[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Palak unveils BTCL’s high-speed internet 'GBon'

‘GBon’, a high-speed broadband service by the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) was recently launched by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

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Palak unveils BTCL’s high-speed internet 'GBon'​

File photo.

'GBon', a high-speed broadband service by the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) was recently launched by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.

The initiative aims to make high-speed internet more accessible, with significant reductions in costs. For example, the price of 5 Mbps internet has been lowered from BDT 500 to BDT 399 under the new package, making it more affordable for the masses, as outlined in the release.

"With this inauguration, Bangladesh has entered the newest era of high-speed broadband internet service," said Palak.

Palak had previously announced a special pricing package for 'GBon' internet bandwidth on February 21, in homage to the language martyrs.
​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh lags behind peer nations in ICT development

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) releases ICT Development Index 2023

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Bangladesh lags behind peer nations in ICT development​

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) releases ICT Development Index 2023

Bangladesh, which has spent tens of thousands of crore taka for ICT development in the last 15 years, lags behind its peer economies in a key ICT global index.

Bangladesh scored only 61.1 in the ICT Development Index (IDI) 2023 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialised United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICT).

The 2023 edition of the index includes 169 economies.

Bangladesh trails neighbouring economies, with Sri Lanka registering a score of 69.9, Bhutan 76.5, Vietnam 80.6, Maldives 79 and Cambodia 68.5.

And while the report lacks data on India, Pakistan and Afghanistan scored 48.7 and 28.9 respectively.

Only 38.9 percent of the individuals in Bangladesh were using the internet last year while 38.1 percent households had internet access, according to the report.

The index is based on two main pillars -- Universal Connectivity and Meaningful Connectivity.

The universal connectivity pillar measures the proportion of individuals using the internet (from any location), proportion of households with internet access and active mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Bangladesh only scored only 39.2 in this segment.

The meaningful connectivity pillar measures mobile network coverage, percentage of the population covered by at least a 3G mobile network, percentage of the population covered by a 4G/LTE mobile network, and mobile broadband internet traffic per subscription.

This pillar also examines mobile data and the voice high consumption basket price (as a % of the GNI per capita), fixed-broadband internet basket price (as % of GNI per capita), percentage of individuals who own a mobile phone, and fixed broadband internet traffic per fixed broadband subscription.

In this segment, Bangladesh fared well with a score of 83.

The average IDI score is 72.8 out of 100. The 100-mark corresponds to a situation where a country or group has reached the goalpost value on every indicator of the IDI.

A score of zero corresponds to the hypothetical situation where there is no connectivity at all: nobody uses the internet; nobody is covered by a mobile-broadband network; there are no mobile-broadband subscriptions; no data traffic is generated, etc.

The lowest score obtained in the IDI 2023 is 20.0 while the highest is 98.2.

Some 33 countries have an IDI score of between 90 and 100. Another 47 countries have a score between 80 and 90. At the other end of the scale, 30 countries have scores below 50 and another nine have between 50 and 60.

These results suggest the world has made significant progress towards universal and meaningful connectivity, with half of the countries almost at or past the 80-point mark (median of 78.7), according to the report.

Still, half of the countries are spread across a 60-point range, with a few scoring in the low 20s. Additionally, as mentioned above, the IDI does not capture all aspects of the UMC framework, such as fixed broadband penetration, internet speed, ICT skills, or safety.

The report said two-thirds of the world's population use the internet, which is woven into the entire fabric of peoples' daily lives.

Yet, one-third of the world's population remain offline, and even among the nominally online population, many are not meaningfully connected.

Multiple digital divides persist, across and within countries, between men and women, between younger and older individuals, between cities and rural areas, and between those who enjoy an ultra-fast fixed-broadband connection and those who struggle on a shaky connection.

"Some 400 million people are entirely beyond the reach of a mobile broadband network," it added.

In the IDI index, 10 other factors are considered and Bangladesh significantly lags behind the global average in 8 of them.

Moreover, Bangladeshis allocate only 2 percent of their income for mobile data, voice and broadband internet services. Also, the rate of mobile phone ownership stands at 61.8 percent.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/education/article/bd-students-win-award-in-intl-robotics-contest-in-nepal

BD students win award in int'l robotics contest in Nepal​

KHALID SAIFULLAH KHAN

Published :​

Feb 25, 2024 11:12

Updated :​

Feb 25, 2024 11:12

Bangladeshi AI-lover students win award in International Robotics Competition held in Nepal recently

Recently, Team Atlas has proudly represented Bangladesh at the "YANTRA 9.0 International Robotics Competition" in Nepal, achieving the Best Robot Design & Strategy Award at the prestigious President's Cup Yantra Teens. Building a total of five robots for the competition on the motion of "Garbage to Gold" and pulling off the task is as magical as it seems.

In a conversation with the writer, Team Atlas delves into their personal motivation toward robotics and ambition of saving the environment through technology. With a team of 12 members, winning the Best Design & Strategy Award at the Yantra 9.0 International Robotics Competition, has been an overwhelming experience.

Sunny Jubayer, the founder and leader of Team Atlas, shares that his fascination with robotics started with movies like "Transformers" from his childhood. His target was to build the community to work in technology to make daily lives easier. With that prospect, he started doing workshops from class five. A primary school student doing workshops on robotics is as rare as it gets in Bangladesh.

In class seven, Sunny Jubayer worked on different government projects, and in class eight, he started working with BUET professors regarding robotics. In March 2016, he started making a team, known as Team Atlas in these days. Today, there are more than 150 active members; in addition, there are alumni who are still connected with the team, providing support from time to time.

Because of their work in technology development with Bangladeshi students, Team Atlas won the 2023 Joy Bangla Youth Award among 12 institutes and the Digital Bangladesh Award from the prime minister. Sunny Jubayer says about training new members, "We are training them in every part of robotics, as we know the fourth industrial revolution will rely on robotics and AI (artificial intelligence."

The Yantra 9.0 International Robotics Competition participating team had dreamers of all ages, ranging from intermediate students to master's students. They had different stories and backgrounds as in how they joined Team Atlas. This is how Team Atlas celebrates a diverse community that has a shared interest in technology and robotics.

Sunny Jubaer, the project coordinator, explains that the team made a total of five robots for the contest, targeting different garbage to collect, as the competition's project was to collect garbage and break the other team's garbage pile by throwing balls with robots.

Ezhar Hossain Ifty, who completed HSC in 2023 from Dhaka Imperial College, has been learning robotics from class seven, emphasises their ball-throwing soccer-like game. He was the main pilot in this contest to operate the robots. He says, "All teams had three robots, but we played with one robot, as the other two had some technical issues. Still, we won the game, and it was a magnificent moment to show the world our potential."

Md Tanjir Arafat Turjo and Mohammad Mehran Islam Mahi, both from BAF Shaheen College, respectively from the HSC 2023 and HSC 2024 batch, worked on this project together, with the earlier one being involved in hardware and the latter being the bot designer. Mahi talks about how he grew interested in robotics from 10th grade, whereas Turjo talks about how those toy cars inspired him to explore more in mechanism/robotics from childhood.

For this generation, probably childhood interest in toy cars or electronic devices is the most significant influencer in students growing interested in technology and robotics, except for some students who were first enthralled by Rajnikanth's ‘Enthiran’ (‘Robot’ in Hindi version) movie. Just like Turjo and Ifty's interest in toy cars, Moskur Rahman Mahir, an A-level candidate, was also fascinated by electronic equipment and later joined Team Atlas after one of his teachers recommended it. Mahir mainly worked in mechanical sectors in this project, e.g., RC controlling and electrical connection.

The ‘Robot’ movie fascination had an influence on Atik Shahriar Hasan and Hasibur Rahman Tareq. Atik, who completed HSC in 2023 from Dawood Public School and College, worked for Bot programming, the Ball Shooting accuracy maintenance, and Tareq, an IUBAT final year student in electrical engineering, worked in the Soccer Board section, including circuit, body designing, speed controlling, etc. Tareq also works at his university's Robotics Club, where he had an outstanding experience collaborating with IIT Bombay.

Another HSC pass student from batch 2023 Al Mahmud Alif shares that he came to Dhaka at the intermediate level for the opportunities, as he did not have them back in the village. This creative individual also has experience in robot-sketchings. He said that joining Team Atlas was a "Turning Point of Life" to him, as he got the opportunity to learn sensors, modules, and other aspects of robotics. Before this Nepal Tour, Alif also participated in the WRC Robotics Championship Worldwide with Team Atlas, where they won the Silver Medal, being first runner-up.

At Team Atlas, people with a passion for technology get an opportunity, even if they are not from a STEM background. For example, a business student Fahim Shahriyar shares that he was fascinated by technology back in eighth grade or even earlier than that. Studying business studies, he did not have the scope to get into science and research, but he did start learning programming languages. Later, he joined Team Atlas and started learning many aspects of robotics. The full-time job holder says, "I really find the Friday Lab Classes very helpful, as I have been learning from the basics." At Yantra's competition, he worked in the circuit, controlling, and piloting sections.

Every project has its risks and obstacles. About Team Atlas's obstacles in this outstanding recent achievement, Atik delves into the matter of obstacles. He shares, "Our robot was declined two days before the competition because of a height issue. We had to work heart and soul, staying awake all night, with one sleeping at a time." Still, they completed their project and won 2024's first international award for Bangladesh.

In a practical world, this type of technology is indispensable, considering the amount of waste in rivers and pollution in Bangladesh. According to Sunny Jubayer, they made those robots with the ambition of putting their main target forward, which is ‘Save the Environment’. In addition, he says that this sort of robot is very much feasible on the shores of Cox's Bazar or Saint Martin. With this prospect, Team Atlas built a water cleaning robot, which will be able to absorb waste from water bodies.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh to draft AI law by September: Law Minister

Law Minister Anisul Huq has announced plans to draft new legislation governing artificial intelligence (AI) by September this year. Speaking with journalists at the Secretariat yesterday, Minister Haque underscored the significance of AI's global impact and the need for Bangladesh to formulate...

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Bangladesh to draft AI law by September: Law Minister​

Law Minister Anisul Haque said that a new law on artificial intelligence will be drafted by September this year.

Law Minister Anisul Huq has announced plans to draft new legislation governing artificial intelligence (AI) by September this year. Speaking with journalists at the Secretariat yesterday, Minister Haque underscored the significance of AI's global impact and the need for Bangladesh to formulate its legal framework accordingly.

"We are witnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence on the global stage. It's imperative for Bangladesh to contemplate its legislative stance on AI," Huq stated. Early discussions on drafting AI legislation began today, focusing on creating a preliminary framework, he said.

Acknowledging the complexity of AI, Huq remarked, "This domain's expansive nature precludes the possibility of resolving discussions in a single day. Our approach to legislation must be informed by a comprehensive understanding and experience in the field."

Haque detailed his discussion on the draft's framework, emphasising the necessity of addressing aspects critical to human welfare and the ethical use of AI. "The discourse on AI's legal framework has commenced, focusing on protecting human rights and ensuring AI's beneficial application across sectors," he added.

Responding to inquiries about the potential consequences of the new law, Huq emphasised the importance of regulatory oversight while ensuring AI's positive impact on society. "The extent of our regulatory control is a pertinent question. However, I am committed to leveraging AI to uphold human rights and safeguard public welfare in all areas," said the Minister.​

 

[Saif]

Non-compliance: Govt may temporarily block Facebook, YouTube

The government may temporarily suspend services of social media giants including Facebook and YouTube if they don’t comply with government instructions to prevent the spread of “disinformation

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Non-compliance: Govt may temporarily block Facebook, YouTube

The government may temporarily block social media giants including Facebook and YouTube in Bangladesh if they don't comply with government instructions to prevent the spread of "disinformation".

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order held at the Secretariat today.

Committee chairman and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque disclosed the decision to reporters after the meeting.

The minister voiced concerns about the lack of response from social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube to official complaints about rumours and cybercrime.

"Facebook and YouTube do not have offices in Bangladesh, and our recommendations and instructions are being ignored. The social media companies will first be informed about their negligence, and if they fail to comply, the government may shut them down temporarily.

"Before that, the government will publish advertisements in the newspaper and inform international organisations concerned regarding the non-compliance."

The minister added that public notices will be served to the companies so that the government is not responsible for any rights violations.

Regarding the upcoming upazila elections, Mozammel said that the upazila elections should be free and fair, adding that the decision not to use the party symbol in the local elections will ensure a level playing field.
"Law enforcement agencies have been strictly instructed to take legal action if any candidate violates the electoral code of conduct."

The public administration ministry has been asked to appoint a sufficient number of magistrates ahead of the upazila elections, he added.

On the recurrence of fire incidents, Mozammel said building codes need to be followed properly during their construction. "Also, flammable objects and hazardous chemicals have not been removed from buildings despite repeated calls. The industries ministry will take steps so that the chemicals are removed quickly [from buildings]."

Mozammel said the committee recommended that investigations be conducted against those whose negligence in duties resulted in these fire incidents and those who approved the risky buildings.

The cabinet committee chairman said a decision has been taken to hold a meeting in Ramadan to take steps to avert fire incidents. The meeting will be attended by the home minister, city mayors, police, and the regulatory authorities of hotels and restaurants.

Concerned about the rise in criminal activity at the Rohingya camps, the minister said, "Diplomatic efforts will be stepped up to repatriate the Rohingya refugees."

On the rising price of essentials, Mozammel said, "The ministry concerned has been asked to bring down the prices of essential commodities."

 

[Saif]

ICT entrepreneurs demand extension of tax exemptions

With tax exemptions for the information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector ending after this fiscal year, ICT entrepreneurs are demanding the continuation of such incentives for seven more years to help build a ‘Smart Bangladesh’.

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ICT entrepreneurs demand extension of tax exemptions

With tax exemptions for the information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services sector ending after this fiscal year, ICT entrepreneurs are demanding the continuation of such incentives for seven more years to help build a 'Smart Bangladesh'.

Entrepreneurs fear that suspension of the privilege would be a crushing blow to the industry, which has experienced some headwinds in recent months due to a slump in global demand.

The global economic slowdown has resulted in a 4.4 percent drop in Bangladesh's IT exports, which reached $221.5 million in the first five months of the current fiscal year.

"The tax exemptions are crucial for local IT entrepreneurs as the sector has all the potential for export diversification," said Russell T Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

"Most importantly, the tax exemption has played a role in building a digital Bangladesh and the local IT industry was the architect of that."

As the core vision of the government is to transform the country into a Smart Bangladesh, the continuation of the IT exemption is more important than ever before, he added.
He said BASIS had conveyed this message to senior government officials and hoped it would be considered.

To transform into a Smart Bangladesh, all sectors will be required to strategically embrace ICT. Its implementation is pivotal and the transformative potential of technology is undeniable, Ahmed added.

BASIS and other ICT trade bodies have already sent proposals to Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, urging the government to extend tax exemptions till June 2031.

The government has set an aim to achieve its vision for a Smart Bangladesh by 2041. But if the tax exemption is not extended, it will seriously impact the overall goal since ICT will be the backbone of Smart Bangladesh, said Rashad Kabir, director of BASIS.

"It will ultimately increase the cost of ICT-related products and people will be reluctant to buy digital products eventually," he said.

"Over the last couple of years, we have heard a number of commitments regarding the extension of tax exemptions from a number of ministers of the present government," Kabir added.

"If it is not extended, it will be seriously frustrating news for the industry as there will be very little chance for further growth and the move would not match the manifesto of the government either."​

 

[Saif]

BTCL taking steps to restore.bd domain

All.bd domain services, which are operated by Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL), have been down since 8:40 am on Wednesday due to a technical glitch. “The technical team is now trying to solve the issue. Hopefully, the services will be restored as soon as possible,” read

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BTCL taking steps to restore.bd domain
Published :​

Apr 03, 2024 19:35

Updated :​

Apr 03, 2024 20:05

All.bd domain services, which are operated by Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Ltd (BTCL), have been down since 8:40 am on Wednesday due to a technical glitch.

"The technical team is now trying to solve the issue. Hopefully, the services will be restored as soon as possible," reads a press release signed by Mir Mohammad Morshed, general manager of Public Relations and Publications at BTCL, reports UNB.

The BTCL also apologised for the disruption of many government and private websites under the.bd domain.

Another domain, .bangla is functioning properly, added the press release.​

 

[Saif]

Tax breaks crucial for big ICT investments

The revenue authority is facing calls to extend tax benefits for the information technology and information and communications technology-enabled services (IT-ITES) sector until 2030 in the upcoming national budget. This recommendation, included in a recent letter to the National Board of Revenue

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tax breaks crucial for big ICT investments
Suggestion comes as perks for the booming industry set to expire
DOULOT AKTER MALA
Published :​

Apr 08, 2024 00:44

Updated :​

Apr 08, 2024 00:44

The revenue authority is facing calls to extend tax benefits for the information technology and information and communications technology-enabled services (IT-ITES) sector until 2030 in the upcoming national budget.

This recommendation, included in a recent letter to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), is meant to encourage long-term investment in the country's fastest-growing economic sector.

Current tax concessions, both value-added tax (VAT) and income tax breaks, are set to expire on June 30, 2024.

In a demi-official letter to the NBR, State Minister for the Ministry of Post, Telecommunications and ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said continuing these tax benefits for a few more years is essential. This, he believes, will be crucial for achieving the government's goal of earning $5 billion annually in foreign currency.

The IT sector has witnessed a remarkable growth trajectory. Annual export earnings have surged from $26 million in 2007 to $1.9 billion in 2023, creating employment opportunities for two million people.

The letter mentioned that prudent fiscal policies have attracted $950 million in investments from startups alone over the past decade.
While the IT-ITES sector has benefited from tax breaks in phases over the years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently recommended that the NBR phase out these exemptions and impose taxes on the sector.

According to senior tax officials, a decision on imposing new taxes on IT-ITES companies, including local digital device producers, is yet to be made. This delay provides the companies with the scope for building capacity and meeting export targets, while also protecting existing investments.

State Minister Palak said local manufacturers, except Walton, currently lack the capacity to produce cellular phones thanks to a wide gap in tax rates between assemblers and manufacturers.

He proposed a tiered VAT structure in the upcoming budget for FY2024-25. This would see the VAT rate for local mobile phone assemblers increase from the current 5 per cent and 7.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent and 10 per cent respectively, while maintaining the 2 per cent VAT rate for manufacturers.

Mr Palak also proposed waiving the existing 5 per cent VAT on locally produced mobile phones at the business stage.

He argued the uneven application of VAT at this stage creates discrimination and an uneven playing field, jeopardising the survival of tax-compliant businesses.

He also recommended tax benefits for imports of lithium-ion battery packs, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units, electronic power supply systems (EPSS), power supply units (PSUs), solar hybrid inverters, monitors (over 22 inches), point-of-sale (POS) devices, access control devices, digital door locks, drones and similar items.

"To make local manufacturers competitive with foreign products, waiving VAT on raw materials procured from the local market is now essential," he wrote in the letter.

Currently, local manufacturers pay a 15 per cent VAT at the manufacturing stage and advance tax on imported raw materials.

In 2019, the revenue board began phasing out tax benefits for local mobile phone manufacturers, imposing a minimal tax after deeming the sector self-reliant.

Enamul Hafiz Latifee, a trade and policy development economist with the Bangladesh Economic Association (BEA) and a research fellow at the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), argued that the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) recommendation seems misaligned with Bangladesh's long-term strategic goals.

"Implementing the IMF's suggestion could lead to the NBR imposing a tax rate between 15 per cent and 25 per cent, which would significantly reduce the competitive edge of Bangladesh's ICT sector in both domestic and international markets," he said.

While this policy might initially generate a temporary boost in fiscal revenue by around 0.8 per cent, it contradicts the national ambition of transforming into a knowledge-driven, advanced economy by 2041, he added.

Extending the tax exemption on Software and IT Enabled Services (ITES) until June 30, 2031, would align with the government's vision of transitioning Bangladesh into an upper-middle-income nation by 2031, he said, adding this goal is unlikely to be achieved without fostering a competitive domestic ICT industry.

The current domestic demand for software and ITES in Bangladesh is estimated at $1.5 billion. An abrupt and untimely shift in fiscal policy could jeopardise the sustainability of the local ICT sector, potentially leading to a heavy reliance on imports in this area.

This scenario would exacerbate existing pressure on the country's foreign exchange reserves, possibly leading to annual outflows of $1.5 billion or more.

"The IMF's recommendation appears to lack a comprehensive impact analysis specific to the ICT sector," Mr Latifee added. "Moreover, it seems they have not engaged in consultative discussions with stakeholders from the private ICT sector. This oversight raises concerns about the methodology and inclusivity of the IMF's policy formulation process."

Meanwhile, Dr Shams Uddin Ahmed, a former income tax member, cautioned the government against offering tax benefits to the IT and ITES sectors on a wholesale basis.

He said that while phasing out these benefits entirely may be premature given the country's upcoming challenges related to graduating to a middle-income country, a more cautious approach is necessary.

"There have been concerns that some companies have been claiming undue tax benefits by misrepresenting themselves as IT or ITES businesses," Dr Ahmed said. "To prevent misuse and money laundering, tax benefits must be offered only after thorough scrutiny."​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh's digital footprint in the age of social media saturation

In this era of technological advancement, Bangladesh is facing challenges in adapting to the digital landscape.

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Bangladesh's digital footprint in the age of social media saturation

VISUAL: Canva

In the streets of Dhaka, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a silent transformation is taking place. It's not about turmoil or economic changes, but rather a shift in how people connect, communicate, and view the world. This change is driven by the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter which have become deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi society, shaping norms and behaviours in new ways.

The rapid growth of media in Bangladesh has been remarkable. With more than 40 million Facebook users and rising, the country has embraced these platforms enthusiastically, making it one of the most digitally connected countries in South Asia. From cities to distant areas smartphones have become ubiquitous tools that open doors to virtual realms where friendships are formed, the news is shared and identities are crafted.

However, despite its promise of connection and community, excessive social media usage has started to leave its mark on Bangladeshi society by moulding behaviours and perspectives in significant ways. One noticeable consequence of being overwhelmed by social media is the weakening of social ties and personal interactions. In a society where family and community bonds have always been highly valued, the rise of virtual connections is starting to overshadow face-to-face relationships.

Additionally, the constant flow of curated images and stories has nurtured a culture centred around comparison and competition, wherein one's worth is often judged by the number of likes and followers they have amassed. This has contributed to an increase in stress, feelings of sadness, and low self-confidence among individuals who are more susceptible to the pressures of social media. With a stream of content demanding their attention, many Bangladeshis struggle to disconnect from their devices, leading to a state of distraction and unease. Research has found a connection between social media usage and negative mental health consequences like heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. Moreover, the widespread circulation of misinformation and fake news on platforms like Facebook has eroded trust in sources of news and authority figures, resulting in a divided and fractured public conversation.

However, there are some positives of the spread of social media as well. Many people in Bangladesh are acknowledging the impacts of spending much time online and are taking measures to regain control over their online habits. Initiatives such as digital detox retreats and grassroots campaigns promoting digital literacy and responsible online conduct are emerging to encourage a mindful and balanced approach to technology.

Furthermore, social media platforms themselves are starting to address some of the negative aspects associated with their services by enforcing stricter content moderation and introducing features that promote well-being, such as encouraging users to take breaks and limit screen time.

The consequences of changes in behaviour driven by social media usage are intricate and varied. While these platforms have undeniably transformed how people connect and have amplified their voices, the uncontrolled usage of these online spaces has also led to unintended, negative outcomes.

In this era of technological advancement, Bangladesh is facing challenges in adapting to the digital landscape. Moving ahead will demand an equilibrium between the advantages and drawbacks of media. Encouraging a society to value literacy, be responsible in its online conduct, and be mindful can empower Bangladeshis to utilise social media for building relationships, fostering community spirit, and driving beneficial social transformations all while minimising its adverse impacts, on both society and individuals.​

---

Dr Iqbal Ahmed is professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the University of Chittagong. ​

 

[Saif]

The need for cybersecurity education in Bangladeshi universities

Institutions must equip students with skills to steer through the cyber world's complexities.

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The need for cybersecurity education in Bangladeshi universities

Inside MIST's Cyber Range.Photos: Javed / MIST Cyber Security Club

It's 2024 and in this digital age, cyber awareness should start from one's educational institution. Here, universities play a major role. These institutions must equip students with skills to steer through the cyber world's complexities.

However, a significant challenge is the lack of real-time exposure to cyber threats. The Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) addresses this with the "Cyber Range", a cutting-edge cybersecurity training facility, one of the first of its kind in Bangladesh. This facility, under the Center for Advanced Computing and Research (CACR), simulates attack scenarios, fostering hands-on experience critical for effective cybersecurity training.

One compelling reason for integrating cybersecurity education into the academic curriculum is the growing concern of cybercriminals targeting educational institutions. Universities store a vast amount of sensitive data, including student records, research findings, and intellectual property. Without adequate cybersecurity measures, these institutions become prime targets for malicious actors seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain or to compromise valuable information.

Moreover, as the job market becomes increasingly digitised, employers are placing a premium on candidates with cybersecurity skills. Hence, universities have the responsibility to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by offering courses and workshops that dig into advanced cybersecurity practices. This not only enhances the employability of graduates but also contributes to the nation's overall cybersecurity resilience.

Easin Arafat, the president of the MIST Cyber Security Club says, "Cyber threats are a global concern, and Bangladesh is not an exception to this. If we don't educate students about the various kinds of cyberattacks, like ransomware attack, phishing, malware attack, etc., our digital presence can't always be a secure one."

Moreover, "Capture the Flag" exercises – popularly known as CTFs – can be a fine way to polish your skills in cybersecurity. The Director and the Patron of MIST's CACR, Brig Gen Md Towhidul Islam takes pride in MIST having already hosted few of the biggest national and international events in the field of cybersecurity in Bangladesh namely through events like the "Leetcon" – one of the first int'l cybersecurity conferences in Bangladesh, Flag Hunt 2023 – a national CTF competition, FI and Critical Information Infrastructure cyber drill – a drill for cyber analysts and experts from around 30 esteemed banks of Bangladesh, and so on.

Brig Gen Md Towhidul says, "A vital component of combating the escalating risks in the digital sphere is cybersecurity education in institutions. Universities can provide students with the information and abilities necessary to confront the intricate problems of cybersecurity and make a positive impact on a more secure digital future by taking a full and proactive approach to education."

In conclusion, the urgency of incorporating cybersecurity education into Bangladeshi universities' academic fabric cannot be overstated. The digital age demands an educated and aware generation for a cyber-resilient future.

Fatima Ashraf is a Campus Ambassador for The Daily Star from Military Institute of Science & Technology (MIST).​

 

[Saif]

Submarine cable breakdown disrupts Bangladesh internet

It will take at least 2 to 3 days to resume the connection

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Submarine cable breakdown disrupts Bangladesh internet
It will take at least 2 to 3 days to resume the connection

Representaional photo: Collected

Internet users in Bangladesh are facing disruption as the country's second submarine cable SEA-ME-WE 5, the largest supplier of international bandwidth to Bangladesh, broke last night.

The disconnection was identified at last midnight. It will take at least 2 to 3 days to resume the connection, Mirza Kamal Ahmed, managing director of the Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC), told The Daily Star.

International bandwidth usage in Bangladesh now stands at around 5,200GBPS. More than half of it -- about 2,700 Gbps -- comes through international terrestrial cable (ITC) licence holders that import bandwidth from India across land borders.

The South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE 5) submarine cable installed in Kuakata supplies 1,700GBPS.

The undersea cable of the SEA-ME-WE 5 got broken in a spot between Singapore and Malaysia, he said.

For that, all circuits of all members of the consortium got down, he added.

"So, a ship will be mobilised to repair and restore the service. Total operation will take minimum 2 to three days," he added.

The SEA-ME-WE 5 is a 20,000km submarine cable system connecting 17 countries through Points-of-Presence from Singapore to the Middle East to France and Italy in Western Europe.

The cable that laid in the eastern side that connected Singapore got broken, while the connectivity in the western side that connected France remained operational, he added.

For that, of 1700Gbps bandwidth comes through the system, only 100 GBPS bandwidth will be supplied to Bangladesh.

The BSCPLC is now exploring ways to restore the circuits of SEA-ME-WE 5 with SEA-ME-WE 4, the country's first submarine cable installed in Cox's Bazar.

Nearly 800 Gbps bandwidth is provided by the first undersea cable with which Bangladesh was connected in 2006. It currently supplies about 850 Gbps bandwidth and its capacity has recently been upgraded to 3,800 Gbps.

The first undersea cable with which Bangladesh was connected in 2006 currently supplies about 850 Gbps bandwidth and its capacity was recently upgraded to 3,800 Gbps.

The BSCPLC is set to receive 13,200 Gbps from a third undersea cable, SEA-ME-WE 6, by 2025.

Md Emdadul Hoque, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said the cable cut of the second submarine cable will severely affect internet service for almost a week.

"Some of our customers have already started complaining about slow interest and high latency," said ISPAB president.

However, officials of mobile operators said their internet services have so far remained unaffected.

"We are monitoring the situation closely. We are working with our partners International internet gateway operators to continue smooth service," said Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer at Robi Axiata.

"As it is a holiday today [Saturday], the demand for the internet is low. Our customers may face disruption from tomorrow [Sunday]".

Submarine cables are crucial for internet bandwidth because they enable high-capacity data transfer between continents, supporting global communication, online services, and international connectivity essential for modern digital operations.​

 

[Saif]

Internet slowdown across Bangladesh may persist for a month

Internet users across Bangladesh have been experiencing a slowdown for the past four days as repair work on the country’s second submarine cable South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE-5), which was recently damaged, has yet to be completed. The repair work of the cable will

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Internet slowdown across Bangladesh may persist for a month
Published :
Apr 23, 2024 20:00
Updated :
Apr 23, 2024 20:00

Internet users across Bangladesh have been experiencing a slowdown for the past four days as repair work on the country's second submarine cable South East Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 5 (SEA-ME-WE-5), which was recently damaged, has yet to be completed.

The repair work of the cable will persist until the last week of May, according to Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC.

BSCPLC's General Manager (Operation and Maintenance) Saidur Rahman said the cable, SEA-ME-WE-5, broke down in the Indonesian sea coast area on Saturday, reports bdnews24.com.

"Administrative work there takes a little longer. The authorities said the repair work could be completed in the third or fourth week of next month."

When asked about the suffering of people due to the internet slowdown, Rahman said, "All alternatives are not fully effective yet. The country's first submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE-4, is capable of carrying full bandwidth. The concerned company will have to pay extra for this, which is still not decided. Efforts are underway to act on some other options."

Internet bandwidth in Bangladesh comes mainly through two submarine cables running through the deep sea. The first submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE-4, is installed at Cox's Bazar while the second one, SEA-ME-WE-5, is at Kuakata.

The second cable broke down around 440 kilometres away from Singapore's western coast around midnight on Saturday, the BSCPLC had previously said in a statement.

"All Kuakata-Singapore bound traffic through the cable is closed now. Measures are being taken to repair and reconnect the cable through the SEA-ME-WE-5 consortium."

"Though the services through the SEA-ME-WE-5 cable are closed now, the internet services are being provided across the country through the SEA-ME-WE-4 and other ICT organisations," the BSCPLC statement read.

"A significant amount of bandwidth from the disconnected one is being shifted to the SEA-ME-WE-4 cable. However, the customers may experience slowdowns until the SEA-ME-WE-5 is repaired and operational again."​

 

[Saif]

Seamless internet not before end of May

The maintenance works of SEA-ME-WE 5, through which Bangladesh avails the largest chunk of international bandwidth, will take about a month, prolonging woes over the lack of a smooth broadband internet service in the country.

www.thedailystar.net

Seamless internet not before end of May

Photo: Freepik

The maintenance works of SEA-ME-WE 5, through which Bangladesh avails the largest chunk of international bandwidth, will take about a month, prolonging woes over the lack of a smooth broadband internet service in the country.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables in a press release said the maintenance work of the cable would conclude on the last week of May.

The cable, which was installed in Kuakata connecting Bangladesh with Singapore, snapped at midnight of April 27.

"…The country's second submarine cable (SMW-5) was accidentally severed in Indonesian waters west of Singapore. The SMW5 consortium has already undertaken the repair of undersea cables in Indonesia," said Bangladesh Submarine Cables.

"According to the latest information of the consortium, the maintenance work of the cable will be completed in the last week of May 2024, subject to obtaining permission from the relevant authorities in Indonesia," it said.

It may be noted that preparations have been completed from Bangladesh Submarine Cables to transfer about 1600 Gbps bandwidth of SMW-5 to SMW-4, the first submarine cable of the country,

Customers (International Internet Gateway companies) have started the process of connecting their circuits as per demand through Bangladesh Submarine Cables.

The Bangladesh Submarine Cables authorities sincerely apologised for the temporary inconvenience, it added.​

 

[Saif]

IMF for end to tax break for IT sector

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

IMF for end to tax break for IT sector
29 Apr 2024, 2:24 am

Staff Reporter :

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed discontinuing the tax exemption facility for the information technology (IT) industry, which is scheduled to end in June 2024.

The visiting delegation of the multi-national lending firm came up with the proposal in a meeting with the high officials of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) at the latter's office in the city on Sunday.

The other proposals of the global lender are abolishing tax breaks on clothing, footwear, LPG, and mobile phones, which may increase revenue by 0.31 percent of GDP.

It also suggests repealing the depletion allowance provided for mining and petroleum extraction, eliminating or establishing caps on input VAT deductions for entertainment and VAT on meals, and requiring all businesses with turnover greater than Tk 3 crore to be in the standard 15 percent VAT with input tax credits; eliminating their option for truncated VAT.

The global lender also proposed to reform revenue administration for all three wings. With this move, revenue will be raised by 0.15 percent of GDP, the IMF expects.

The NBR officials accepted the IMF proposal; however, they showed dismay against the withdrawal of the exemption facility for all IT services as it may disrupt sector growth, according to revenue board officials.

Experts opined that some facilities should be withdrawn from the IT sector, but others should be continued for security services such as cloud computing and cyber security because now foreign companies have brought huge money from Bangladesh to provide such services.

If the exemption is withdrawn, the income of the respective IT services companies will be subject to a 27.5 percent corporation tax.

An analysis of the NBR showed that now the government gives an exemption worth around Tk 1,477 crore annually to IT services. However, insiders said that if net profit is supposed to be 10 percent, then the local market should be around Tk 50,000 crore to get such an amount of tax expenditure.

According to the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the annual domestic market size in the ITES sector is around Tk 2,000–2,500 crore, but the contribution of the sector to the economy is uncountable and huge, as agriculture, education, health, media, and RMG sectors use technology and earn a notable portion of their income.

BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed told The New Nation, "The sector is facing numerous challenges every moment. If the sector is taxed, it will be a disaster."

"IMF's prescription is theoretical, and they do not understand the situation in our country. However, our governmentis pro-IT services to make the country smart, and there is opportunity to make every sector smarter," he said.

"The sector does not get banking finance, and its raw material is mostly talent. Besides, our talented ones do not get intellectual property. So, if such a move is executed, brain drain will increase as our costs will jump up, we will lose our competitiveness, and imports will rise," Russell added.

Citing NBR's analysis as wrong, he said, "NBR should be smarter in its analysis. A couple of groups of companies take advantage of an exemption facility in the name of their small IT companies. It is the responsibility of the NBR to catch loopholes and evasion, and there is no scope to tax small and medium startups and IT service companies. The sector will be the most USD-earning source after RMG."

In the meeting, NBR officials were informed that they are collecting revenue with just the provisions or laws, but enforcement is not sound yet.

So they want to strengthen enforcement, which will enable them to meet the IMF revenue collection target, the NBR officials who attended said.

They further said the random withdrawal of tax exemptions will have a negative impact on the country's economy.

In a bid to get the third tranche of a $4.7 billion loan from the IMF, the government of Bangladesh should take these policy measures by June this year in line with the global lender's recommendations. Besides, there are 38 conditions to get the full amount of the loan.

In the revenue part, the IMF has stipulated conditions to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio by 0.5 percentage points in FY24, followed by 0.5 and 0.7 percentage points in FY25 and FY26, respectively.​

 

[Saif]

aamra technologies’ entire bandwidth blocked

The IIG operator didn’t share Tk 22 crore revenue in time

www.thedailystar.net

aamra technologies' entire bandwidth blocked
The IIG operator didn't share Tk 22 crore revenue in time

The telecom regulator last week blocked full bandwidth of aamra technologies as the international internet gateway operator failed to pay dues of over Tk 22 crore.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has repeatedly sent letters to aamra, but the company did not clear the dues related to revenue sharing, according to the officials of the commission.

Earlier, 80 percent bandwidth of aamra technologies got blocked in January for the payment.

Earlier, the BTRC even proposed aamra to hand over a down payment of Tk 10 crore and clear the Tk 12 crore in instalments.

Still, aamra failed to pay it, according to the officials.

Aamra Technologies used to supply bandwidth to different clients, including mobile operators.

The operators discontinued taking bandwidth from aamra following a blocking in last year.

In July last year, the commission blocked half of the bandwidth of aamra for an outstanding revenue of over Tk 33 crore. Later, the directive was withdrawn.

The IIG companies operate as international gateways for internet traffic, managing the data flow between the country and the rest of the world, enabling internet service providers and telecom operators get access to the global internet.​