To say that Dhaka’s public transport sector is not, and has never been, good enough for its citizens is an understatement -- one that has long been burdened by inefficiency, congestion, and outdated systems. With that said, the metro rail, despite its own issues, was certainly a landmark step toward some semblance of better urban mobility.

Now, with the introduction of online recharge facilities, there is more reason to be hopeful of a more seamless, citizen-friendly service. It will certainly be a collective relief that the queue at counters will be reduced. Instead, they can manage their travel cards from the comfort of home, confirming their top-up with a simple tap at station validation machines.

This is precisely the sort of forward-thinking reform that the citizens of Dhaka need. Digital Bangladesh had shifted from being a promise to a political catchphrase for the previous regime, but it is imperative that our government continues to realize the power digitization possesses to not only enhance convenience but also trust.

When citizens are spared needless delays and bureaucratic hurdles, they gain time, confidence, and trust in public institutions. Technology has long had the power to bridge gaps between service providers and the public to ensure that infrastructure investments deliver maximum benefit.

Thus, if Bangladesh is to truly modernize, similar initiatives should be extended across the spectrum of public services. Each step toward digitization has the potential to reduce friction, curb corruption, and enhance transparency.

The online recharge system for metro rail is a milestone worth celebrating and reflects a vision of Dhaka that we must collectively work towards: A city where technology empowers citizens, where public transport is efficient and humane, and where essential services are designed with people at the centre.