bKash has reported strong financial growth for 2024, with a 67% increase in profit, reaching Tk 315.77 crore, and a 20% rise in revenue to Tk 5,058.20 crore. The company continues to expand its role in Bangladesh’s mobile financial services sector, attracting global investments from major entities.
Banglalink has increased the benefits of its mobile data, voice, and bundle packs by up to 25% in support of the government’s telecom reforms. The operator also provides unlimited access to platforms like Toffee, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, offering more value to customers while promoting digital adoption in Bangladesh.
Tencent has expressed interest in entering the Bangladeshi market, with plans to collaborate on growing the local gaming and digital sectors. The company, known for its global gaming influence and services like cloud computing, aims to partner with local players to contribute to the country’s digital economy and GDP growth.
Bangladesh’s e-commerce sector is growing rapidly, but cash reliance remains a challenge. Efforts to transition to digital payments are underway, with initiatives to improve consumer confidence, simplify merchant onboarding, and enhance mobile payment solutions. As infrastructure improves, the sector could significantly contribute to the country’s economy and global integration.
Bangladesh has invited Elon Musk’s Starlink to launch satellite internet services in the country, aiming to prevent future government-led internet shutdowns. The move is expected to protect BPO firms, call centers, and freelancers from disruptions caused by political instability, ensuring uninterrupted internet access for key sectors.
Prof Muhammad Yunus launched the “Labbaik” app to support Hajj pilgrims with services like emergency assistance, flight details, and health support. The app aims to ensure pilgrims can perform their duties smoothly. The first Hajj flight from Dhaka departs today, with over 87,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims registered.
The ISPAB has announced an upgrade to the Tk 500 internet package, offering 10 Mbps instead of the previous 5 Mbps. This change is part of the “One Country, One Rate” policy aimed at enhancing internet service in Bangladesh. The reform aligns with efforts to improve digital infrastructure and service quality.
Bangladesh’s Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is advancing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), which requires a triplet-based registration system linking IMEI, National ID, and SIM details. While aimed at curbing illegal handsets, concerns over the complexity of deregistration, especially for women and rural users, have been raised.
Bangladesh ranks 112th in the 2024 Frontier Technology Readiness Index, showing progress in adopting AI, robotics, and biotech. While the country excels in research and development, challenges remain in ICT development and workforce skills. To fully harness frontier technologies, Bangladesh must enhance digital infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
Starlink has received approval from Bangladesh’s Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to operate in the country. The company has applied for an NGSO licence, which is expected to be issued soon. While a demonstration of Starlink’s services will take place at the Bangladesh Investment Summit, the commercial launch will take longer.
