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 rewrote its telecom policy in 2025, introducing new licensing rules, surveillance reforms, and satellite internet entry. While the reset addressed long-standing issues, concerns remain over foreign ownership caps, regulatory independence, and competitive balance.
Robi Axiata has questioned the timing of Bangladesh’s planned 700MHz spectrum auction, warning that holding it ahead of national elections could deter investment due to political and regulatory uncertainty. While Robi continues to invest locally, executives stress that long-term capital commitments require stable governance and predictable telecom policies.
Global telecom operators are recording higher carbon emissions in Bangladesh than in developed markets, driven by fossil-fuel-based power grids and diesel backup systems. While Bangladesh delivers strong revenues for firms like Telenor and Robi Axiata, activists warn weak climate enforcement allows multinationals to shift emissions burdens to developing economies.
Bangladesh’s mobile operators deployed portable towers, AI-based traffic management, and expanded capacity to maintain uninterrupted connectivity during Tarique Rahman’s reception. Preparations along key corridors helped manage heavy data and voice traffic, ensuring stable network performance despite large crowds.
Cash still accounts for over 65 percent of transaction value in Bangladesh despite growth in digital payments and mobile financial services. Central bank data show slow progress toward a cashless economy, with businesses favoring cheques, limited digital acceptance, and MFS largely confined to small-value transfers.
Bangladesh has approved the Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, guaranteeing uninterrupted internet access by legally prohibiting shutdowns under any circumstances. The ordinance strengthens telecom regulation, protects data privacy, enhances national security safeguards, and aligns the sector with international standards to support investment and digital resilience.
Bangladesh is preparing to introduce a one-stop digital approval platform for telecom infrastructure under its Network and Licensing Policy 2025. By recognising tower and fibre providers as national connectivity infrastructure and streamlining right-of-way approvals, the country aims to accelerate 4G and 5G rollout, reduce deployment delays, and support digital inclusion and economic growth.
Bangladesh will reduce the maximum number of SIM cards per person from 10 to five starting January 2026, aiming to curb mobile-related crimes and tighten regulatory control ahead of elections. Excess SIMs will be deactivated, though IoT SIMs will follow a separate process. The move has sparked mixed reactions among users and operators.
Bangladesh’s National Logistics Policy 2025 aims to modernise supply chains, reduce trade costs, and strengthen export competitiveness as the country prepares for post-LDC transition. With a focus on multimodal infrastructure, digitalisation, and institutional coordination, the policy’s impact will ultimately depend on effective implementation and political stability.
Bangladesh has launched a digital truck tracking system under ASYCUDA World to monitor cargo vehicles entering from India. Piloted at Benapole land port, the system enables real-time monitoring, improves data accuracy, strengthens border security, reduces revenue leakage, and supports more transparent and efficient cross-border trade.