A Day-Long Industrial Visit at Bangladesh e-Passport Data Center by the 3rd Year Students of CSEDU
On the 20th of May, 2024, the 3rd-year students of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Dhaka, embarked on an enlightening industrial visit to the Bangladesh e-Passport Data Center. The visit aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the e-passport system.
The journey began with the students boarding a bus from the department, filled with anticipation and eagerness to explore the workings of a critical national service facility. The visit kicked off with an informative presentation about the e-passport system. This presentation covered the features, significance, and impact of e-passports, highlighting how they enhance security, streamline travel processes, and contribute to national development. Bangladesh's e-passport project, launched in 2020, is a significant milestone in the country's journey towards digital transformation. Bangladesh is the first country in the Indian subcontinent to introduce e-passports. With over 1 crore 29 lakh e-passports issued till date, the initiative aims to enhance national security and ease international travel for Bangladeshi citizens.
Following the presentation, the students were taken on a tour of the entire center. The first stop was the warehouse, where various components necessary for e-passport production are collected and stored. Next, the students observed the assembly line where e-passport booklets are meticulously put together, learning about the precision and coordination required to meet stringent standards.
The tour continued to the quality control section, where each booklet undergoes rigorous checks. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the e-passport system, ensuring that each passport meets the highest levels of security and endurance. Students then witnessed the sophisticated printing and personalization processes, where each e-passport is uniquely tailored with the holder’s personal and biometric information. This step combines high-level security features with state-of-the-art printing technology, ensuring that each passport is both secure and uniquely personalized. The final part of the tour included the dispatch area. Here, the students saw how completed e-passports are prepared for dispatch all over the country in an efficient manner.