JICA and MoPA hold seminar on DigCAF for civil servants

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh Office and the Ministry of Public Administration (MoPA), through the Government Employees Management System (GEMS), jointly organized a Validation Seminar on the “Digital Competency and Assessment Framework (DigCAF) for the Bangladesh Civil Service” on Tuesday in Dhaka.

The seminar ,held at the Grand Ballroom of Sonargaon Hotel, convened officials and stakeholders from MoPA, government ministries and divisions, public training institutions, development partners, and experts involved in developing the framework.

It presented the key features of the DigCAF and provided a platform for stakeholders to offer structured feedback ahead of its finalization.

Prepared by MoPA, the DigCAF provides a structured reference for strengthening digital competencies within the Bangladesh Civil Service.

It comprises four Digital Competency Domains, 12 Core Competencies, defined proficiency levels, and an assessment approach based on Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA).

The seminar also shared the preliminary direction of a future General Competency Framework for the Bangladesh Civil Service, expected to provide a broader reference for identifying and developing competencies across different roles and career stages.

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In her remarks, Junko Takahashi, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh, said, “Digital transformation extends beyond technological adoption; it demands a structural evolution in institutional capability. Transparent, efficient and citizen-centric governance depends not only on ICT infrastructure, but also on the cognitive, operational and ethical readiness of public servants.”

She also highlighted DigCAF’s KSA-based assessment approach, noting, “The framework goes beyond digital literacy and encourages practical competencies, evidence-based decision-making and responsible leadership in the digital age.”

Dr Mohammad Manirul Islam, Additional Secretary, Career Planning and Training Wing, MoPA, said, “Digital transformation is reshaping the way government works, making it essential for civil servants to develop not only ICT skills but also competencies in data use, digital governance, innovation, ethics, collaboration and leadership.

The DigCAF provides a structured foundation to support competency-based capacity development and strengthen the Bangladesh Civil Service for a digitally transformed future.”

Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Secretary, ICT Division, highlighted the broader requirements of digital government, saying, “Digital government is not only about technology. It is also about institutions, people, processes and trust.

DigCAF provides an important foundation for strengthening these capabilities and preparing the Bangladesh Civil Service for the future of digital government.”

Md Abdul Bari, Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Public Administration, emphasize, “Competency-based human resource management is essential to building a capable, professional and future-ready civil service. DigCAF is an important step in identifying and developing the digital competencies required by civil servants, while the broader General Competency Framework can help align training, career development and performance with the evolving needs of public administration.”

In his concluding remarks,  Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury, Secretary, MoPA, said, “By linking competency development with training, career progression and practical assessment, we can better prepare civil servants to use digital technologies responsibly, respond to emerging challenges and serve citizens effectively. The framework, together with the future General Competency Framework, can support a more capable, professional and future-ready civil service.”

The seminar forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen competency-based capacity development in the Bangladesh Civil Service, with JICA providing technical cooperation and partnership in the initiative.