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Economic Relations Division (ERD) has well-defined and multifarious responsibilities. One of the main functions of ERD is to provide a platform for an interface between the  efforts of economic development within the country and the flow of development assistance from abroad. Given the significance of this interface, it is of utmost importance that this Division performs its duties in an efficient and timely manner. Thus it plays a vital role in the development of Bangladesh.

    

Access to information has become a global priority with the rapid development of information and Communication Technology (ICT). Internet and websites bring an ideal platform for online ICT- enabled services for the general public. But it requires a good infrastructure and the proper implementation of e-Government activities. Then citizens and businesses are empowered through information and thus they are able to participate in the development endeavours of the Government.

  

I am pleased to learn that Economic Relations Division (ERD), a vital arm of Ministry of Finance, is going to formally inaugurate its website.

Information is nowadays considered as an important input for the socio-economic development. Information inadequacy and asymmetry generate distortions in a development process and outcomes and works against the interest of the underprivileged groups of the society.

The right to information is now widely considered as an inalienable right. The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) being respectful of this right has already promulgated an ordinance to give effect to the long cherished citizens’ demand for right to information.

Economic Relations Division is entrusted with the responsibility to channel external resources to support development plans/ programs of the government. In doing so, ERD acts as a focal point of the GOB vis-a-vis the development partners. Moreover, citizens, researchers, policy makers and civil society organisations are important stakeholders of ERD. I hope the website will be of immense benefit to all of them. I feel privileged to be a part of the launching of the ERD website.
 
Two important databases giving details information on foreign aided ongoing and pipeline programs/projects have been incorporated which would help understand the project details along with disbursement figures (for ongoing projects) and schedule (for upcoming projects). I am sure, this will help to ensure transparency in GOB’s transactions with the development partners.

This website also contains provision for future inclusion of information regarding) implementation status of Annual Development Programs (ADP) and agreement-wise disbursement status, which will help monitoring of the ADP implementation. One distiguishing feature of the website is that all the concerned desk officers of ERD will be responsible for regular updating and monitoring of the development partners’ programs/projects for the GOB which will strengthen ownership. Moreover, a number of relevant policies and plan documents of GOB are archived here so that users can have access to those policies from one source.       

Overall activities of ERD have also been incorporated in this interactive website along with the relevant links to other relevant organizations. It is evident that the whole exercise is a step forward towards strengthening the e-government initiatives in the country.

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of the officials of ERD as well as the technical support from the UN supported “Assistance to SICT for Strengthening Planning Division, ERD and IMED through ICT (ASICT)" Project toward this initiative.