No plan to sell Nagad: Info Minister
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam today said the government has no immediate plan to sell mobile financial service Nagad, rather it was taking initiatives to make the institution more modern and profitable.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme marking World Post Day 2026 at Dak Bhaban in Agargaon here, where a commemorative postage stamp was unveiled and awards were distributed, said a ministry press release.
Fakir, also Science and Technology Minister, said the government was working to transform the postal department into a modern, public-friendly and profitable institution.
Mentioning that public confidence in postal services was increasing and parcel services were making positive progress, he urged all concerned to work sincerely and diligently to maintain this progress.
The minister said the collective efforts, dedication and sense of responsibility of officials and employees were crucial to making the postal department a modern and profitable institution.
He also said foreign investors wanted to invest in the postal department.
He expressed hope that the quality of postal services, revenue and capacity would increase further in the coming days.
Regarding the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, the minister said local and foreign experts were working to bring the project into operation.
The government was working to complete the necessary tests and examinations before supplying electricity to the national grid, he said, adding that the technical processes and testing requirements needed to be taken into account.
Addressing officials and employees of the postal department, the minister said recognition and evaluation of their work encouraged employees. He stressed the need to continue awarding employees on the basis of merit and work efficiency.
He also emphasised the importance of evaluating the work of post offices and employees at the grassroots level.
Speaking as a special guest, Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Bilquis Jahan Rimi said the postal department's existing infrastructure and extensive nationwide post office network should be utilised to ensure modern, public-friendly and technology-based postal services.
She said initiatives were being taken to reform and transform postal services, coordinate with land service assistance centres and expand the postal department's franchise operations. These initiatives would bring services to people's doorsteps and create new employment opportunities, she added.
The secretary also stressed the need to make more effective use of social media to promote postal services. She emphasised the importance of ensuring the participation of new talents in future award programmes.
Director General of the Department of Posts Kazi Asadul Islam presided over the programme.
This year's World Post Day theme is "One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities".
Following the observance of World Post Day on October 9, Postal Service Week is being observed across the country from October 9 to 15.
A commemorative postage stamp based on this year's theme was unveiled today to mark the occasion.
Various programmes, including letter festivals, philatelic exhibitions, essay and drawing competitions, and discussion meetings, were organised centrally in Dhaka and across the country during Postal Service Week.
As part of the celebrations, letter festivals, postage stamp exhibitions and postal service fairs were held at 26 locations, including 25 universities and colleges and Cox's Bazar sea beach.
Around 4,643 letters were issued at these letter festivals, helping increase interest in and practice of handwritten letter writing among the younger generation.
At the programme, a total of 29 people received special recognition for their achievements and outstanding contributions.
They included five students who won the essay and drawing competitions marking World Post Day, three winners of the 55th International Letter-Writing Competition, four employees for outstanding contributions to the postal ballot programme, six employees for outstanding contributions to letter post services, five officials for outstanding contributions to postal services, and six representatives in the Nagad mobile financial service categories of distributors, agents and Nagad service.
The programmes marking World Post Day and Postal Service Week are expected to play an important role in expanding the reach of postal services, improving service quality and increasing public engagement.