Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Bangladesh’s telehealth program is closing due to funding cuts and poor infrastructure. Unpaid staff struggle to keep limited centers running amid frequent internet and power outages. With low government healthcare spending and political instability, millions in rural areas face losing vital access to specialist medical care.
Bangladesh’s mobile subscribers increased 0.52% to 187.61 million in May, led by Grameenphone. Internet users rose 0.87% to 132 million, driven by mobile internet growth, reversing a year-long decline.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator rejected Banglalink’s below-market offer to buy 5MHz spectrum outside the ongoing auction, citing risks to sector stability and auction integrity. The decision underscores the importance of transparent, fair spectrum allocation.
BTRC directs telecom operators in Bangladesh to provide 1GB free internet on July 18 to honor the July Uprising. The initiative supports government commemoration efforts by enhancing digital access for subscribers.
Bangladesh’s telecom regulator mandated 1GB free internet on July 18 to honor the July Uprising, marking digital freedom amid political history. Operators support the move but seek clarity on tax exemptions and cost coverage.
GiveDirectly partnered with Bangladesh’s government to pilot MobileAid, an AI-driven method using anonymized mobile phone data to identify low-income households quickly and cost-effectively. The approach outperformed community targeting and rivaled traditional surveys, enabling faster, cheaper poverty relief through mobile money transfers. Challenges for scaling include regulatory approvals, telecom cooperation, and building trust, highlighting the need for combining technology with community outreach. MobileAid shows strong potential for rapid social protection, especially in disaster response, by providing timely, accurate targeting aligned with real-world needs.
Bangladesh’s new three-tier licensing framework aims to modernize the telecom sector and improve regulation, but it faces mixed reactions. While major mobile operators support the move, mid-level domestic firms warn it favors foreign players and threatens local businesses. The government is investigating past corruption, with hopes of greater transparency ahead.
Banglalink and ICC Communication have partnered to offer advanced digital services such as corporate connectivity and vehicle tracking, strengthening enterprise capabilities and service delivery across Bangladesh.
Samadhan Services Limited, under Grameen Telecom, has received Bangladesh Bank’s PSP license to launch the Samadhan e-wallet, ending a lengthy approval process influenced by political shifts. The move expands Bangladesh’s digital payment ecosystem alongside other PSPs and emerging players.
Daraz has transformed Bangladesh’s e-commerce with 8 million active users, a nationwide logistics network, and inclusive seller training programs. Its campaigns offer deep discounts and reliable service, supporting rural and urban markets while building a full digital commerce ecosystem for the country’s future.