[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Bangladesh enters the era of high-speed internet

The official launching of the much-anticipated commercial operation of Starlink, as reported, will evidently contribute to creating a competitive market for the internet service providers in Bangladesh. It is for the first time that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh enters the era of high-speed internet
Published :
May 24, 2025 00:27
Updated :
May 24, 2025 00:27

The official launching of the much-anticipated commercial operation of Starlink, as reported, will evidently contribute to creating a competitive market for the internet service providers in Bangladesh. It is for the first time that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued licence to a Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) satellite internet service for its operation in the country. Starlink's NGSO satellites' signals reach the Earth faster and can provide a broader range of radio frequencies allowing for increased bandwidth and better data transfer speed. This internet service reportedly promises to offer unlimited data with speeds up to 300 Mbps (Megabits per second), a unit to measure the speed of data transfer. Compared to the existing broadband services in operation in Bangladesh, Starlink's would be, according to reports, more expensive with a one-time residential installation fee of Tk47,000 and a monthly subscription of Tk6,000 and Tk 4,200. So, considering the income level of common internet users in Bangladesh like students, researchers and freelancers, the service would hardly be affordable for them.

The question arises because Starlink's service is reportedly more suitable for users living in the countryside, remotely-placed areas including rugged terrains where the existing optical fibre infrastructure for broadband services has not reached. This undoubtedly gives this (Starlink) internet service a big advantage over those currently available in the urban areas. But in that case, considering the higher fees of Starlink service, its potential users in the underserved areas would obviously be at a disadvantage. The government would be required to take the cost issue into consideration while extending this high-speed, low-latency internet service to the country's remote areas. The government's financial support as well as arrangement for cheap credit from banks or financial services would be of help for students, self-earning women in online business and others operating in the countryside.

The government is reportedly also working to create a financial package to make Starlink available to those who would provide citizen service. To this end, the government is also learnt to have been planning to facilitate financing through microcredit authorities, financial organisations and banks. So far so good. Hopefully, Starlink's operation would not disrupt, but rather create a well-balanced ecosystem with the broadband infrastructures of the local internet service providers.

On the issue of data sovereignty, the special assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, is learnt to have assured that all Starlink data traffic would be routed through local gateways (Internet Service Providers, ISPs) in compliance with the national regulations. That is only expected of a tech company, foreign or local, willing to invest and operate in the country and, especially when as important an issue as all the sensitive data of the nation is involved. In this case, more important is the people looking after the law than the abstract law itself. One might recall at this point how National Identity Card information was leaked to third parties from the Election Commission (EC)'s database. Given that the country does not have so enviable a record on data protection, it is important to ensure that sensitive data of the nation are always in safe hands. This is more so when a number of international tech giants are learnt to have expressed their interest to operate in Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Starlink signing deals with local firms to expand footprint

Starlink is steadily consolidating its presence in Bangladesh through a series of partnership agreements with local companies, with deals spanning ground station development, colocation and data centre services, core site hosting, transmission, and international internet gateway (IIG) facilities.

www.thedailystar.net

Starlink signing deals with local firms to expand footprint

Starlink is steadily consolidating its presence in Bangladesh through a series of partnership agreements with local companies, with deals spanning ground station development, colocation and data centre services, core site hosting, transmission, and international internet gateway (IIG) facilities.

The Daily Star spoke to half a dozen individuals, including officials from companies involved in these partnerships. However, all requested anonymity, citing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) signed with Starlink.

Industry sources confirmed that most of the key deals have been secured by Fibre@Home and its affiliated companies.

The initial construction of Starlink's first ground station in the country is being carried out by Fibre@Home. The station is being developed at the Hi-Tech City in Kaliakair, Gazipur.

Starlink's servers will be hosted at Felicity IDC Limited, a Tier III data centre situated within the same park.

According to industry insiders, Fibre@Home and its subsidiaries offer a diverse portfolio, ranging from optical fibre infrastructure to data centres and internet services, making them a strong local partner for Starlink's operations.

Industry sources confirmed that most of the key deals have been secured by Fibre@Home and its affiliated companies

Additional ground stations are expected to be set up in the Software Technology Park in Jashore and in Cox's Bazar. In Jashore, Fibre@Home is providing the primary infrastructure for the Starlink facility there.

When approached for comment, Sajal Hazra, CEO of Fibre@Home Global Limited, confirmed the collaboration with Starlink but declined to disclose further details due to the NDA.

For transmission services, Starlink has partnered with Fibre@Home, Summit Communications, and Bahon Limited.

Both Fibre@Home and Summit Communications are in discussions with Starlink to provide international internet gateway (IIG) services.

In a separate development, multiple companies have secured authorised reseller status with Starlink, each paying nearly $2.5 million for the opportunity.

While Starlink primarily deals directly with consumers for its 'Residential' and 'Roam' plans globally, authorised B2B resellers are permitted to serve business and government clients under the Starlink Business and Priority plans.

In Bangladesh, reseller partners will have the option to serve both enterprise clients and individual residential customers, although the latter can also opt to subscribe directly via Starlink.

Under Starlink's commercial reseller model, the company's local entity — Starlink Bangladesh in this case — will handle importation of user terminals (kits), which will then be sold to resellers in local currency.

Resellers will receive a 15 percent discount on hardware and a 5 percent discount on service fees. They will also be provided with access to Starlink's reseller portal and API for customer management.

Resellers can set their own pricing, bill customers directly, and are encouraged to provide additional services such as installation, customised solutions, and ongoing technical support.

Potential client sectors include data centres, retail outlets, hospitals, financial institutions, manufacturing facilities, offshore rigs, and organisations in media, transportation, aviation, maritime, oil and energy, and construction.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) granted Starlink a temporary 90-day permit to supply bandwidth from abroad.

The decision came after Starlink requested a waiver to meet its service launch deadline, which would otherwise have expired before the establishment of a local internet gateway.

Starlink could not be reached for a comment.​

 

[Saif]

What this year’s budget means for the ICT sector

This fiscal plan allocates substantial resources to the ICT Division, Ministry of Science and Technology and other agencies tasked with developing digital infrastructure, nurturing tech talent and fostering start-ups.

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What this year’s budget means for the ICT sector

The proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, presented by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser at Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science and Technology, on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, lays out a wide-ranging plan for economic recovery, governance reform, and development across sectors.

Among its most significant themes is the decisive prioritisation of technology - both in terms of investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and scientific research, and the integration of digital tools and innovation to streamline governance, education, and public services.

This fiscal plan allocates substantial resources to the ICT Division, Ministry of Science and Technology and other agencies tasked with developing digital infrastructure, nurturing tech talent and fostering start-ups. With an emphasis on expanding mobile financial services, improving e-governance and supporting research and development, the budget underscores the government's ambition to transform Bangladesh into a knowledge-based economy.

A deep dive of the budget speech by Adviser Salehuddin reveals a series of concrete commitments and perspective shifts intended to foster a youthful, innovative and inclusive Bangladesh. Here are some of the key takeaways when it comes to the tech side of budget for FY 2025-26:

Allocation and digital infrastructure

In FY 2025–26, the ICT Division's allocation is BDT 2,144 crore, up roughly BDT 140 crore from the preceding year.

According to the budget speech by Adviser Salehuddin, "ICTD Digital Labs" have been installed in 5,000 schools and " ICTD School of the Future" rooms in 300 colleges to familiarise students with coding, robotics and other emerging technologies.

Under the Secondary and Higher Education Division, 62 projects are being implemented with an allocation of BDT 1,957 crore for educational infrastructure development and other initiatives, as per the Adviser.

Further investment will create ICT infrastructure, including necessary buildings and include classrooms, laboratories and incubation centres at universities including Dhaka University, BUET, and Jashore Science and Technology University. These measures are intended to equip a new generation of learners with the skills to participate in an increasingly digital economy.

Digital economy

A key pillar of the budget focuses on establishing a cashless society and strengthening e-governance. As of January 2025, Bangladesh has 239.3 million (approximately 23.93 crore) registered mobile financial service (MFS) accounts, of which around 42 per cent are held by women. The budget builds on this foundation by supporting the expansion of MFS for remittances, bill payments and government disbursements.

It also extends the "A-Challan" e-payment system, which now connects 61 commercial banks, enabling citizens to pay taxes and fees online via internet banking, debit cards and mobile financial services.

Notably, the iBAS++ electronic funds transfer (EFT) scheme already ensures that salaries for 1.4 million government employees and social welfare payments to beneficiaries are credited directly to bank accounts. A draft "e-Money Regulation" will underpin this digital push, promoting a secure and competitive environment for fintech and mobile wallet providers.

Easy investment initiatives and e-governance

Under the National Board of Revenue's (NBRs) Bangladesh Single Window (BSW) platform and a One-Stop Service (OSS) portal managed by the Bangladesh Investment Authority (BIDA), foreign and domestic businesses can apply for licences and approvals online. By reducing paperwork and improving transparency, these initiatives aim to attract further investment into the ICT sector and related industries.

The One Stop Service (OSS) portal currently provides a total of 134 services from 43 organisations. Steps have been taken to map all the investment services of the country across the sectors and include them in the OSS, as per Adviser Salehuddin's speech.

Education and skills hubs

Recognising that human capital is vital to any digital transformation, the budget devotes resources to technical training and capacity building. Alongside the expansion of computer labs, 36,020 teachers will continue to receive training in "ICT in Education, Literacy, Troubleshooting and Maintenance."

In rural areas, "Upazila Service and Information Technology Training Centres" will be created in 491 upazilas, providing training for young people. To promote freelancing as a source of employment, training has already begun for 28,800 "educated and job-seeking youths" in 48 districts, according to the speech by Adviser Salehuddin.

Proposal to create a 100 crore fund

Considering the potential of the IT sector and encouraging new entrepreneurs in this sector, I propose to allocate Tk 100 crore as start-up fund in the next fiscal year, said Adviser Salehuddin.

This is complemented by the proposal of an additional BDT 100 crore fund for the young entrepreneurs. "This is the first time such a fund is going to be created," the adviser added.

Playing to Bangladesh's demographic advantage, the budget also places a strong emphasis on youth empowerment. In his speech, the adviser said, "To involve the youth more deeply in the process of development of the country, I propose to allocate Tk 100 crore for the celebration of 'Tarunyer Utshob (Youth Festival)' in the next fiscal year."

While loan ceilings for trained youths were doubled to a maximum of Tk 200,000, and to Tk 500,000 for "successful young entrepreneurs." Projects will provide training and credit to 9 lakh youths by 2028, including self-employment generating projects to support families affected by the July Mass Uprising.

Moreover, the budget highlights MoU with NASA under the Artemis programme which was signed in Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, giving Bangladeshi students an opportunity to collaborate in space exploration efforts with 54 other countries. By linking young talent to global space exploration efforts, the government hopes to inspire further interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers and advanced research.

Science and research funding

In FY 2024–25, the budget had already awarded research grants of approximately Tk 16.66 crore to 492 university projects, and provided fellowships to 1,500 researchers.

For FY 2025–26, the government has earmarked Tk 200 crore specifically for research on marine resources and the blue economy, as well as for fundamental science studies.

Energy, environment and technology Initiatives

Officials are finalising a revised Renewable Energy Policy, with the target that by 2040, 30 percent of electricity will be generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind and bio-energy.

Under an ongoing Integrated Power Sector Master Plan, the government aims to add 3,400 MW of clean energy capacity by 2028. To increase domestic energy security, Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) will undertake exploration and production programmes, including 270 km of geological surveys and over 700 km of seismic mapping in both 2-D and 3-D from FY 2025–26 to FY 2027–28. Additionally, BAPEX plans to drill 69 new wells and refurbish 31 existing wells using its own rigs, a move intended to reduce reliance on imported fuel and control energy prices.

In the transport of petroleum products, the budget supports a new Vehicle Tracking System for 2,465 fuel oil tank lorries, employing Smart Fuel Distribution Monitoring System (SFDMS) technology which aims to enhance transparency, minimise theft and ensure safe delivery of fuel across the country, mentioned Adviser Salehuddin in his budget speech.

Tech in environment and climate change also received significant attention as a BDT 100 crore allocation to the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund will underwrite digital monitoring of all approved climate projects, while initiatives to reduce single-use plastic and expand afforestation are also financed.

By harnessing data-driven systems for both energy logistics and environmental protection, the budget reflects a broader vision of technology as a tool for sustainable development.

Final thoughts

Taken together, the FY 2025–26 budget provides a multi-pronged strategy to establish Bangladesh as a digital economy. It combines investments in hard infrastructure like computer labs, exploration equipment, renewable energy projects along with support for soft infrastructure such as teacher training, research fellowships, digital skills centres and start-up funds.

By prioritising in tech related topics like mobile financial services, e-governance platforms, science research and renewable energy, the government seeks to reduce dependency on imports, foster domestic innovation, and create employment for youth.

Whether the planned funds and initiatives translate into concrete outcomes will depend on implementation in the coming year. However, the budget speech by Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed makes clear that technology and innovation are now officially high on Bangladesh's agenda, an important signal to citizens and investors alike.​

 

[Saif]

Cybersecurity in Bangladesh 2025: Is your data safe?

According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), we have over 132 million internet users in Bangladesh. This online presence has transformed how people live, work, and communicate. Yet, it also exposes Bangladesh to a growing amount of cyber threats. As more critical...

www.thedailystar.net

Cybersecurity in Bangladesh 2025: Is your data safe?

The country’s digital future depends on a coordinated, sustained effort from government, industry, and civil society to build a resilient and secure ecosystem capable of withstanding increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Illustration: Zarif Faiaz

According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), we have over 132 million internet users in Bangladesh. This online presence has transformed how people live, work, and communicate. Yet, it also exposes Bangladesh to a growing amount of cyber threats. As more critical services and personal data move online, the urgency to strengthen cybersecurity has never been greater.

Despite advancements in legislation, including the Digital Security Act of 2018 and the Cyber Security Act of 2023, Bangladesh has consistently struggled to protect its digital infrastructure, largely due to shortcomings in implementation by the previous regime. As SM Nazmul Hasan, CEO of software development company Kolpolok, puts it, "These laws were determined to suppress free speech rather than actively address the cybersecurity issues. Also, the strategies struggled with practical execution due to insufficient resources and coordination with various government entities."

Concerns over Bangladesh's cybersecurity have long been raised but are often met with limited response. Allan Watanabe, CEO of international cybersecurity firm Pipeline Inc., recalls sending direct messages to high-standing government officials in the previous regime about critical data leaks, including the infamous National ID breach, only to be ignored.

"We tried to raise these issues directly to the government but were not taken into account," says Watanabe. "Unfortunately, this led to several high-profile breaches, showing the need for comprehensive strategies and better governance." He describes the current cybersecurity landscape in Bangladesh as rapidly evolving but warns that the country still faces significant challenges, including limited technical expertise, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate policies.

Shahab Al Yamin Chawdhury, Chief Information Security Officer of Link3 Technologies, points to the creation of the Bangladesh Cyber Security Intelligence (BCSI) as a step towards proactive defence. Yet he warns that organisations often focus heavily on hardware protection, while neglecting endpoint protection and employee training, leaving systems vulnerable to ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks."This imbalance can leave systems vulnerable to various cyber threats, including ransomware, phishing, and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks," he states.

Watanabe also highlights the urgency created by recent data leaks and rising cybercrime. "Government-led efforts and initiatives to digitise services indicate progress," he adds but cautions that the current technologies and infrastructures in Bangladesh are insufficient to fully combat advanced threats.

Despite recent advancements, Bangladesh's cybersecurity environment continues to face significant weaknesses while critical vulnerabilities remain. This is especially true in vital infrastructure sectors, where insufficient public awareness and a shortage of skilled professionals hamper effective defence.

Hasan explains, "Vulnerabilities persist, particularly in critical infrastructure, due to a lack of public awareness and skilled professionals." He warns that the country's heavy reliance on foreign cybersecurity solutions is unsustainable, noting that "Bangladesh has made little progress in software product development, especially in cybersecurity. Currently, we rely 100% on foreign products, which is not sustainable."

But it's not all about the product or the government. Cultural and organisational challenges exist, which only compound the technical issues. Md Muqeet Halim, CEO of cybersecurity consultancy firm Beetle CS, highlights a pervasive security mindset problem across many organisations. He observes that "the overall cybersecurity scene is still immature", with many entities focusing on regulatory compliance rather than building true security resilience.

According to Halim, "Weak security culture is the biggest challenge. Cybersecurity is not a feature. It is a process, and most fail to realise that." This cultural gap manifests in reactive, rather than proactive, approaches to cybersecurity. This reactive approach leaves organisations vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated threats.

Something that can truly help Bangladesh's cybersecurity challenges is public and private sector collaboration, which shows promise but remains underdeveloped. Allan Watanabe acknowledges that joint efforts such as cybersecurity forums and CERT cooperation have begun to bridge gaps. However, he admits that communication gaps remain and notes, "Trust issues hinder open sharing of threat intelligence with private sector expertise remaining underutilised."

Chawdhury notes initiatives like Public-Private Partnerships and the BUILD platform as frameworks encouraging dialogue and investment, yet both experts agree that these mechanisms require further strengthening. In contrast, Halim points to a deeper systemic problem, stating that "Organisations, both government and private, operate in silos with no proper information sharing," and calls for establishing local cybersecurity forums to facilitate coordinated knowledge exchange.

On the technological front, it's just as bleak.

Watanabe highlights the lack of modern threat intelligence platforms, widespread use of outdated systems, and limited adoption of cloud technologies as notable weaknesses. Chawdhury stresses the need for continuous innovation and adaptation to keep pace with evolving cyber threats.

Although Bangladesh's legal framework has advanced, it remains incomplete and sometimes misaligned with modern cybersecurity needs. Hasan points out that while the Cybersecurity Ordinance 2024 represents a significant improvement, it still falls short in providing comprehensive data protection measures. He adds, "Bangladesh must develop more robust data protection laws that align with international standards, such as the EU's GDPR."

Halim criticises existing legislation for focusing disproportionately on censorship and surveillance at the expense of safeguarding citizens and organisations. He advocates for clearer laws and stricter penalties that prioritise data protection and enforcement to enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

Looking to the future, the four industry leaders agree that sustained development of skilled human resources, technological capacity, and governance frameworks will be essential.

Watanabe envisions a Bangladesh with strong public-private partnerships supported by a national cybersecurity framework aligned with global standards, which would provide a solid foundation for addressing emerging risks. Hasan underscores the importance of fostering local innovation in cybersecurity products, highlighting Kolpolok's global VPN solution as a successful example that needs government support to scale further. Halim emphasises the need to instil a security-first and human-first approach, advocating for mandatory offensive security audits to supplement compliance-based assessments across both public and private sectors.

Despite the challenges ahead, a cautiously optimistic outlook prevails.

Watanabe adds in the end, "With consistent government support, private sector collaboration and investments in education and technology, Bangladesh has the potential to establish itself as a regional leader in cybersecurity." Halim concurs, asserting, "Successful implementation of a national cybersecurity strategy and workforce development will significantly lower risks and improve security over the next decade."

In 2025, Bangladesh's cybersecurity landscape stands at a pivotal crossroads. Progress in legislation, infrastructure, and awareness contrasts with persistent vulnerabilities in skills, culture, and collaboration.

Progressing in the right direction could establish us as a regional leader in cybersecurity. However, if we succumb to stagnation as we have in past decades, it will result in increased cyberattacks, more data breaches, and potentially devastating damage to critical infrastructure.

The country's digital future depends on a coordinated, sustained effort from government, industry, and civil society to build a resilient and secure ecosystem capable of withstanding increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The power is in our hands.​

 

[Saif]

AIS: the key tool for good management

Accounting Information System (AIS) of an entity is essentially an Accounting Software. This is the core hub of all the financial data for the Management of Corporates, Listed Companies, NGOs, Banks and NBFIs, Public Sector Entities, and SMEs. The significant component of Corporate Governance heavi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

AIS: the key tool for good management

Sheikh Tareq Zahir
Published :
Jun 11, 2025 00:49
Updated :
Jun 11, 2025 00:49

Accounting Information System (AIS) of an entity is essentially an Accounting Software. This is the core hub of all the financial data for the Management of Corporates, Listed Companies, NGOs, Banks and NBFIs, Public Sector Entities, and SMEs. The significant component of Corporate Governance heavily relies on the financial controls and reporting to stakeholders. Accordingly, the importance of good AIS has increased manifold in Bangladesh. Particularly, all SMEs are in need of good AIS because of their significant contribution to the business and economy of the country. In Bangladesh, adequate focus is absent to install and run proper AIS. This write-up is an attempt to highlight this issue.

Management is responsible to prepare the financial statements and provide those to the auditors for audit. Obviously, these financial statements are prepared based on the AIS of the entity. Management, either the Board or the sole proprietor himself, analyses financial data for everyday business decisions, and for submission to different stakeholders.

Entrepreneurs know the best about the outlook of their business. They always have their own mental math to run their business and mostly rely on this. Hence, most of them think that they don’t need a proper AIS. However, this mental ‘strength’ fails to save many companies from distress calls due to poorly managed financial information. For example, profit numbers and cash flow numbers are two different scenarios because, among many things, higher sales may not always guarantee higher cash inflows from collections. So, if you ‘think’ that increased sales will show higher profit, you may find that while profit has increased, it may not lead to improved cash position.

Properly prepared financial statements are must for business sustainability. It means those are compliant with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). Compliance with these standards, as adopted by different countries, will ensure that the business is preparing and reporting proper financial statements for the entrepreneurs and stakeholders alike.

Without proper AIS, no governance code/policy will work. If the AIS of an entity does not function well, and/or the people cannot run it properly all the above processes become chaotic. On the other hand, in the absence of a good AIS, the senior officials find it difficult against a proper audit because they struggle to provide information and documents in due time. You cannot apply IFRS if you don’t have a proper AIS to do this. So, this is of paramount importance that entities install and run a well-designed AIS.

There’s a plethora of writings on the importance of a proper set of financial statements. But adequate emphasis is not given on the importance of managing the core financial information hub. In Bangladesh, the reason behind this is primarily from the demand side of it.

Entrepreneurs lack the understanding and/or bother less about implementing a proper AIS. Also, many of them try to avoid a good AIS because they fear that this will expose them to the Tax and VAT authorities for their Tax and VAT evasions. They feel that it is better to keep books of accounts mostly in manual fashion, so they can manipulate their records to evade Tax and VAT.

Most SMEs demand for the cheap and popular off-the shelf software without much work-around to suit their needs. But they find later that this does not serve their purposes. This leads to a bad implementation and wastage of money and efforts, because more often than not, the weak (but cheap) software gives very low extent of information support. So they don’t feel the necessity of it. This is somewhat similar for some RMG Companies.

Another case of RMG companies is that the entrepreneurs invest crores of taka behind ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software. Few months down the line, they find that they have selected the software that does not match with their operations and expectations.

The other side of the gamut is that entities that choose the right software, fail to assess that they actually have low calibre people to run a good system. So either the implementation or the subsequent operation of the system fails. Then they try to justify and practice of keeping manual books over a good AIS. This is a common case for RMG companies.

SMEs in Bangladesh have a significant role in the economy. Experts now estimate that there are over 10 million SMEs in Bangladesh and they currently contribute 30-32 per cent to the GDP. Over 24 million people are employed in this sector. Bangladesh Bank has mandated that all banks allocate 25 percent of their total loan disbursement to CSMEs by December 2024, and banks are diligently adhering to this directive (Note)*. Naturally, the SMEs will be soon required to prepare and submit their financial statements to various authorities. So, it is extremely important that these SMEs have good AIS. But from the experience as a practicing accountant, this was observed that these business enterprises have weak AIS, if at all, both with the software and the quality of people running it.

Auditors must review the adequacy of the AIS as part of their review of the internal Control System of a client to conclude on the extent they would rely on it. Their subsequent audit works will heavily rely on this assessment. If they find that the AIS is faulty, this means that the source of information is faulty as well. So, they must become more alert that there are now higher likelihood of errors and frauds in the financial statements. This will help them do a quality audit.

Auditors must be aware that when the client submits information on a spreadsheet, this does not necessarily mean that those came directly from the AIS without errors – some manual intervention can always take place on spreadsheets. So, this becomes imperative for them to take a ‘read-only’ access into the AIS of the client and review the audit trails, the extent of manual book entries, and the access level controls in the AIS. This shows client’s governance strength over business-critical information. This basic audit approach, of course, does not mean that the audit team members must be highly trained in IT. The fundamental understanding of AIS governance with proper training will do the job.

So what can we do about this?

From a project management perspective, it was observed that many brilliant business graduates struggle in either implementing or in operating a good AIS, although they have studied many courses. Educational institutes that impart business studies should enhance their existing courses, so that they can train the students on how to design and run AIS. The real world works around a good AIS, so, if this is not properly handled, the other discussions around business become futile. This will help them build up a good idea that the core of good governance lies with reliable financial data from a good AIS.

Both ICAB and ICMAB should hold awareness sessions with different trade bodies and other stakeholders. Entrepreneurs will become aware of the importance of proper AIS. All stakeholders will also get quick and accurate data for their purpose against specific demands. So this is a win-win situation.

There must be more rigorous hands-on training sessions for accounting professionals in the country. These trainings should focus on implementation of good AIS. Auditors must be trained so they can understand and question the design and operation of AIS. They can, thus, do a quality audit. Both the ICAB and ICMAB can collaborate with international software companies so they can achieve the training efficacies. The software Companies will be interested to lend a hand in view of their business expansions.

Sheikh Tareq Zahir FCA is a Partner at Ahmed Sheikh Roy & Co., Chartered Accountants.​

 

[Saif]

The dire need of curbing cyber attacks

Currently consensus has emerged all over the world about the need for coordinated and serious attention towards responding to cyber-attacks. Malicious cyber activities have become a growing threat. Cyber-attacks are posing a number of challenges, both technical and political. Many countries are al

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

The dire need of curbing cyber attacks

Muhammad Zamir
Published :
Jun 23, 2025 00:56
Updated :
Jun 23, 2025 00:56

Currently consensus has emerged all over the world about the need for coordinated and serious attention towards responding to cyber-attacks. Malicious cyber activities have become a growing threat.

Cyber-attacks are posing a number of challenges, both technical and political. Many countries are also discovering that they lack the required cyber and intelligence capabilities, and the political and administrative processes necessary to properly address cyber-attacks. In addition, it is apparent that in some regions, like the European Union or Southeast Asia, some decisions will require collective action and unanimity. For this to happen, the first step will have to be towards upgrading of information sharing and the creation of what is now popularly known as the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox.

There is now general consensus all over North America and also Australia and the countries of the Far East that all countries who are slowly moving into the digital paradigm need to take necessary strengthening of cyber capabilities, both defensive and offensive. It is also understood that such measures will require investment not only in human and technical capacities but also in the creation and updating of internal procedures. This step will enable personnel involved with cyber security to be also associated with the political decision-making process. This requirement will be very sensitive and challenging. However, every country in question will have to take these steps before attributing cyber-attacks or adopting subsequent action in the form of possible sanction against the institution or country in question. The possibility of use of sanctions will also have to be wielded carefully, based on strong compelling evidence. Mere allegation or indictment might not help.

Strategists, in this regard, have also highlighted that cooperation with the private sector and with international partners need to be pursued.

It has been pointed out by political analysts in this regard that the EU will not face several constraints after Brexit comes into full operation. Both the EU and Britain have been mentioning about continued subsequent cooperation in many areas of national governance. However, till today, it is very vague whether such cooperation will tackle the question of cyber security in all its dimensions. Both parties need to realise that they will need to set up enhanced paradigms of cyber security cooperation and also further develop EU-NATO cooperation within this dimension.

It needs to be noted here that geo-political tensions currently existing in several socio-economic political arenas-- between Russia and the European Union, USA and Russia, USA and China, India and China, USA and Iran, North Korea and a few adjacent countries and also between some other countries in the Middle East-- are creating their own repercussions and anxiety.

It is consequently being suggested that the post-pandemic world will need to seriously consider investment in confidence building measures, in the creation of norms at the UN level. In addition, there is also a need to convene global, regional and bilateral cyber dialogues pertaining to the identifying of least common denominators regarding cyberspace.

This format needs to be pursued because of attributing cyber-attacks to, or adopting sanctions on another country or an institution can potentially worsen relations with the other party.

It needs to be remembered that acting together would permit countries to be more credible. It will also help send a stronger deterrent message. By responding to cyber threats as a united actor, countries will be better placed to defend their security, their political and economic interests. It will also further augment their credibility as international actors.

We might not like it, but the breakdown of cyber security has begun to affect the proper functioning of several areas of functioning in many countries. This has been apparent all over the world, including several sub-regions in South Asia. In some cases, we have noticed malicious cyber hacking leading to hospitals being forced to cancel their operations, factories temporarily shutting down and global companies being put off-line by some of their competitors. This has led to affected institutions incurring huge losses.

Digital hacking through cyberspace is not constrained because of geographical borders. It can, and does, compromise ICT systems and can result in massive damage.

Cyber security incidents have become a daily occurrence. In this context one needs to recall the osmotic effect of the two massive global cyber-attacks in 2017 that affected Europe as well as several other international institutions and infrastructures.

The WannaCry ransom ware attack in May 2017 quickly spread around the world, encrypting data and demanding ransom payments in the crypto currency-bitcoin. It was subsequently estimated that it possibly affected more than 300,000 computers across 150 countries, causing between US Dollar 4 to 8 billion worth of damages. Carmakers Renault, Nissan and Honda were severely affected by the attack and were forced to reduce and in some cases even stop production at a number of production sites in France, the United Kingdom, Romania, Slovenia, Japan, and India. The attack, most unfortunately, also affected the national healthcare system (NT-IS) in the UK. This had a severe effect on hospitals with doctors not able to access patient data. It was most felt by many in need of surgical interventions.

In addition, as reported in the international media, many pharmaceutical companies including internationally reputed Merck & Co., one of the largest in the world, had to shut down production of one of its pediatric vaccines. It may be mentioned here that according to a White House assessment, the WannaCry and Not Petya cyber-attack created damages amounting to more than US Dollar 10 billion. Some have, however, disputed this figure as being limited as it did not take into consideration what happened in many developing countries.

Recognising the reality of the threat, the EU and its member states have worked over the past few years to strengthen cyber security in Europe and tackle cyber-attacks against infrastructures, cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, and hybrid threats using cyber means. The Union has primarily invested in increased prevention, early warning mechanisms, resilience and coordination.

It would be worthwhile at this point to draw attention to recent efforts by the EU to try and lay down a fundamental guideline pertaining to an efficient pro-cyber framework strategy. These efforts on their part need to be carefully studied by others.

There was at first the 2013 EU Cyber security Strategy. It was followed by the 2016 Network and information Security (NIS) Directive and subsequently the 2016 Joint Framework on countering hybrid threats. Certain aspects of these measures are being already replicated elsewhere. This includes countries setting up national Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) and a competent national NIS authority. This is being done to facilitate strategic cooperation and exchange of information about ongoing threats and cooperating on potential cyber security incidents.

One needs to hardly reiterate that these steps will greatly help post-pandemic and post-Brexit Europe which will rely greatly on digital marketing and e-commerce. One hopes that Bangladesh will also move forward in this direction.

We should also consider working together on this issue within South Asia. This will help all of us to move forward together. Our economic front in particular has many obstacles. As such, it would be useful for all of us to make a serious examination about what the Netherlands proposed during its 2016 Presidency of the EU Council. Their comment on this issue, initially controversial, has subsequently gained appreciation.

Similarly, in South Asia, there are divergent opinions on practically most issues. Creating cyber security will consequently not be very easy. Nevertheless, today, after the emergence of the pandemic, everyone in South Asia, instead of blaming each other, need to respond to the scope, scale, duration, intensity, complexity, sophistication and impact of every country's cyber activity.

These procedures that are being adopted in other regions of the world should be studied very carefully by the Information Technology sector in Bangladesh. A Committee could be constituted with the direct and indirect participation of the private sector, different financial institutions and Chambers of Commerce. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs can also be a part of this matrix. There should not be any politicisation of this process. If necessary, we could also seek counseling of representatives from Japan, Australia, European Union, the USA and Canada.

One firmly believes that we need to achieve cyber resilience.

Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador and a former Chief Information Commissioner, is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.​

 

[Saif]

Internet service providers demand govt protection

Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh on Saturday placed a seven-point demand to ensure the protection of local entrepreneurs, including setting a floor price for internet services...

www.newagebd.net

Internet service providers demand govt protection
United News of Bangladesh . Dhaka 28 June, 2025, 23:22

Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh on Saturday placed a seven-point demand to ensure the protection of local entrepreneurs, including setting a floor price for internet services.

The demands were presented at a workshop titled ‘Draft Telecom Policy and Challenges of the ISP Industry’, organised by Telecom Reporters’ Network Bangladesh (TRNB) at RAOWA Club in the capital’s Mohakhali area on Saturday.

At the event, ISPAB placed demands of Introducing both floor and ceiling prices for internet services, setting the minimum package price at Tk 800 for 50 Mbps internet speed, implementing active network sharing which will improve service quality and significantly help reduce internet costs, ensuring last-mile connectivity remains under ISP control, reducing the NTTN (Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network) service charges to a single-digit percentage, eliminating Social Obligation Fund (SOF) and revenue sharing system, and ensuring the protection of local entrepreneurs.

ISPAB president Aminul Hakim, secretary general Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, former president Abdus Salam, and Emdadul Haque spoke at the workshop, while Mobarak Hossain presented the overall ISPAB proposal.

Aminul Hakim said, ‘The proposed draft Telecom Policy has created the biggest policy crisis in the last 27 years, which is self-contradictory. Providing the best internet service at the lowest price is unrealistic. This has become part of cheap politics. If the government does not offer concessions, private companies will not be able to reduce internet prices.’

He said the government collected around 60 per cent of taxes and revenue from the ISP sector, and under such circumstances, providing high-speed internet at low prices was impossible.

ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan said, “Due to the absence of active sharing, a huge amount of money is being wasted in the country. To address this, we have already set up a common 1 Gbps cable line in Dhanmondi, through which 77 ISPs are jointly providing high-speed internet services.”​

 

[Saif]

Set Tk 800 as lowest payable for broadband packages

The lowest price payable for a broadband internet connection needs to be Tk 800, not Tk 400 as per a policy drafted recently, said service providers, offering to reciprocate by raising the minimum speed to 50 Mbps..The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has decided t

www.thedailystar.net

Set Tk 800 as lowest payable for broadband packages
Demand service providers

The lowest price payable for a broadband internet connection needs to be Tk 800, not Tk 400 as per a policy drafted recently, said service providers, offering to reciprocate by raising the minimum speed to 50 Mbps.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has decided to reduce the prices by up to 20 percent starting next month, aiming to make internet more affordable nationwide.

Under the new pricing, a 5 Mbps connection will cost Tk 400 per month, down from Tk 500, which was set in 2021 when the telecom regulator started determining the pricing.

The cost of 10 Mbps packages has been reduced to Tk 700 from Tk 800, and 20 Mbps ones to Tk 1,100 from Tk 1,200.

The price cuts were made possible by reducing transmission and bandwidth import costs, as international bandwidth prices have declined in recent years.

Earlier, for the Tk 500 package, the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) had offered to double the internet speed to 10 Mbps, on condition that the price remain unchanged.

However, the association now demands that the minimum payable for an internet package be Tk 800 and offers 50 Mbps with it.

It also urged dropping 5 Mbps packages, citing concerns over service quality.

"We constantly face questions about the quality of service. If I have to reduce response time, I need to hire more call centre agents. I also need to ensure instant physical support by deploying engineers," said ISPAB President Aminul Hakim.

"Our average revenue per user is around Tk 550. So, we won't be able to deliver proper service if the minimum package price is set at Tk 400," he said.

There should be both floor and ceiling prices for broadband internet. "If mobile operators have a floor price, then our industry should also have one," he added. Currently, only ceiling prices exist for broadband services.

Moreover, the ISPAB wants to increase the minimum broadband download speed to 50 Mbps, even though the draft broadband policy set it at 20 Mbps.

Hakim made the remarks at a workshop and media briefing titled "Draft Telecom Policy Report: Challenges of the ISP Industry," at the RAOWA Complex in Dhaka yesterday.

The ISPAB also called for permission to enable active network sharing.

"If we receive policy approval for active sharing, we can minimise downtime, reduce unnecessary cabling, and ensure 1 Gbps connectivity for every customer," Hakim said.

He emphasised that last-mile wired connectivity should be exclusively provided by internet service providers (ISPs), and this should be clearly stated in the upcoming telecom licensing policy.

Hakim also demanded the cancellation of the social obligation fund and provisions for sharing revenue with the BTRC.

"Social obligations are the responsibility of the government, which already collects VAT, income tax, and corporate tax from companies. These funds should be used to meet such obligations," he said.

"As for revenue sharing, without making any investment, the government becomes our business partner. This is absolutely unacceptable," he added.

He urged the government to safeguard the interests of local entrepreneurs in the upcoming telecom licensing framework.

Mubarak Hossain, CEO of PLEXUS Cloud Ltd, also spoke at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Internet package worth Tk 700 to be available for minimum Tk 500

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced a reduction in the price of fixed internet packages, with a Tk 700 package now being offered for a minimum of Tk 500. The new decision will cme into effect from Tuesday (July 1), UNB reports. Currently, ISPs acro

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Internet package worth Tk 700 to be available for minimum Tk 500

Published :
Jul 01, 2025 22:18
Updated :
Jul 01, 2025 22:18

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has announced a reduction in the price of fixed internet packages, with a Tk 700 package now being offered for a minimum of Tk 500.

The new decision will cme into effect from Tuesday (July 1), UNB reports.

Currently, ISPs across the country — whether local, district-based, regional, or nationwide — do not offer packages with speeds as low as 5 Mbps. Most ISPs provide an average of 10 Mbps bandwidth.

In line with this, ISPAB has decided to offer fixed internet packages starting from Tk 500.

Contacted, ISPAB President Aminul Hakim said that Bangladesh is ranked 98th among 153 countries in the Speedtest Global Index for fixed broadband services.

ISPAB is keen to improve the country’s position in that ranking, he said.

To that end, ISPs are now beginning with 10 Mbps as the minimum standard.

Hakim further stated that if the government withdraws the Social Obligation Fund (SOF) and revenue-sharing requirements, ISPs will be able to provide 20 Mbps bandwidth in line with the global definition of broadband.

Efforts are underway to achieve this goal, he added.

He also noted that most customers are reluctant to pay the 5% value-added tax (VAT) included in their monthly bills, making it difficult for ISPs to collect.

To address this, ISPAB members have agreed to collect the 5% VAT from customers and deposit it into the national treasury as part of a joint effort with the government to support national development.

ISPAB has urged all customers to subscribe to internet connections only from licensed ISPs, pay the 5% VAT as per government regulations, and request a payment receipt with their monthly bill as proof of payment.​

 

[Saif]

IGW cartel plunders whopping Tk 80b

A politically pampered powerful nexus of international gateway (IGW) operators looted over Tk 80 billion or Tk 8,000 crore from the ICT sector over the past nine years, ministry high-ups said Monday. "At the core of the scandal lies the IGW Operators Forum (IOF), a cartel of seven IGW operators

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA SPECIAL ASST DISPELS GRAFT CHARGE
IGW cartel whopping Tk 80b
Official disclosure blames IOF as kingpin

FE REPORT
Published :
Jul 08, 2025 00:07
Updated :
Jul 08, 2025 00:07

A politically pampered powerful nexus of international gateway (IGW) operators looted over Tk 80 billion or Tk 8,000 crore from the ICT sector over the past nine years, ministry high-ups said Monday.

"At the core of the scandal lies the IGW Operators Forum (IOF), a cartel of seven IGW operators allegedly led by former prime ministerial adviser Salman F Rahman," said Fayez Ahmad Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the post-uprising government.

Formed in 2013, the IOF monopolised international call termination through a so-called "pilot phase" that suspiciously lasted over 12 years. During this period, mobile operators were barred from directly handling international calls, handing over control -- and profits -- to the Forum.

Although the IOF charged up to $0.03 per minute, they declared revenue of only $0.006. By 2024, the actual market rate had dropped to just $0.001, yet IOF continued to underreport income at $0.0004 per minute, as stated in the findings.

"According to BTRC estimates, this manipulation cost the government over Tk 8,000 crore in lost revenue -- money pocketed by the cartel," Mr Tayyab told a media briefing in Dhaka.

Similarly, Interconnection Exchange (ICX) and other toll-based operators, many of whom invested less than Tk 100 million, extracted billions with little or no contribution to telecom infrastructure. These entities acted as middlemen, adding layers of cost while providing minimal value.

As unveiled, ICX operators, for example, earned Tk 3.0-4.0 billion and Tk 6.31 billion was collected through Market Development Fees (MDF) under the IOF mechanism -- 95 per cent of which reportedly passed through Beximco Computers, further raising conflict-of-interest concerns, the Special Assistant told reporters.

Allegations run further that the roots of this systemic corruption trace back to the 2010 ILDTS (International Long-Distance Telecommunications Services) policy, crafted under the Awami League government.

This policy aggressively curtailed the role of mobile-network operators and instead granted licences to politically linked firms across 29 categories, including IGW, ICX, IOF, NIX, and IIG.

By 2024, BTRC had issued a staggering 3,573 licences-most of them to loyalists to the ruling regime.

"These companies operated as toll collectors, not service providers," a BTRC official told reporters.

"They added no value to customers but walked away with massive profits. This has created a warped, anti-competitive ecosystem."

Despite mounting pressure from international regulatory bodies such as the ITU and GSMA since 2015, the Awami League government had turned a blind eye to demands for simplifying and modernizing the telecom-licensing framework, ICT ministry officials said.

The Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on telecoms affairs brushed aside the allegations of corruption raised against him and the ministry in a section of media.

Mr Tayyab stated that the project centering which the allegations were raised is being carried out with total transparency.

He said the project, undertaken by the state-owned Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) was launched to expand its capacity and network and an LC worth TK2900 million was already opened for equipment purchase.

For BTCL, he said, the network upgrading is crucial as its competitors are enhancing their capacities in a huge way to cater the future demand.

About his reported letter to the Anti-Corruption Commission he said. "I have written to the ACC Chairman that if the project is not implemented, the government would not only lose TK 6000 million, the BTCL will also be out of the market for its poor capacity and network."

He mentions that the equipment is being supplied by the lowest bidders and the specifications are being certified by BUET experts.

According to the Special Assistant, the telecoms syndicate which plundered the sector during the previous regime is spreading propaganda against him and the ministry in a bid to malign him.

"I condemn this ill effort and I want to make it clear that the present government has the moral strength to carry on the reform in this sector to dismantle the syndicate, which illegally plundered public money with the backing of the past fascist regime," he told the press.

He said the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024 paved the way for a wave of reforms under the interim administration. BTRC, in coordination with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, is now in the final stages of introducing "Telecom Network and Licensing Reform Policy 2025".

The cleanup recipe aims to dismantle redundant layers such as ICX and IOF, simplify the licensing regime into a three-tier structure, promote SME-and ISP-friendly licensing with light-touch regulation, cap foreign ownership (49 per cent international, 55-60 per cent national), to liberalise fiber infrastructure and remove 'monopolies' and to reduce intermediaries from 6-7 to just 3 layers.

BTRC has also imposed stringent conditions on defaulting licence- holders. These include bans on share transfers, changes in ownership, company-name alterations, and licence renewals unless 50 per cent of outstanding dues are paid upfront, with the rest to be cleared within 6-12 months.

The regulator has already announced that ICX and IGW licences set to expire in 2027 will not be renewed, signalling the beginning of a new era in Bangladesh's telecoms sector, he said.

"Unsurprisingly, these reforms have met resistance. The beneficiaries of the old regime are actively trying to block reforms," said a telecom- policy analyst. "They've formed syndicates to protect their interests and prevent new entrants from entering the market."

He pointed out that critics of the reform -- "many unknowingly aligned with corrupt legacy operators" -- have questioned the government's aggressive moves. But BTRC remains firm that the licensing overhaul is essential for democratising the telecoms landscape.

"One of the most direct consequences of the syndicate-run telecom regime has been inflated costs for consumers. For example, ICX operators added an unnecessary 5 paisa per minute to domestic call charges-money that could have been saved or reinvested in infrastructure."

The upcoming policy intends to pass these savings on to end-users by reducing toll costs, promoting competition, and encouraging direct international connectivity by mobile operators, he added about the cleansing of the telecoms sector, widely considered a money-spinner.

The reform process will be anchored by three strategic pillars: a new Telecom Policy, a revised Telecom Act, and a comprehensive Quality of Service Framework.

The Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Authority or BTRC has also launched public complaint channels such as the Telecom White Paper and the ICT White Paper Committee, where stakeholders can report irregularities in recruitment, licence transfers, and corruption, the Special Assistant stated.​

 

[Saif]

Govt plans ‘fibre optic bank’ to use idle networks

The government has decided to establish a national “fibre optic bank”, which will bring all unused fibre optic resources from state-owned entities under a single platform in a bid to accelerate digital transformation.

www.thedailystar.net

Govt plans ‘fibre optic bank’ to use idle networks

The government has decided to establish a national "fibre optic bank", which will bring all unused fibre optic resources from state-owned entities under a single platform in a bid to accelerate digital transformation.

The telecom and ICT divisions have officially invited Bangladesh Railway and the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) to join this fibre-sharing consortium, alongside Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC).

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority over the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, recently sent a letter to Railways and Power Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, outlining the government's vision for this initiative and urging participation.

40% OF PUBLIC FIBRE NETWORKS REMAIN UNUSED

The letter, seen by The Daily Star, states that over the past decade, different government agencies have installed thousands of kilometres of optical fibre—much of which remains underutilised or completely idle.

The letter notes that, in total, BTCL, PGCB, Railway, and BCC own 78,400 kilometres (km) of fibre network. Of this, an estimated 40 percent remains unused.

"We are wasting a vital national asset by leaving large portions of optical fibre unused. It's time we came together and built a centrally managed, transparent, and efficient fibre ecosystem for all," Taiyeb said.

He also said Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has verbally endorsed the plan, enabling the Posts and Telecom Division to formally invite PGCB and Bangladesh Railway to the consortium.

"This is not just about connectivity. It's about bringing digital transformation where every union has high-speed access and every public resource is optimally used," he added.

Taiyeb's letter to Adviser Fouzul details that BTCL possesses a fibre network stretching over 39,500 km, 90 percent of which is underground.

BCC, on the other hand, has deployed 27,695 km of fibre under the InfoSarkar-3 project, which aims to expand high-speed internet access to rural areas covering 2,600 unions, with work ongoing for an additional 7,000 km expansion.

Meanwhile, PGCB has around 8,000 km of fibre along the power grid, a large portion of which remains unused. In addition, Bangladesh Railway owns 3,205 km of fibre lines, a significant part of which remains unused.

In his letter to the Ministry of Railways, Taiyeb states that leasing out the idle fibre networks could generate more than Tk 500 crore annually

Bringing fibre from the InfoSarkar-3 project, however, may not turn out to be that smooth, as the government inked a deal in 2023 with Summit Communications and Fibre@Home for maintenance, upgradation, replacement, and operation of the project.

The two private companies receive 90 percent of the revenue under the agreement. The ICT Division has recently sought to amend the deals.

Taiyeb, in the letter, said the lack of interconnectivity among these networks, combined with restrictive policies under the previous government, prevented entities like PGCB and Railway from offering last-mile connectivity to telecom operators—causing massive underutilisation of national assets.

The proposed national fibre bank aims to fix these issues by unifying the fibre networks of all four agencies into a single, centrally coordinated platform.

MORE REVENUE, FASTER INTERNET

In his letter to the Ministry of Railways, Taiyeb states that leasing out the idle fibre networks could generate more than Tk 500 crore annually.

Joint network maintenance under BTCL's experienced operations could reduce operating expenses by up to 30 percent.

Bandwidth cost from private NTTN operators is likely to fall from Tk 18,000 per Gbps to as low as Tk 5,000—a potential 70 percent reduction.

Besides, the letter states that only 25 percent of mobile towers are currently fibre-connected.

With an integrated backbone, this can reach 100 percent, allowing a low-cost, nationwide 5G rollout.

The overlapping paths of BTCL, PGCB, and Railway fibre also provide high redundancy, essential during natural disasters.

The initiative could enable 1 Gbps or higher internet speeds in every union by integrating existing Points of Presence (POPs) from BTCL (1,200 unions), BCC (2,600 unions), PGCB, and Railway.

The proposed national fibre bank would provide reliable, scalable access to telco-grade fibre—essential for services like IoT, telemedicine, distance education, and smart city development.

As per Taiyeb's letter, the proposed fibre bank will include a GIS-based real-time inventory system, identifying the location, core count, and status of each fibre line.

This will ensure transparency in leasing and allow selective, need-based access—for instance, during emergency government communications.

The letter also proposes an inter-ministerial meeting, involving Bangladesh Railway, PGCB, BTCL, BCC, and other stakeholders, to finalise the integration strategy and operational guidelines.

Companies that will lease fibre from the upcoming national fibre bank will be able to generate revenue from it. The earnings will be distributed among the government-owned companies, the telecom regulator, and the maintenance partners, Taiyeb said.

"For example, if Summit Communications and Fiber@Home are involved in maintenance, they will also receive a share of the revenue," he added.

LEVELLING THE PLAYING FIELD

In the letter, Taiyeb criticises the previous Awami League-led government for restricting state fibre owners from servicing telecom demand beyond their grid or track.

Such policies reportedly benefited certain politically connected private firms at the cost of public efficiency, the letter states.

The proposed fibre bank aims to level the playing field and put state-owned fibre assets to commercial and social use, within a regulatory framework that ensures transparency, competition, and affordability.

Fahim Mashroor, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), welcomed the move, saying it would benefit users by enabling faster and more affordable internet access.

"Particularly, if this initiative can ensure low-cost internet in remote areas, it will not only benefit consumers but also significantly boost Bangladesh's digital economy," he added.​

 

[Saif]

SpaceX VP Lauren Dreyer praises Bangladesh’s efficiency in facilitating Starlink launch

The Vice President of SpaceX, Lauren Dreyer, has commended the coordinated efforts of government officials in Bangladesh for supporting the effective launching of Starlink in the country. She made the remarks during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jam

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

SpaceX VP Lauren Dreyer praises Bangladesh’s efficiency in facilitating Starlink launch

Published :
Jul 18, 2025 18:06
Updated :
Jul 18, 2025 18:06

The Vice President of SpaceX, Lauren Dreyer, has commended the coordinated efforts of government officials in Bangladesh for supporting the effective launching of Starlink in the country.

She made the remarks during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Friday, reports BSS.

“We operate in 150 countries and territories. We have never seen such efficiency and decisiveness. On behalf of all my colleagues at SpaceX, I extend our appreciation to you. We look forward to working closely with your team,” she said.

Chief Adviser thanked the Vice President for visiting Bangladesh. “It’s a lovely time of year here, the monsoon season. Greenery and water everywhere. At the same time, we face challenges of flooding and waterlogging, which highlight the need for dependable technology to maintain connectivity.”

“There is also a pressing need for improved connectivity in the remote areas of our hill tracts. These regions lack proper schools, teachers, and doctors. We have set a target to introduce online education in 100 schools, which will benefit students in isolated areas,” he said.

Emphasising inclusive healthcare, the Chief Adviser said, “We are prioritising digital healthcare so that people in remote areas can consult doctors online. Their medical histories will be stored digitally, making future consultations easier.

“This is particularly important during pregnancy, a time when women often need male assistance to visit a doctor. With digital services, they can consult doctors from home,” he said.

“Bangladeshi expatriates will also benefit from digital health services. Many hesitate to consult doctors abroad due to language barriers. With this system, they will be able to consult Bangladeshi doctors from overseas. We are implementing small initiatives here, but you can take these projects global,’ he said.

Lauren Dreyer expressed her appreciation for Professor Yunus’s insights. “The example you are setting here can be shared with other leaders. If Professor Yunus can do it in his country, then others can as well,” she said.

She also commended Professor Yunus’s efforts in combating corruption.

“Your initiatives to ensure that public services reach the people are highly commendable. A significant part of my work involves travelling around the world. I understand how serious an issue corruption can be. Using technology to decentralize services and improve governance is a meaningful vision,” she said.

Richard Griffiths, Global Engagement Consultant of SpaceX; National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman; Chief Adviser’s Special Assistant for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb; and Executive Chairman of BIDA and BEZA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, were also present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

Starlink officially launches in Bangladesh

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by US-based private space operator SpaceX, has officially launched in Bangladesh. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, made the announcement at a press conference held at the boa

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Starlink officially launches in Bangladesh

UNB
Published :
Jul 18, 2025 19:56
Updated :
Jul 18, 2025 19:56

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by US-based private space operator SpaceX, has officially launched in Bangladesh.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, made the announcement at a press conference held at the boardroom of Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka at 5:30 pm on Friday (18 July).

A high-level delegation from Starlink was present at the event, led by Lauren Dreyer, Vice President of Business Operations, and Richard Griffiths, Director of International Strategy and Government Relations.

Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb said that Starlink has begun providing services in Bangladesh under the direct guidance and initiative of Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus. “This is not only a technological achievement but also a groundbreaking step in strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure,” he said.

During her speech, Lauren Dreyer commended the Government of Bangladesh for its bold, visionary leadership in bringing next-generation connectivity to its people.

“While many nations deliberate, Bangladesh acted,” Dreyer said. “By embracing connectivity as a foundation for human potential, you have positioned your nation as a model for others to follow.”

She highlighted the speed and decisiveness of the Government of Bangladesh, noting that within just a few months of initial dialogue, Starlink service had moved from discussion to deployment. Approvals were finalized by May 2025, and the first Bangladeshi customers were online shortly thereafter.

“This is not just about satellites,” Dreyer said. “We are launching opportunities—opportunities for remote learning, telemedicine, digital entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.”

She also acknowledged the role of local partners including Felicity IDC and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, emphasizing that long-term success depends on collaboration between global innovators and national stakeholders.

In a time when digital inclusion is synonymous with economic resilience, the launch of Starlink reaffirms the Government of Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring connectivity as a right—not a privilege.

“The future we are building together,” Dreyer concluded, “belongs to every person in Bangladesh who will now have access to the boundless opportunities that connectivity provides.”

Following approximately three months of trial operations, Starlink formally started service on Friday.

The company has been granted a 10-year ‘Satellite Operator Licence’ and ‘Radio Communication Operators Licence’ by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Installation Cost and Service Packages

To access Starlink’s services, customers will need to purchase a setup kit priced at Tk 42,000. The kit includes a satellite receiver dish, router, power supply, and other necessary components.

Starlink is initially offering two subscription packages:

Starlink Residential: Priced at Tk 6,000 per month, this package offers unlimited internet access with speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

Starlink Lite: Priced at Tk 4,200 per month, this lower-cost package also provides uninterrupted internet access, albeit at comparatively lower speeds.​

 

[Saif]

Does the Computer Science curriculum in Bangladesh need a reset?

In this ever-expanding universe of subfields, a single, generalised undergraduate degree can begin to feel like a jack-of-all-trades programme that risks giving students only superficial exposure to areas they may later wish to master.

www.thedailystar.net

Does the Computer Science curriculum in Bangladesh need a reset?

With the field evolving at an unprecedented rate, universities and students have been left to wonder how they can adapt as industries diverge into increasingly specialised routes.

Illustration: Junaid Iqbal Ishmam

Picture this: You've just wrapped up your Computer Science (CS) degree from a top university in Bangladesh. You've got the grades, a solid CGPA, and have learnt everything taught in class by heart. But then, you start scrolling through job listings, and it feels like you've landed on another planet.

Even entry-level positions – be it software engineers or artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) roles – often sound like they expect skills you barely touched in class. Suddenly, you're left wondering: Did my four years in university actually prepare me for the real world? Or is there something seriously off with the CS curriculum we're being taught under?

Understanding the problem at hand

The CS degree has long been the standard pathway for tech aspirants in Bangladesh. Yet with the field branching into subcategories like AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Digital Health, etc., can a single, broad undergraduate programme still meet the needs of students and industry?

In this ever-expanding universe of subfields, a single, generalised undergraduate degree can begin to feel like a jack-of-all-trades programme that risks giving students only superficial exposure to areas they may later wish to master.

So, should our universities fragment the broad Computer Science degrees into narrowly defined and highly specialised degree tracks? To figure that out, we have to take into consideration Bangladesh's academic ecosystem, our students' readiness for early specialisation, and the practical constraints our universities face.

Could specialised tracks be the solution?

Specialised degree tracks offer many benefits to both academic and professional lives. By concentrating on a specific domain, like Data Science or Software Engineering, students gain in-depth knowledge of the theories, tools, and practices that define their field. Graduates emerge with expertise that often takes years to acquire through on-the-job experience, boosting their confidence and signaling to employers their immediate value.

From an academic standpoint, focused tracks foster the creation of dedicated research labs and industry collaborations, giving students access to cutting-edge projects and real-world datasets.

Farnaz Fawad, a Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) graduate from BRAC University, currently working at a private company, remembers feeling constrained by a curriculum that treated Computer Science as a monolith, despite the field's immense internal diversity.

"In my opinion, the current CS curriculum in most universities feels quite outdated," says Farnaz. "While it's important to learn the fundamentals, the way it is structured doesn't really allow students to explore the different branches within Computer Science."

Farnaz also pointed out the difficulties this causes when students step into their professional lives, "When you enter the job market in Bangladesh, you often have to learn entirely new tools, technologies, or even legacy systems. In some cases, it is highly like that these weren't covered or even discussed during your academics."

Mehidy, a CSE graduate from National University, currently working as a software security engineer at a private bank, expressed similar views, "My CSE degree gave me a broad foundation across many areas of computing. That breadth actually helped me discover my passion for Cybersecurity, which wasn't something I was initially aware of. I had the freedom to explore different domains before choosing what truly excited me."

"However, once I found that interest, I realised how little depth my formal education offered in the field," continues Mehidy. "To pursue a career in Cybersecurity, I had to seek out a lot of external resources such as online courses, certifications, and training programmes to build the practical skills and domain knowledge the industry demands. If our academic structure allowed for more focused specialisations within the CS or CSE curriculum, like offering tracks in Cybersecurity or AI, it would empower students to go deeper once they have identified their interest, without having to start from scratch after graduation."

Photo: Orchid Chakma

The case against specialised CS tracks in Bangladesh

Not everyone, however, agrees with the concept of early specialisation in the CS field. Polash, who graduated from North South University (NSU) and is now working at a German IT firm as a data analyst, thinks that a CS or CSE degree, despite some shortcomings, is the best way forward.

"Having completed a CSE degree, I can confidently say it was instrumental in helping me discover where my true interests lie. Without that solid foundation – covering everything from algorithms and data structures to networking and databases – it's very difficult to pinpoint your calling," says Polash.

Polash adds, "In Bangladesh, many students complete their higher secondary (high school) education with only a cursory exposure to computing, and they simply aren't ready to dive straight into specialised topics. A broad undergraduate programme gives them the time and context they need to explore, learn, and choose the path that suits them best."

Universities in countries like the US, UK and Australia have already started offering specialised degrees within the CS field at the undergraduate level. However, that might not yield desired results in the context of Bangladesh.

Prof. Tanzima Hashem, Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), cautions against simply importing the specialisation models from countries where well-defined subfields are backed by robust research ecosystems, extensive industry linkages, and mature job markets.

"In countries like the US, UK, and Australia, specialised roles in AI, Data Science, or Cybersecurity are well-defined, supported by mature job markets, well-funded research ecosystems, and strong academia–industry linkages," says Prof. Hashem. "In Bangladesh, however, the tech ecosystem is still developing, and the demand is more for adaptable engineers who have a solid foundation and can be upskilled as needed. It may also reduce their ability to pivot into cross-disciplinary fields like fintech, digital health, or computational agriculture – areas that are slowly emerging in Bangladesh and often require foundational breadth rather than narrow technical specialisation."

Industry demands are not the only factor here. Student preparedness is also something that has to be taken into account when we are talking about restructuring the CS curriculum. A major risk of requiring students to choose specialised tracks too early is that many lack the background and counseling to make those decisions wisely.

"Most students in Bangladesh enter university without sufficient early exposure to computing or access to high school-level career counseling," Prof. Hashem notes. "Requiring them to commit to a specialised track too early – often in their first or second year – may result in choices based on incomplete understanding or social pressure rather than informed interest. This can lead to long-term mismatches between their academic training and career strengths."

Besides, many universities in Bangladesh face a shortage of expert faculty in emerging domains – a problem that is compounded by limited funding and logistical barriers.

"Introducing specialised undergraduate programmes in fields like AI, Cybersecurity, or Data Science presents several other challenges for universities in Bangladesh," shares Prof. Hashem. "A major concern is the shortage of expert faculty in these emerging areas, which makes it difficult to ensure high-quality education. Infrastructure is another significant constraint. Specialised programmes require high-performance computing facilities, advanced laboratories, and access to large-scale datasets to support hands-on learning. Many Bangladeshi universities, however, struggle to provide these essentials due to funding and logistical limitations."

The need for finding the right balance in our CS curriculum

According to Prof. Hashem, a more balanced and layered approach is the ideal way forward for Bangladesh, for now. "A broad CS or CSE degree that offers domain-focused electives, capstone projects, and internships in the later years can strike the right balance, allowing students to build deep expertise without sacrificing the flexibility needed in a still-evolving context. The CSE department at BUET is already moving in this direction. In the fourth year of the undergraduate programme, students can choose optional courses and pursue thesis work in areas such as AI, Software Engineering, or Cybersecurity. At the postgraduate level, the department has introduced advanced degree programmes in five key areas – Cybersecurity, Data Science, Software Engineering, Computing, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning – alongside the regular CSE track."

Fragmenting the CSE curriculum into specialised degrees poses many challenges that stem from issues in our education system, academia-industry gaps, and Bangladesh's overall tech ecosystem, which is still in its infancy. Addressing these issues could be the first steps towards paving the way for more specialised undergraduate degrees in the field of Computer Science in Bangladesh.

As Bangladesh charts its own path in tech education, it must weigh the allure of early specialisation against the proven benefits of a broad foundation. A good way forward, for now, could be finding a middle ground as noted by Prof. Hashem. In the end, the question may not be whether or not to offer specialise tracks, but when and how.

Bipra Prasun Das studies Computer Science and Engineering at North South University.​

 

[Saif]

When seeing is not believing

Besides amending existing cybersecurity laws, Bangladesh could take lessons from advanced countries that are trying to regulate AI usage writes Syed Tashfin Chowdhury As Artificial Intelligence-based software and tools continue to take over many aspects of professio

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

When seeing is not believing

Syed Tashfin Chowdhury
Published :
Aug 07, 2025 23:32
Updated :
Aug 07, 2025 23:32

Besides amending existing cybersecurity laws, Bangladesh could take lessons from advanced countries that are trying to regulate AI usage, writes

Syed Tashfin Chowdhury

As Artificial Intelligence-based software and tools continue to take over many aspects of professional and personal lives, concerns have been raised by AI experts as well as authorities in various advanced countries regarding the ethical usage of AI. A niche area within this broad subject is media manipulation-specifically, the manipulation of images, videos, audio clips etc. Unscrupulous individuals with knowledge of AI tools develop and spread doctored or fabricated materials through social media platforms and other forums.

As AI continues to progress at a rapid pace, these techniques are also evolving. It is imperative for relevant government departments to understand the tools and mechanisms at play so that they can be brought under the purview of cybersecurity laws and effective steps can be taken against perpetrators.

AI-GENERATED IMAGES: Around the end of last year, some photos of a popular Bangladeshi film actor went viral on social media platforms. Some users shared the content without thinking much. Soon, she had to declare that the photos were AI-generated. Someone had taken her photos and used AI to create new images. As a result, the photos showed her scantily clad on a rooftop.

This can be done quite easily using at least four or five different tools, including Midjourney and DALL-E. These can be used to add, remove, or change elements in an actual photo. Photoshop's Generative Fill also uses AI to edit existing photos.

As a result, it becomes difficult for anyone seeing such images online to tell whether they are real or doctored. This leads to the spread of misinformation, causing panic and resulting in financial and emotional disruptions.

Earlier this week, AI-generated images of wildfires in British Columbia caused panic among local communities in Canada. The B.C. Wildfire Service quickly urged concerned families and individuals to download their app, sign up for alerts, and trust only credible media sources.

DEEPFAKES: One of the most baffling stories of deepfake deception is that of internet sensation Babydoll Archi from India. At one point this year, Archi's Instagram account had over 1.4 million followers.

The reason behind her popularity was quite obvious. The account posted videos and images of Archi. In one video, she was dancing to a popular song; in another, she appeared to be standing with an American porn star. This led to rumours that Archi might be joining the American porn industry.

In reality, Archi never existed. Her likeness was created using AI, based on images of a homemaker from Assam. This woman's ex-boyfriend, Pratim Bora, used her images after they had broken up in 2020.

Bora, an artificial intelligence enthusiast, created the Babydoll Archi profile. The first uploads to the account were made in 2021, with more content posted in 2023 and onwards.

Initially, the victim's family was unaware. Later, after they found out, her brother filed a complaint with the police, who arrested Bora. Senior police officer Sizal Agarwal told the BBC last month that Bora used tools such as ChatGPT and Dzine to create an AI version of Babydoll Archi. He then populated the handle with deepfake photos and videos. Though the account started picking up likes last year, it began gaining traction from April this year, Agarwal added.

For deepfake videos, AI models-especially deep learning techniques like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)-are trained on numerous images or videos of a person. The AI learns how their face moves and sounds, which can then be overlaid onto another video.

Besides being used to exact revenge on ex-girlfriends and boyfriends, deepfakes have recently been used in many countries ahead of elections to confuse voters and sway public opinion.

FACE SWAPPING: You've probably come across videos of influencers enacting popular or funny lines from politicians, actors etc., on their social media platforms. Their faces look almost like the person they're imitating in those videos. This feature is available on TikTok and Snapchat as filters. AI maps facial features and blends them seamlessly. Though influencers use this to entertain followers, the same technology can easily be used to vilify a person and falsely blame them for something they haven't said or done.

Just this year, a scammer used live face-swapping technology during video calls with an older woman. The scammer impersonated a younger, attractive man and tricked the woman into a romantic relationship.

In China, a businessman was tricked into transferring over 4.3 million yuan (approx. $622,000) during a video call with someone he thought was his associate. The associate's face had been swapped by scammers using facial landmark detection and lip-syncing to make the fake face look natural during the Zoom call. The victim only realised the fraud after the real associate informed him that no such conversation had taken place.

VOICE CLONING / AI VOICE SYNTHESIS: Recently, there have been cases of businessmen receiving phone calls from supposed politicians, senior police officials, and others demanding money. Their voices sound exactly like the real person-even the mannerisms are the same.

AI models are trained on audio recordings of a person's voice. Once trained, the model can generate speech in that voice from any text. It's that simple for tech-savvy scammers and criminals to make money these days!

TEXT-TO-IMAGE AND SYNTHETIC MEDIA: You may have come across videos on Facebook where a news reporter is reporting from an unknown location about potholes on Dhaka's streets, and in the background, a motorcycle rider speeds toward a pothole and drowns in the water.

Such videos or images can be generated from written descriptions.

Synthetic media is slightly more advanced. AI enthusiasts can combine their knowledge of voice cloning, deepfakes, and AI-generated images to make a whole situation look believable.

There have been numerous incidents in recent times. One that comes to mind is the audio clip of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer being verbally abusive to his staff. The clip was viewed over 1.5 million times in 2023 and is suspected to have been generated using synthetic media for political manipulation.

SOCKPUPPETS: 'Sockpuppets' are fake online identities created by AI and used for various illegal gains. For example, it is widely believed that during the 2016 US election, thousands of sockpuppet accounts were created online. These accounts, posing as Americans, spread divisive content to influence voters.

Our government departments need to catch up with such AI tools and how fast they are evolving. Besides amending existing cybersecurity laws, Bangladesh could take lessons from advanced countries that are trying to regulate AI usage. For instance, Denmark has proposed new deepfake legislation as part of its digital copyright law. It aims to protect individuals' rights from the impact of AI-generated deepfakes, including both deepfakes of artists' performances and the characteristics of natural persons. Though the proposed amendment to the Copyright Act is likely to affect enterprises' use of the technology, it will also offer protection against misuse.

Syed Tashfin Chowdhury is a communications professional.​