaden the scope of education and health service for women, will make women s entrance easier to labor market, and will enhance women s skill. Introduction of new technology in telecommunication sector will also enable women to use advanced technology. Women s personal communication will be easier that will contribute to their security. Whole-time communication through mobile phone will enhance family s sense of security about their girls, which will in turn enhance women s participation in education and job. Moreover, new communication technology will broaden the creative space for women, and thereby will increase women s involvement in wide range of new economic activities. Improved and efficient postal service will positively impact upon personal, social and economical connectivity of the whole population including women. E-centers will open the door for channeling information to the grass root women who are the victims of economic and gender disparity. At the same time, diversification of existing services will open up space for the inclusion of new demands from women entrepreneurs.

5 Women s Share in Ministry s Total Expenditure Description (Taka in Crore) Budget Revised Budget Budget Revised Budget Women % Women % Women % Total National Budget 2,22,491 61, ,89,334 54, ,91,737 50, Ministry Budget 1, , , Development , Non- Development Success in Promoting Women s Advancement Gradually the number of service centers of different mobile operators is increasing where most of the employees are women. As a result, employment opportunity for women is also increasing; Tele communication system becomes faster and easily accessible. Consequently, the working hour of women has been reduced as well as the working environment becomes more secure because of reduced mobility of women; Women could have done their businesses being at home due to increasing facilities of telecommunication; Target of preserving one laptop amongst three at post-e centers of post offices has been fixed for women usage. 8.0 Recommendations for Future Activities Special policy measures may be initiated to encourage women for employment in telecommunication networks, telecommunication value added services, postal services and management of different activities related to the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; State owned mobile phone operator (Teletalk) may introduce 'mobile banking' in collaboration with any commercial bank. This will help working women to save and transfer their earnings. Express money transfer service of Postal Department should be extended to union level for effective and timely money transfer at the rural areas.