There was a time when citizens relied on newspaper editorials, physical applications, or street protests to express their demands. Today, the reality is different. With just a smartphone and an internet connection, an ordinary citizen can become an active participant in the policymaking process. This shift in how people participate is what we call “Digital Democracy.”

As the famous sociologist Sherry Turkle said, “Technology doesn’t just change what we do; it changes who we are.” Technology does more than just make tasks easier; it reshapes our social and democratic mindset. However, this technology only succeeds when it is built on transparency and human sensitivity.

Solutions at a Click

Digital democracy is not just a theory; its real-world impact is visible in Bangladesh’s government digital platforms.

For instance, consider the ‘333’ and ‘999’ helplines. When Sabiha, a housewife from a remote village in Cumilla, heard about a child marriage in her area, she didn’t seek out a political leader. Instead, she called ‘333.’ Within hours, the local administration took action and stopped the marriage. This is the true success of digital democracy—where an ordinary citizen can directly move the state into action.

Similarly, the Dhaka South City Corporation’s ‘Shobar Dhaka’ app allows citizens to post photos of drainage or road problems. There are many examples where these issues were fixed quickly after being reported. This has transformed citizens from being just voters into “active watchdogs” of the city.

The Other Side of the Coin

The path of technology is not always smooth. The benefits of digital democracy do not reach everyone equally. There are three main barriers:

• The Digital Divide: A young person in Dhaka enjoys technology in a way that remains out of reach for an elderly person living in the remote chars of Kurigram. This “digital gap” leaves many people out of the process.

• Quality of Information and Rumors: On social media, rumors and fake news often spread faster than the truth. This increases social division and weakens trust in democracy.

• Security and Privacy: Many citizens hesitate to share information on government portals, fearing, “Will my personal data be leaked?” This fear is a major obstacle to digital participation.

Cyber Security and the Human Element

Behind the technical jargon, we must not forget that there is a real person. Rafi, a university student in the capital, says: “While the convenience of filing complaints online has grown, so has the fear of harassment. After I posted about a traffic police issue, I was bullied online in various ways. Technology gives us a voice, but the walls to protect that voice are still weak.”

Rafi’s experience reminds us that technology is not a magic wand. Without standards of safety and fairness, digital systems can actually increase inequality.

The Way Forward: A Roadmap 

To strengthen digital democracy, three parties must work together:

• The State: It must ensure transparent information, real-time service tracking, and strong data protection.

• Technology Platforms: Strict monitoring is needed to stop hate speech, keeping local languages and contexts in mind.

• The Citizen: Alongside using technology, people must achieve “Digital Literacy.” A responsible digital citizen must verify facts before sharing and avoid making abusive comments online.

Digital democracy is more than just a few internet portals; it is a new mindset. It teaches citizens to ask questions with courage and brings the state under accountability. Our goal should be to create an environment where technology is not a source of fear, but a source of trust. This combination of citizen power and digital capability is the true foundation of a modern Bangladesh.