DHAKA, Nov 11, 2021 (BSS) - The new version of the online Grievance Redress System (GRS) used by the government to address citizen complaints has been launched on a pilot basis in Satkhira district.

  Deputy Commissioner of Satkhira Mohammad Humayun Kabir inaugurated the online GRS at a function on Tuesday, said a press release here today. 

   The UNDP, a2i, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division and the Cabinet Division organized the launching ceremony while Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh Van Nguyen was present as the special guest.

   Later, a discussion was held on the system while Joint Secretary and a2i Project Director Dr Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, Joint Secretary of Cabinet Division Md Khaled Hasan, Global Advisor on Anti-Corruption of UNDP ACPIS Anga R Timilsina, public representative Asaduzzaman Babu and a representative from SIDA joined the discussion as panelists. 

   Policy Advisor of a2i Anir Chowdhury moderated the discussion. 

   The GRS was first introduced in the country in 1986. Its online version was launched in 2015 by the Cabinet Division in 21 districts. 

   However, it remained underutilized as the system only functioned at district level. The new GRS system has been launched as a pilot project at upazila level in Satkhira Sadar and Ashashuni upazilas.

  The new version of the system is integrated with the national helpline 333 and social media platforms like - Facebook. 

   The new GRS also allows citizens to lodge grievances through the GRS APP. These changes make it an effective tool to address citizen complaints, taking a step forward towards achieving SDG 16.

   Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet Division Md Mokhlesur Rahman, Additional Deputy Commissioner (general) of Satkhira Kazi Arifur Rahman SPS specialist (deputy secretary) of a2i Khandakar Manowar Morshed spoke at the function, among others.