Staff Reporter:
In a significant step towards modernisation, the National Botanical Garden in Mirpur, Dhaka, has inaugurated an advanced e-ticketing platform to simplify, streamline, and make the visitor entry process more transparent and environmentally friendly.
The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, inaugurated the platform as the chief guest.
Project Director (Joint Secretary) Mr. Md. Abdur Rafiq of a2i was present as a special guest, while Mr. Md. Ameer Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, presided over the event. Officers from the Forest Department, ICT Division, a2i, representatives from the National Zoo and Bangladesh National Herbarium, along with government and private sector dignitaries, media personnel, and environmental activists attended the event.
The platform was developed as a joint initiative by the Forest Department and a2i (Access to Information). By integrating modern technology, it opens new avenues for efficient garden management. From now on, visitors can purchase tickets online from home and visit the garden on the scheduled date without facing long queues. This reduces waiting time, ensures transparency in ticket sales, cuts down paper use, and supports environmental conservation. The service quality will improve alongside increased government revenue.
Chief guest Dr. Farhina Ahmed welcomed this digital initiative for environmental protection. She emphasized extending e-ticketing systems to other significant ecological sites across the country.
She noted, “This modern approach will play a key role in conserving natural forests and biodiversity, as well as raising public awareness. The e-ticketing platform marks a new chapter in smart conservation management in Bangladesh,” adding that it would strengthen urban residents’ connection with nature.
Special guest Mr. Md. Abdur Rafiq highlighted a2i’s role in building Digital Bangladesh and explained how technology brings government services closer to citizens. He outlined a2i’s strategic plans and called the project a milestone in government digitalization efforts.
At the ceremony’s conclusion, Mr. Md. Ameer Hossain Chowdhury expressed commitment to developing the National Botanical Garden into an internationally acclaimed center. He thanked everyone involved in implementing the e-ticketing platform and urged wholehearted cooperation in sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.
This e-ticketing system will accelerate revenue collection for the Forest Department and enhance garden management efficiency. It will also open new horizons for research.
Speakers also stressed the Botanical Garden’s vital role in fostering public awareness for environmental and biodiversity conservation. This digital initiative will not only modernize management but also set a remarkable example of citizen-friendly and eco-conscious government service in Digital Bangladesh. This effort, implemented jointly by the Forest Department and a2i, stands as a milestone in making government services more accessible and environment-friendly.
