[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s internet growth ‘just the beginning’, says APNIC Chief

Jia Rong Low, the newly appointed Director General of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), believes Bangladesh is on the cusp of significant digital transformation. In an exclusive interview, he shared his thoughts on how Bangladesh can sustain its internet development momentum.

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh’s internet growth ‘just the beginning’, says APNIC Chief
APNIC Director General discusses IPv6 adoption, policy engagement, and internet growth in Bangladesh

APNIC Director General Jia Rong Low

Jia Rong Low, the newly appointed Director General of the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), believes Bangladesh is on the cusp of significant digital transformation. Speaking during the APRICOT 2025 & APNIC 59 conference in Malaysia, Low outlined the country's progress and challenges in areas ranging from IPv6 deployment to policy participation and internet community engagement.

In an exclusive interview, he shared his thoughts on how Bangladesh can sustain its internet development momentum.

Q: How do you view the current state of Bangladesh's internet infrastructure and its operational community?

Bangladesh ranks second among APNIC's direct membership economies and is also the fastest-growing. This reflects a robust increase in local internet operator activity. Over the past four years, APNIC has conducted 27 training workshops in Bangladesh—a significant figure that highlights both demand and engagement. This growth contributes not only to the country's digital ecosystem but also to broader economic development. I see this as just the beginning.

Q: What is your view on participation from non-technical actors—such as policymakers and journalists—in technical events like APNIC and APRICOT?

The landscape is shifting. At ICANN, we've seen increasing engagement from policymakers. APNIC has followed a similar trajectory—transitioning from purely technical conversations to a more inclusive environment where community members with policy interests are contributing. A notable example is Shaila Sharmin from Bangladesh, co-chair of the Policy SIG. We're also seeing greater interest from regional regulators and journalists, though participation often depends on the relevance of the topic. For instance, a discussion on WHOIS policy might seem dry, but when privacy and legal frameworks enter the debate, it becomes widely engaging.

Q: With significant membership in Bangladesh, what are APNIC's regular activities for local members? How might this support evolve?

We've focused heavily on training—those 27 workshops I mentioned are part of a broader strategy. We also work with local Network Operator Groups (NOGs), providing a platform for ongoing engagement. I recently updated our strategic plan with three main pillars, one of which is creating a knowledge exchange space. This means unifying various platforms—our blog, podcast, mailing lists, and conferences—to foster more cohesive dialogue.

Our aim is to build a more vibrant, multi-stakeholder community where policymakers, startups and regulators can interact with technical experts. For Bangladesh, this means moving beyond traditional training to better support IPv6 and RPKI adoption. For example, IPv6 deployment has risen from 2% to 19%, largely driven by big players. But smaller operators lag behind. The challenge is to identify whether more training is the answer, or if other incentives or interventions are needed. We're committed to working with the community to find out.

Q: Bangladeshi members currently benefit from a discounted fee as an LDC. With graduation forecast for 2027, what's APNIC's plan regarding membership fees?

APNIC's policy grants a 50% discount for members from least developed countries (LDCs). If Bangladesh graduates from LDC status, the discount would no longer apply. This policy isn't determined by us—it's tied to UN classifications. Graduation would reflect Bangladesh's economic progress, which should be celebrated. However, we recognise that some smaller members may face challenges. In such cases, we're open to working with them on adjusted payment schedules.

Q: Are you satisfied with Bangladesh's IPv6 progress? What more can APNIC do?

The growth is encouraging, but there's a long way to go. Different economies adopt IPv6 in different ways. In India, Reliance Jio's decision to move to IPv6 created a ripple effect. In other cases, government policy plays a major role. We're ready to support in whichever way helps—be it more training, awareness for C-level executives, or policy engagement. The key is identifying which levers will move the adoption needle.

Q: Is APNIC currently engaging with the Bangladeshi government on IPv6 deployment within public organisations?

I'm planning to visit Bangladesh, hopefully during bdNOG in May, and I look forward to meeting with government officials. This engagement will help us align resources with national priorities. Governments across the region are generally supportive of IPv6, and with global adoption crossing the 50% mark this year, we have compelling data to support our advocacy. We hope to collaborate more closely with the government and other stakeholders in Bangladesh during this visit.​

 

[Saif]

New guideline allows govt to cut off satellite internet if needed

Satellite service providers asked to route internet traffic through local gateways

www.thedailystar.net

New guideline allows govt to cut off satellite internet if needed
Satellite service providers asked to route internet traffic through local gateways

Previously, Starlink signed an agreement with Ukraine's mobile operator Kyivstar to introduce direct-to-cell satellite connectivity. Image: Mariia Shalabaieva/ Unsplash.

Satellite service providers operating in Bangladesh must route internet traffic through local gateways and connect to an International Internet Gateway (IIG) for data supply, giving the government the ability to shut down internet access if needed.

According to the final version of the guidelines titled "Regulatory and Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh", the licensee must establish at least one gateway system within the territory of Bangladesh before commencing its service.

However, the commission encourages the licensee to establish redundant gateways.

Additionally, any user terminal placed and used within the geographical boundaries of Bangladesh must be authenticated and served through this local gateway.

All traffic from these terminals must be routed through this local gateway to provide services under these guidelines within Bangladesh.

The licensee must connect its NGSO gateway with any of the licensed IIGs to carry international internet data traffic.

For seamless operation, the licensee must have redundant connections from the licensed IIGs.

The regulator issues the guideline the time when the government has taken initiative to allow Starlink to launch its services in Bangladesh.

Earlier this week, in a statement, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus directed authorities to ensure Starlink's commercial launch within 90 days.

Starlink typically delivers bandwidth through two methods. One involves connecting to ground stations (gateways) that link to the global internet via fiber-optic networks, including submarine cables, requiring local ground stations.

The other method relies on inter-satellite links, allowing data to be transmitted through space, bypassing local internet gateways and reducing dependence on submarine cables.

Bangladesh has chosen the former, making government-imposed internet shutdowns technically feasible.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001 permits internet shutdowns during emergencies, for national security, or to maintain law and order.

Citing the law, the guideline states that it may cancel the licenses of satellite companies if national security, integrity, sovereignty, stability, or harmony is compromised through the licensee's infrastructure.

Internet shutdowns have been a widely discussed issue in Bangladesh since the July uprising last year, when the government completely shut down broadband for five days and mobile internet for 11 days.

In his speech to the nation on the occasion of Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr, Dr. Yunus said: "With Starlink, low-cost high-speed internet will bring a revolution to Bangladesh's digital world.

"Once Starlink services are launched, every village, island, and remote mountainous area in the country will have access to ultra-high-speed internet. In the future, no government will be able to shut down internet services or lock people out of information."

The guideline however keeps scope for the authorities to shut the internet down.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has finalized the guidelines with the go-ahead from the Posts and Telecommunications Ministry.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority over the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and ICT, and Md. Emdad ul Bari, chairman of the BTRC, have not immediately responded to The Daily Star's request for a comment.

Bari earlier stated that internet shutdowns are a legal matter, and the government should determine its approach.

"However, I believe internet access should be declared an essential service, and the internet should never be shut down," he added.

The NGSO guidelines are the complete opposite of the aspirations of the people, said Fahim Mashroor, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).

"People are excited about the announcement of Starlink and other satellite data services because these provide freedom from potential government actions to block the internet in the future. Open internet is an aspiration of the youth, just like democracy."

"The youth of this country have earned that right by sacrificing their lives in July. Any law that grants the government the authority to shut down the internet is a direct betrayal of the people."

"The Constitution Reform Commission has also included internet access as a basic human right. Therefore, the proposed NGSO clause allowing the government to shut down the internet contradicts this constitutional right of citizens," Mashroor said.

"The BTRC must revise this. Otherwise, human rights groups and young people will oppose this move."​

 

[Saif]

Could Starlink solve the connectivity challenges in Bangladesh?

A business model is required to reduce the cost of initial setup and monthly subscription fee of Starlink services.

www.thedailystar.net

Could Starlink solve the connectivity challenges in Bangladesh?

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites is seen over Sebastian Inlet after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida, US, February 26, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS

Recently, I went on a business trip to Cox's Bazar, where I had to attend several meetings virtually. Unfortunately, I could not complete any of those meetings due to weak internet connectivity there. A few months earlier, I was visiting the Sundarbans area where I wanted to connect with friends and family, but there was no connection. In Bangladesh, while urban regions enjoy relatively good internet and mobile network coverage, vast parts of the country, especially in rural, hilly and coastal areas, struggle with limited or no connectivity, with some places still relying on 2G networks only. The prohibitive cost and complexity of building mobile phone towers and other infrastructure in sparsely populated regions make it difficult to improve coverage in these areas. According to the preliminary report of the Population and Housing Census 2022, approximately 6.5 crore people aged 18 and above in Bangladesh do not have internet access. This indicates a significant digital divide in the country.

To address the connectivity issue, the efforts to bring Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) networks, such as Starlink, in Bangladesh is a bold step by the government. Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is becoming increasingly popular across the globe for providing connectivity, especially in remote or underserved regions where traditional ground-based networks are not available. Starlink, with its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, can provide internet connectivity directly to users in these areas without relying on ground-based infrastructure. It is kind of a plug and play kit that includes a dish (user terminal) and a router. The dish connects to the Starlink satellites while the router connects to the dish and provides wi-fi in a home, community facility or business.

In regions with hilly or mountainous terrain, laying cables is difficult and expensive, as transporting construction equipment to remote sites can be challenging. Meanwhile, coastal regions and low-lying areas are vulnerable to flooding, and underground cables there need frequent maintenance and repair. In such areas, Starlink can provide a cost-effective satellite backhaul, ensuring that mobile networks stay connected. Through satellite backhaul, mobile operators can expand their network reach and provide better services in remote areas. Starlink can partner with telecom operators in Bangladesh to provide satellite backhaul for mobile towers.

We remember what happened when Cyclone Remal struck Bangladesh's southern coastal regions in May 2024. The cyclone's impact was particularly severe on the nation's telecommunications infrastructure. As the storm approached, power outages became widespread, with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) reducing electricity generation by more than half to prevent accidents during the cyclone. This led to at least 10,000 mobile towers, or base transceiver stations (BTS), to go out of service. Millions of people were affected by this disruption in mobile and internet services. The widespread loss of connectivity severely hampered communication and coordination efforts during the disaster response. Relief operations faced challenges in reaching the affected communities, and people struggled to contact emergency services or inform relatives of their safety.

This situation underscored the vulnerability of essential communication infrastructure to natural disasters and highlighted the need for more resilient systems to ensure continuous connectivity during emergencies. In such circumstances, Starlink could play a critical role in mitigating communication disruptions as it doesn't rely on ground-based infrastructure and could continue to provide internet access even if local mobile towers or fibre connections were down. Starlink terminals can be quickly set up and deployed in emergency response zones as they are portable and can be activated with minimal effort.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is gradually gaining importance in Bangladesh, with applications in agriculture, healthcare, and smart city development. However, the coverage of IoT networks largely depends on the existing 3G and 4G mobile infrastructure, which remains limited in rural and remote regions. Expanding IoT applications requires better connectivity, especially outside urban areas. Mobile phone networks and NGSOs can work together to offer reliable connectivity for IoT devices in Bangladesh. While mobile networks are ideal for dense, urban environments, Starlink can provide connectivity for IoT devices in remote or rural areas.

However, Starlink networks face several technical challenges that include latency and handover. More importantly, the cost of Starlink service is a significant barrier for widespread adoption in countries like Bangladesh, where economic challenges persist for many people. A Starlink kit costs around $549 to $599. The cost for the monthly internet service varies based on location and specific plan, but generally it ranges between $110 and $120 per month. This is much higher than local data and broadband costs.

The government needs to be proactive in eliminating this cost barrier. A business model is required to reduce the cost of initial setup and monthly subscription fee of Starlink services. One possible solution is to offer monthly rental of devices with long-term contracts. The government can also establish community-based models, where people can pool their resources to share a single Starlink connection. In some cases, businesses may subsidise the cost of Starlink internet to provide connectivity in underserved areas. This could enable affordable internet access where other solutions are economically unfeasible.

Dr Sabbir Ahmad is a researcher, mentor, and a leader in project delivery and engineering.​

 

[Saif]

CA’s special assistant’s Facebook post and our follow-up

The discussion and reaction to our report published in The Daily Star titled “New guideline allows govt to cut off satellite internet if needed” on Thursday have gained much traction..Notably, the Facebook post by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive aut

www.thedailystar.net

CA’s special assistant’s Facebook post and our follow-up

The discussion and reaction to our report published in The Daily Star titled "New guideline allows govt to cut off satellite internet if needed" on Thursday have gained much traction.

Notably, the Facebook post by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority over the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, has also caught our attention.

The crux of our report is that while government officials, including Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, have said that with Starlink's arrival in Bangladesh, "in future, no government will be able to shut down internet services or lock people out of information," according to the new guideline, the government still retains the power to shut down internet both legally and technologically.

Several hours after the publication of the news report, Taiyeb had responded to The Daily Star's request for a comment.

The chief adviser's aide explained that the requirement for a local gateway was only to protect local companies and prevent foreign ones from establishing a monopoly. He said all devices must be kept on the local route and added that tax and VAT had been imposed on each device.

Taiyeb said, "Besides, the guidelines mention local gateways for lawful interception, which is a security protocol recognised by the International Telecommunication Union. Every license must include an exit clause. It seems you have either misunderstood the exit clause and license obligation fulfilment or have reported it with a deliberate agenda."

Special assistant's allegations

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb alleged, "Your report is false and baseless. The NGSO guidelines do not mention anything about shutting down the internet."

In his latest comments to The Daily Star on Saturday, Taiyeb went on to question the newspaper's intentions, suggesting that a vested group was working against NGSO (Non-Geostationary Satellite Operators) due to potential business losses. The chief adviser's special assistant alleged that The Daily Star's stance was aligned with those vested quarters.

Our reply

We, The Daily Star, unequivocally state that we did not publish the report with any mala fide intentions, but rather as part of our professional practice, whereby we provide our readers with the truth and facts.

We want to point out that these allegations are entirely unfounded and baseless. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb did not offer a shred of evidence to back up his remarks, which we consider a blatant attempt to cast aspersion. As such, we find this behaviour utterly irresponsible and completely unbefitting an office bearer of the government.

A policymaker's difference with a media report is common and one which we welcome. But to term it as "deliberate agenda" or that it is "aligned with vested quarters" smacks of the same intolerant and denigrating attitude that we faced during the past regime.

We want to emphasise that our concern for potential disruption of the free flow of information and reporting on internet shutdowns are not new.

Our explanation and expert comments

In the report, we have said that satellite service providers operating in Bangladesh must route internet traffic through local gateways and connect to an International Internet Gateway (IIG) for data supply, giving the government the ability to shut down internet access.

According to the guidelines, any user terminal within Bangladesh must be authenticated and served through this local gateway, which means that all traffic from these terminals must go through the local gateways. The licensee must connect its NGSO gateway with a licensed IIG to carry international internet data traffic.

Our argument was that Starlink or satellite internet providers typically deliver bandwidth through two methods. One involves connecting to ground stations (gateways) that link the global internet via fibre-optic networks, including submarine cables, requiring local ground stations. The other method relies on inter-satellite links bypassing local internet gateways and reducing dependence on submarine cables.

Bangladesh has chosen the former, making government-imposed internet shutdowns technically feasible.

Taiyeb's explanation of the local gateway requirement, however, does not address the key aspect of our report—that the provision of IIGs carrying international internet traffic makes it legally and technologically possible for the government to shut down the internet, if necessary.

Taiyeb also said that the NGSO guidelines do not explicitly mention internet shutdowns. This is true.

No telecommunications guideline in Bangladesh explicitly states that the government can shut down the internet. However, since the guidelines must comply with the law—which grants the government this authority—they inherently enable internet shutdowns.

Former state minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, previously directed IIGs to stop supplying bandwidth to mobile and ISP networks during the July uprising using the same means.

In our report, we pointed out that the guidelines state that satellite company licenses may be revoked if their infrastructure is deemed to compromise national security, integrity, sovereignty, stability, or harmony. We had interpreted this to mean that if the government cancels a satellite provider's license, it would, in effect, result in an internet shutdown for users.

Taiyeb argued that every license must include an exit clause and this is what it means. However, there is a more significant provision in the guidelines that allows the state to enforce an internet shutdown.

Clause 12.7 of the guidelines mandates that licensees must comply with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Act, 2001, which grants the government broad authority to suspend internet services. Section 97(2) of the act allows the government to direct any licensed entity to shut down communications in the name of national security, public unrest, or other concerns.

The Awami League regime had resorted to this same legal provision to restrict internet access.

We consulted over a dozen legal experts, ICT specialists, telecom policy analysts, and industry professionals to further verify our arguments and facts. They agreed that under the current guidelines, which must adhere to the BTA, the government would indeed have the ability to shut down internet services.

Barrister Fatema Anwar, a Supreme Court advocate, said this compliance requirement for NGSO licensees imposes a dependence on local agencies, thus undermining one of the primary benefits of satellite internet, which is independence from national infrastructure.

"As a result, the government retains both the technological and legal mechanism to affect a complete internet shutdown if it wants to—similar to the situation experienced in July/August 2024."

"To answer your question, yes, the guidelines will allow the government to shut down satellite connectivity both legally and technologically," said Fatema.

Abu Nazam M Tanveer Hossain, a telecom policy expert, said Starlink will not operate in a legal vacuum. Bangladesh's telecom regulations require all internet traffic to pass through IIGs, which are subject to government monitoring and control.

He said, "Unlike VPNs or illegal bypass methods, Starlink's official entry would have to be fully transparent. This means banned websites would remain blocked, user data would be accessible to law enforcement, and the government could still shut down access if deemed necessary as it does with other providers."

BM Mainul Hossain, professor and director of the Institute of Information Technology at the University of Dhaka, said that if data traffic is routed through local IIGs, the government would effectively have control over it.

"If an IIG is instructed to halt data traffic, it must comply," he explained.

He believes the government should have some level of control to shut down satellite internet when necessary, such as in the event of a malware attack.

"But if the government says there is no scope of shutting down satellite internet, there should be an explanation how it would be possible."

Fahim Mashroor, former president of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), said, "It is unfortunate that nearly eight months have passed since the interim government took over, yet we have not been able to amend the provision that allows the government to shut down the internet. This amendment should have been a top priority, to uphold the spirit of the July uprising."

Arguing that inclusion of IIGs added an extra layer and ultimately increased costs, Mashroor said, "Besides, I believe Starlink or any other satellite internet provider should have the freedom to determine how they provide it, ensuring redundancy and making it technically difficult to shut down the internet."

Taiyeb told The Daily Star that he had reached a conclusion with BTRC regarding the law, deciding to repeal the 2010 amendment and revert to the 2001 framework.

Under that, the government is required to provide compensation for internet shutdowns—an obligation it cannot afford, as the compensation could amount to thousands of crores, he said.

We pointed out that it had been seven and half months since the incumbent was in office and further that it had been a month and a half since the chief adviser had begun exploring the introduction of Starlink satellite internet service in Bangladesh, and yet the law had not been amended, nor new guidelines drafted.

Taiyeb replied on Saturday that it was not The Daily Star's prerogative to determine his priorities; rather, they would be guided by public demand.

He mentioned that public consultations would begin in May, leading to a thorough revision of the telecoms law and added that internet was regarded as a 'civic right' in the draft Cyber Safety Ordinance.

He pointed out that if there was a situation where the local internet gateway was shut down, Starlink could always reroute traffic through the international gateway.

However, this move would violate the guidelines. Taiyeb said, "Starlink does not adhere to local laws in cases of emergency or internet shutdowns anyway."

During widespread anti-government protests in Iran, Starlink terminals were used to bypass state-imposed internet censorship, albeit without government approval.

Similarly, during the crackdown by the Awami League regime, many tech firms smuggled Starlink terminals into Bangladesh and operated them with roaming services from Malaysia or Singapore.

On October 28, 2023, The Daily Star was the first newspaper to break the news that the internet had been shut down ahead of its crackdown on BNP's grand rally in Nayapaltan.

Again, on July 19, 2024, The Daily Star was the only newspaper to report that the government had shut down internet.

We have reported more than a dozen internet shutdowns by the previous regime—more than any other newspaper.

Our commitment remains steadfast to an open internet, freedom of speech, and the uninterrupted flow of information.

We also welcome Starlink's entry into Bangladesh and have published nearly a dozen stories highlighting the latest developments and potential benefits, particularly in ensuring connectivity for remote areas.​

 

[Saif]

Starlink gets approval to operate in Bangladesh

People will be able to experience the internet service of Starlink in the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka on 9 April.

en.prothomalo.com

Starlink gets approval to operate in Bangladesh
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 06 Apr 2025, 19: 56

Starlink logo Reuters file photo

Starlink, a satellite internet service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has received approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to begin operations in the country.

Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud, executive chairman of BIDA, confirmed the development at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Sunday.

“Starlink was approved on 29 March in line with our commitment to facilitate their operation within 90 days,” he said, adding that the company has also completed its registration process with BIDA, which is mandatory for any foreign entity to operate in Bangladesh.

Starlink is expected to apply for the non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) license on Sunday. “The application will be approved if it is submitted in compliance with rules. There will be no bar to their operations in Bangladesh,” he noted.

During the impending Bangladesh Investment Conference, people will be able to experience the internet service of Starlink in the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka on 9 April. The entire conference will also be broadcast live using Starlink's internet service.

Experts believe the divide between urban and rural regions would narrow as Starlink’s high-speed internet will be accessible even in remote areas. It will enable the rural youth to engage in freelancing and other internet-based works.​