Bangladesh’s ‘Made in Bangladesh’ roadmap aims to boost IT device manufacturing and exports, potentially creating 100,000 jobs and earning $5 billion by 2025. The plan focuses on digital transformation, leveraging local production, and international branding, supported by government and industry collaboration.
Bangladesh will install a fourth underwater cable by 2028 and a fifth by 2033 to meet growing bandwidth needs. Internet users have surged to 12.9 million, with internet density at 75.12%. Reduced internet costs have boosted IT sector employment and web-based business opportunities.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will allow mobile operators to pay spectrum fees in local currency, taka, instead of US dollars. This decision follows requests from operators due to the US dollar’s appreciation against the taka. Fees will be settled based on the dollar rate at the time of payment.
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a feasibility study grant to CdNet Communications Ltd for the Bangladesh International Submarine Cable (Bagha-1). This project aims to boost internet capacity and quality across Bangladesh, enhancing digital infrastructure and connectivity for advanced services like 5G and international data centers.
Robi Axiata and Banglalink have signed an MoU to explore network sharing, aiming to improve 4G access across Bangladesh. This collaboration seeks to enhance cost efficiency, service quality, and environmental sustainability, with support from regulatory bodies and the government’s ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision.
In 2023, Bangladesh’s internet subscriber count rose to 131 million, including 7 million new users, with 118.49 million on mobile and 12.88 million on broadband. The total mobile subscribers also increased to 190.81 million, driven by 10.61 million new users last year, according to BTRC data.
IT industry leaders in Bangladesh have urged the government to extend the tax exemption for the IT sector by three years to maintain growth and competitiveness. Highlighted during a policy dialogue, this extension is deemed crucial for enhancing reinvestment and supporting the sector’s contribution to the national GDP.
Robi Axiata, Bangladesh’s second-largest telecom operator, reported a 154% year-on-year profit increase in Q1 FY24, driven by revenue growth and reduced forex losses. The company’s focus on expanding its 4G network and digital services has significantly contributed to this growth, aligning with its strategic vision for digital transformation.
ZTE collaborates with Banglalink to upgrade its 4G network in Bangladesh, enhancing coverage and capacity. The partnership aligns with Banglalink’s focus on customer experience and supports the government’s “Smart Bangladesh” vision. Banglalink aims to maintain its status as Ookla’s fastest data network, while ZTE commits to optimizing user experiences.
Axentec, Robi Axiata’s subsidiary, debuts Cypher, Bangladesh’s inaugural certified Tier-IV Co-Location Data Centre. With 16,500 sq ft coverage, 2N redundancy, and advanced security, Cypher ensures 99.995% uptime, pioneering digital reliability in Bangladesh’s tech landscape. CEO Md Adil Hossain Noble hails Cypher as pivotal for Bangladesh’s digital future.
