Bangladesh currently has 150,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable, 75% of which is overhead and highly vulnerable to natural disasters, according to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. Speaking at Bangladesh Cable Shilpa Limited (Bakshi) in Khulna on August 21, he stressed the urgent need for underground networks to ensure safety and quality.
Taiyeb highlighted that Bangladesh requires at least 500,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to meet growing national communication needs and sectoral demand. He urged the merging of outdated public and private networks into a unified system, calling the fibre optic industry a sector with “immense potential.”
He added that Bakshi — which has been producing cables since 1972 and entered fibre optic production in 2010 — must modernise its operations, secure international green certification, and expand into new markets to remain competitive. The company, which also manufactures HDPE ducts, power cables, and overhead conductors, currently produces up to 25,000 kilometres of fibre annually and reported Tk28 crore profit in FY2024–25.
Taiyeb reaffirmed the ministry’s support for Bakshi’s growth and noted the importance of adopting effective marketing and modern technology as traditional cables lose demand. He also visited Khulna divisional offices of Teletalk, BTCL, and the postal service to meet staff and service users.
