In the dead of night, a sudden illness befalls a family member, leaving you in a state of confusion about where to turn for help.
Uncertain about whom to call and whether anyone would respond at such an hour, you will discover a lifeline in the form of a revolutionary mobile app named “Sathi”.
This app, comparable to Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa, is set to be unveiled by the government as a gift to citizens, with preparations underway for its launch before the upcoming 12th national parliamentary elections.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Aspire to Innovate (a2i), and funding is provided by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
Scheduled for inauguration between December 12 and 15, which coincides with Smart Bangladesh Day, sources suggest that Sathi will redefine smart connectivity for citizens, serving as a reliable and informative human companion.
State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said this app will empower users by providing comprehensive information at their fingertips.
“It will be a smart tool for smart citizens. It is a system which will be a human companion or partner. The user will get all kinds of information from this,” he explained.
On December 6, Palak asked BTRC to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. BTRC, in response, has committed to supporting the technology developed by A2I.
The telecommunications regulatory authority will cover the costs associated with the innovation, development, and promotion of Sathi.
The state minister emphasized that this technology is a special pre-election gift to the citizens, integrating various government digital services and payment gateways for enhanced ease of use.
What are the features?
Reports indicate that Sathi has already developed its interface, ensuring seamless interactions for users.
The app will be integrated with the Sathi Mobile SIM, requiring activation on the mobile set.
A unique feature ensures that the app takes up zero kilobytes, allowing users to download it without consuming data. Compatible with both smartphones and feature phones, Sathi can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
This innovative app eliminates the need for multiple individual apps, offering users the convenience of accessing services like Nagad, bkash, or telecom customer service through a single interface.
Whether connecting to a call center representative or seeking assistance from mobile operators such as Grameenphone, Robi, or Banglalink, Sathi simplifies tasks without the necessity of specific apps.
Future plans even include the addition of a chatbot to further enhance customer convenience.
