Skilled ICT professionals essential for modern governance

A skilled ICT professional can assess an institution’s needs from the outset and determine which technologies are necessary, which are redundant, which can be managed internally, and where outsourcing is justified. In other words, ICT professionals do not merely incur expenses; through proper planning, they also help reduce unnecessary expenditure and ensure the efficient use of public resources.

There was a time when computers in government institutions were regarded primarily as auxiliary tools, and IT-related responsibilities were largely limited to typing, printing, data entry, and basic technical assistance. Consequently, the presence of ICT professionals in an institution was often considered a matter of convenience rather than necessity. However, times have changed. Today, almost every aspect of public service and administration-including citizen information, financial transactions, communication, databases, online applications, e-filing, websites, applications, cloud services, networks, and cybersecurity-is dependent on information technology in one way or another.

The question, therefore, is this: Why should ICT professionals not be recognized as an integral part of institutions whose service delivery systems are fundamentally technology-dependent? The reality is that ICT professionals are no longer an additional facility in modern government institutions; rather, they are the technological custodians of institutional digital infrastructure. The National ICT Policy 2018 also emphasized the establishment of ICT Cells in government institutions through ICT professionals and the creation of relevant positions. This is not a new concept; the key challenge now lies in ensuring consistent implementation and institutionalization.

Digital Transformation: Launching an online service does not, by itself, constitute digital transformation. Such services depend on servers, networks, databases, software, APIs, backup systems, user management, information security, cyber risk mitigation, disaster recovery, and regular maintenance.

When an institution lacks its own skilled ICT personnel to manage these responsibilities, it often becomes excessively dependent on external vendors or project-based personnel. This prevents the development of in-house technological capabilities and may weaken the institution’s control over critical information and technical knowledge.

A permanent and accountable ICT professional helps establish institutional memory in technological decision-making. Knowledge about how servers operate, why particular software was procured, what information is stored in databases, and what security vulnerabilities exist remains within the institution rather than being lost when external personnel or projects conclude.


Therefore, cybersecurity cannot be regarded solely as the responsibility of a central agency. Every institution needs its own ICT governance framework, access control, backup systems, patch management, log monitoring, incident response mechanisms, and security awareness programmes.

This is where the role of ICT professionals becomes indispensable. The outdated perception that their responsibilities begin and end with repairing malfunctioning computers is no longer appropriate. Their contribution extends to protecting institutional information, ensuring service continuity, mitigating cyber risks, and strengthening the overall security posture of government organizations.

The responsibilities of a modern ICT professional may include technology planning, network and system administration, database security, software management, cybersecurity, technology procurement, vendor management, data backup, digital service development, and technical risk assessment.

ICT professionals also play an important role in ensuring the efficient use of public funds. In the absence of proper technical planning, government institutions may procure similar software or hardware multiple times, establish infrastructure with greater capacity than necessary, or undertake projects without adequately considering long-term maintenance costs.

A skilled ICT professional can assess institutional requirements from the outset and determine which technologies are necessary, which are redundant, which can be managed internally, and where outsourcing is justified. In other words, ICT professionals do not merely incur expenses; through proper planning, they also help reduce unnecessary expenditure and ensure value for money.

Building In-House Technical Capacity: Many critical technologies in government institutions are currently operated and maintained by external vendors. Vendors are necessary, but complete dependence on them can create long-term risks.

Institutions must maintain their own technical capacity in areas such as software source code, system architecture, database structures, configurations, documentation, licences, security credentials, and maintenance knowledge.

The new national data management framework has also placed emphasis on ensuring the quality of government software, IT infrastructure, data management, interoperability, security compliance, and state-owned software assets. The need for technically competent and accountable personnel within institutions has also been clearly highlighted.

Developing in-house ICT expertise is therefore essential not only for operational efficiency but also for institutional autonomy, knowledge retention, and the sustainable management of public digital assets.

Institutional ICT Framework: Appointing a single ICT professional will not, by itself, resolve all the challenges. Depending on an institution’s size and service requirements, an integrated structure may be necessary, comprising an ICT Cell, IT support, network administration, database administration, cybersecurity, software development, and data management.

A single ICT professional or a limited number of personnel may be sufficient for smaller institutions. Larger institutions with extensive public service responsibilities may require a fully developed ICT unit based on their operational needs.

At the same time, ICT professionals must be positioned in a way that enables them to participate in institutional digital planning and technical decision-making rather than being confined to routine administrative functions. Their professional responsibilities, authority, and accountability should reflect the strategic importance of their work.

A hospital, university, seaport, airport, government institution associated with banking services, land office, local government institution, law enforcement agency, or citizen service department may face different types of information and technological risks.

However, one reality is common to all: modern public service delivery has become almost impossible without technology.

The objective of the National ICT Policy 2018 was also to establish a transparent, accountable, and efficient government through the use of technology. The Allocation of Business of the Cabinet Division also includes coordination of ICT policy implementation across ministries and divisions, monitoring of ICT policy action plans, and facilitating the establishment of e-governance.

Therefore, the contradiction between aspiring to build a digital government and failing to ensure institution-level ICT professionals can no longer be ignored.

Second, it will strengthen cybersecurity and information protection.

Third, it will establish technical accountability in technology procurement and project implementation.

Fourth, it will reduce vendor dependency and enhance institutional technological capabilities.

Fifth, it will improve the quality of government data management and interoperability. Sixth, it will help reduce public expenditure by minimizing repeated procurement of similar technologies and ensuring appropriate technology planning.

Seventh, it will enable faster incident response and technical troubleshooting whenever problems arise in technology-dependent citizen services.

These benefits demonstrate that institutional ICT capacity is not merely an operational requirement; it is a strategic investment in effective governance and sustainable public service delivery. Policy Decision: A common framework could be developed to determine the necessity of ICT professionals or ICT Cells in every public service institution. A national standard could be formulated to make ICT positions mandatory based on institutional staffing, service volume, technological dependence, information sensitivity, and cybersecurity risks.

At the same time, ICT positions must be accorded appropriate professional recognition, responsibilities, and accountability. Their duties should extend beyond operating computers and resolving technical problems to include digital transformation, IT governance, cybersecurity, data management, business continuity, and technology planning.

The government institutions of the future will be data-driven, interconnected, and technology-dependent. Without adequately qualified ICT professionals, institutions may use technology but will fail to develop the in-house capabilities required to manage its risks and complexities.

The question today should no longer be whether an institution needs ICT professionals. Instead, it should be: When an institution’s service delivery system has become fundamentally technology-dependent, what is the justification for operating without dedicated ICT expertise?

The infrastructure of a digital state is not built solely on servers, software, and networks; its most important component is skilled human capital. Ensuring the institutional presence of such skilled professionals is no longer a luxury-it is an essential prerequisite for safeguarding citizen services, state information, and public assets.

ICT professionals are, therefore, an indispensable pillar of modern governance. Alongside the existing 26 cadres, ICT professionals are also among the key stakeholders advocating for the establishment of a dedicated ICT Cadre, as recommended by the Reform Commission. Recognizing their professional contribution through an appropriate cadre structure would be an important step toward strengthening the technological capacity of government institutions and advancing the vision of a digitally capable state.

The writer is an Engineer, Special Branch, Bangladesh Police Joint Secretary (Academic), Bangladesh Computer Society