The Current State of Biometrics in Bangladesh: An Overview of the Technology and Its Applications
Biometrics technology refers to the process of identifying individuals based on their biological or physical traits, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition, or iris scans. In recent years, Bangladesh has seen an upsurge in the adoption of biometric technology across industries, including finance, telecommunications, healthcare, and government services. In this article, we will explore the current state of biometrics technology in Bangladesh, its applications, and future prospects.
Biometric Applications in Bangladesh
The most significant application of biometrics technology in Bangladesh is in the finance industry. With more than 70% of the population unbanked, biometric authentication has revolutionized banking services in the country. The government launched the “Digital Bangladesh” campaign in 2009, promoting electronic banking to accelerate financial inclusion. As a result, biometric ATMs and mobile banking are now accessible and convenient options for banking customers.
Moreover, biometrics technology has been widely employed in the telecommunications industry. Mobile network operators are using biometric authentication to register new SIM cards and recharge mobile balance. Biometrics-based identification has significantly reduced identity fraud and crime associated with SIM cards registration. The government has also initiated the “Digital Health” program to provide subsidized health care services to the citizens, where biometric authentication ensures the proper identification of patients and reduces medical errors.
Future Prospects for Bangladesh’s Biometric Market
The biometric market in Bangladesh is expected to continue to grow as the government continues to integrate technology with public services. The “Digital Bangladesh” campaign emphasizes the importance of technology in realizing the country’s Vision 2021 agenda. Biometric technology is at the forefront of this agenda, and the government has expressed the desire to use biometrics in national ID cards to create a centralized database of all citizens.
Moreover, the biometric market’s growth is also driven by private companies’ increasing interest in the technology. Mobile network operators see it as a growth opportunity, while insurance companies are keen on using biometrics to verify the identity of policyholders. The education sector is also considering the use of biometrics to track attendance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biometric technology has transformed the way businesses and governments operate in Bangladesh. The finance and telecommunications industries have been at the forefront of this transformation, while healthcare, education, and insurance industries are catching up. The government’s emphasis on technology to achieve the Vision 2021 agenda and private companies’ interest in biometrics point towards a bright future for the technology in Bangladesh. Biometrics’ applications are likely to expand, and the market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
