Rumours about Nagad completely baseless: Info Minister

Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology, and Science and Technology Fakir Mahbub Anam on Wednesday urged the media and the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, saying rumours surrounding Nagad are "completely baseless".

"Efforts are underway to make the Department of Posts more popular and accessible. The rumours being spread about Nagad are completely baseless. I urge everyone not to be misled by such misinformation," he said.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating Franchise Post Offices at Dak Bhaban in the capital's Agargaon and at a ceremony marking the formal handover of 18.57 crore taka to the Department of Posts as the government's share of profits generated from Nagad's revenue collection in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Mahbub said Nagad, as a government-owned institution, continues to enjoy strong public confidence and has the potential to become even more competitive through modern software, improved customer service and innovative initiatives.

Referring to the franchise post office initiative, he said the model has been successfully implemented in many countries and is being introduced in Bangladesh to bring postal services closer to people's doorsteps.

He stressed the need for extensive public awareness campaigns to encourage more entrepreneurs to operate franchise post offices.

Expressing optimism, Mahbub said all post offices across the country would eventually be brought under the franchise model, expanding access to postal services while creating new business and employment opportunities. He also assured franchise operators of the Department of Posts' support in addressing operational challenges.

Receiving the profit-sharing cheque from Nagad, the minister said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has made significant progress in implementing its election pledges within six months of assuming office.

He also announced that more than 9,000 post offices across the country are being transformed into modern service centres to improve access to digital and financial services, particularly in remote areas.

Speaking as the special guest, Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Belkis Jahan Rimi said higher government revenue is essential to ensure better public services.

After the ceremony, the minister exchanged views with divisional postal agents and assured them that their concerns and operational challenges would be addressed through consultation.

The event was chaired by BPO-Nagad Administrator Md Motasim Billah. Acting Director General of the Department of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam also attended as a special guest.