Mahmudul Hasan

Govt plans ‘fibre optic bank’ to use idle networks

The government has decided to establish a national “fibre optic bank”, which will bring all unused fibre optic resources from state-owned entities under a single platform in a bid to accelerate digital transformation.

6h ago

Proposed ownership caps: Foreign telco investors raise concerns

Leading foreign investors in Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector have urged the government to reconsider proposed restrictions on foreign ownership in the upcoming Telecommunications Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025.

1d ago

PGCB, Railway allowed to expand optical fibre networks

The telecom regulator has decided to permit the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) and Bangladesh Railway to extend their optical fibre networks beyond their respective grid lines and railway tracks in a bid to improve internet connectivity across the country.

5d ago

WB offers first loan guarantee for LNG purchase

For the first time, the World Bank, which traditionally provides development project loans and budgetary support, has extended its assistance through a guarantee facility to support Bangladesh in purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG), aiming to ease pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

2w ago

Starlink users report smooth service, minor issues

Early users of Starlink, the satellite internet service recently launched in Bangladesh, have expressed satisfaction over its high-speed and stable connection.

2w ago

IT exports witness slight rise in July-March

Bangladesh’s IT exports witnessed a slight rise in the first nine months of the current financial year, buoyed by growing global demand for AI-powered services.

3w ago

Repeating mistakes: opportunity missed to make internet better

True reform requires the courage to correct the policy missteps of the past

3w ago

VAT hike deals fresh blow to local handset industry

Bangladesh’s mobile phone manufacturing industry, once hailed as a potential pillar of the country’s digital ambitions, is bracing for a fresh blow after the interim government proposed a hike in value-added tax (VAT) at the production stage in the national budget for fiscal year 2025-26.

1m ago
September 23, 2023
September 23, 2023

4 IP telephony service providers lose licences

The 4 are: IDEA Networks and Communications Ltd, Digital Connectivity Ltd, Pritty International (Pvt.) Limited and Sadiatec Limited

September 22, 2023
September 22, 2023

Foodpanda owner may sell operations in some markets

Delivery Hero, which owns Foodpanda and Pandamart in Bangladesh, said it was in negotiations regarding a potential sale of its Foodpanda business in selected markets in Southeast Asia.

September 21, 2023
September 21, 2023

97% smartphone users concerned over privacy, security issues: study

A staggering 97 percent of mobile internet users in Bangladesh are concerned about the privacy and security issues while using their phone, found a report by global telecom company Telenor.

September 21, 2023
September 21, 2023

Inflation to cool in later part of FY24

Although higher consumer prices have persisted in the first few months of the current fiscal year, inflation in Bangladesh is going to cool in the later part of 2023-24 thanks to one external and two domestic factors, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast yesterday.

September 17, 2023
September 17, 2023

‘Data package bars to restrict customer choice’

There is no compelling reason to reduce the number of internet packages to 40 or discontinue three-day and seven-day packages and such a move would restrict customer choice, said a top official of a mobile operator. 

September 15, 2023
September 15, 2023

BBS data lays bare devastating impact of Covid-19

The scale of the immediate but devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on Bangladesh’s economy emerged for the first time after the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) published the quarterly data of the GDP to meet IMF’s conditions.

September 8, 2023
September 8, 2023

Feature phone production doubles in July

Feature phone production has more than doubled month-on-month in July as consumers turn to more affordable alternatives to smartphones amid sustained high inflation.

September 7, 2023
September 7, 2023

Digital literacy, awareness main focus

The primary role of bKash involves continuous efforts to promote digital literacy and educate individuals about the benefits of digital financial products. And with this, bKash plays a significant role in the digitalisation of Bangladesh. 

September 5, 2023
September 5, 2023

No more 3-day data packs from Oct 15

At a time when the government is pressing full steam ahead with the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ agenda, the telecom regulator is taking measures that are at odds with it.

September 1, 2023
September 1, 2023

IT exports fall for the first time in five years

IT exports from Bangladesh have fallen for the first time in five years, which is an ominous sign for the government’s export diversification efforts as the country is failing to produce big IT firms.