[🇧🇩] 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.​

 

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Starlink applies for BTRC licence

Starlink has applied to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for a licence to operate in the country as both Elon Musk’s company and the Bangladesh government look to facilitate the faster entry of satellite-based internet services.

www.thedailystar.net

satellite-based internet

Starlink applies for BTRC licence

Starlink has applied to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) for a licence to operate in the country as both Elon Musk's company and the Bangladesh government look to facilitate the faster entry of satellite-based internet services.

"They already applied last week," Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari, chairman of the BTRC, told The Daily Star yesterday, adding that due process would be followed in awarding the licence.

Earlier, on March 29, the US-based satellite internet service provider received approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to begin operations in the country.

The final hurdle for Starlink will be securing regulatory approval from the BTRC, the country's internet regulator.

If approved, Starlink will become the first company to receive a licence under the Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) guidelines introduced on March 25.

According to the policy, the application and processing fee has been set at Tk 5 lakh, with a licence acquisition fee of $10,000 and an annual fee of $30,000.

Additionally, an annual station/terminal fee of $1 per terminal will be charged. However, no charges will apply for terminals used exclusively to provide IoT services.

Licensees will receive a 25 percent reduction in application, processing, acquisition, and annual licence fees if they connect their gateway through the government-owned International Internet Gateway (IIG) for bandwidth or form a partnership or joint venture with a Bangladeshi satellite company.

There will be no revenue-sharing obligation for the first two years. However, licensees will be required to share 3 percent of gross revenue from the third to the fifth year, and 5.5 percent from the sixth year onward.

In addition to the NGSO licence, companies like Starlink must also obtain a separate Radio Communications Apparatus Licence for non-geostationary orbit satellite services to access the necessary spectrum to launch their services.

In March, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus directed the authorities to ensure Starlink's commercial launch within 90 days.

BTRC Chairman Bari said that around half a dozen global satellite providers have expressed interest in offering satellite services in Bangladesh. However, so far, only Starlink has formally applied.

Starlink has been trying to enter the Bangladeshi market since 2021.

In April last year, BTRC approved the formation of a committee comprising officials from various divisions to draft guidelines for satellite-based internet services. The draft was completed in October 2024.

In the final guideline, satellite service providers were instructed to route internet traffic through local gateways and connect to an IIG for data transmission.

This provision allows the government to legally or technically suspend internet access if necessary.

However, the government is now taking steps to prevent internet shutdowns in the future.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and IT, said the interim government does not intend to shut down the internet even for a moment and is working to prevent such shutdowns in the future.

Speaking at a seminar during a four-day investment summit in Dhaka, he outlined four steps the government is taking: recognising the internet as a citizen's right in the upcoming Cyber Security Ordinance, cancelling the standard operating procedure that allowed the ministry to initiate shutdowns, excluding shutdown provisions from NGSO licence guidelines, and amending telecom laws to eliminate the scope for future internet shutdowns.

Mustafa Mahmud Hussain, a telecom policy analyst, said Starlink's entry into Bangladesh marks a major step toward next-generation connectivity.

"However, pricing will be a critical factor for success in a market where local broadband is relatively affordable. To gain traction, Starlink must offer competitive rates."

Additionally, Bangladesh's weather conditions – frequent cloud cover and long monsoon seasons with heavy rainfall – demand consistent Quality of Service and Quality of Experience. The network must ensure strong performance and reliability, especially during the rainy months, to meet user expectations and sustain adoption, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Policies allowing internet shutdowns to be abolished: Faiz Taiyeb

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, who is also the acting head of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, on Saturday said all policies allowing internet shutdowns will be abolished, as past shutdowns have harmed freelancers and deterred investment in the country. "We need to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Policies allowing internet shutdowns to be abolished: Faiz Taiyeb
Published :
Apr 19, 2025 17:07
Updated :
Apr 19, 2025 20:23

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb, who is also the acting head of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, on Saturday said all policies allowing internet shutdowns will be abolished, as past shutdowns have harmed freelancers and deterred investment in the country.

"We need to demonstrate to the world that the internet will no longer be shut down. It is a responsibility to assure investors," he said while speaking at a roundtable titled 'Internet Services: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Way Forward'.

Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) organised the event at the BTRC Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.

He said internet services in Bangladesh remain among the most expensive in the world, despite their comparatively poor quality.

"We still lack dedicated internet infrastructure for education, healthcare, and disaster management.

Therefore, we cannot yet consider ourselves aligned with global standards. Our first step is to change the network topology," Taiyeb said.

The special assistant further announced plans to revoke multiple licenses, limiting the number of licensees. Operators will be given time to meet the required conditions, failing which fines will be imposed, Taiyeb added.

Highlighting consumer dissatisfaction, Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Imdadul Haque said users are frustrated due to frequent call drops and high internet prices.

To address this, he said, ISPs are providing internet nationwide for Tk 500 at a minimum speed of 5 Mbps, which will soon double to 10 Mbps, with plans to further increase it to 20 Mbps.

To ensure affordability, ISPAB proposed introducing active sharing, extending licence tenure to 10 years, enhancing IIG and NTTN capacity, allowing access to government infrastructure, and exempting profit-sharing for five years.

Welcoming the ISPs' efforts to reduce prices, the chief adviser's special assistant said, "If you can provide 10 Mbps at the same price, you can offer 20 Mbps too. You must monitor this yourselves."

Faiz acknowledged that Bangladesh lags behind in global rankings on internet affordability and e-governance. To address this, the new network topology will be structured into three layers. Rather than limiting the number of licences, performance-based KPIs will be introduced, and deregulation will begin in June, he mentioned.

He also emphasised the need to eliminate political influence in the telecom business and boost digital services, saying, "All barriers to these services will be removed, and active sharing will be facilitated."

"All telecom fibre networks in metro areas must be fully underground within three years," he said, adding that Bangladesh aims to rank within the top 30 globally on all relevant indices within the next two years.

Taiyeb warned that attempts to manipulate policy updates through vested interests "will ultimately lead to their own downfall."

Addressing the issue of Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), he clarified that Bangladesh is not regressing. "We want to send a message-do business, but don't seek favours from politicians or influencers. We want Voice over WiFi to launch quickly and bring connectivity indoors to ensure quality."

He also stressed the need for telecom-grade fibre networks, saying, "Overhead fibre cannot be considered telecom-grade. All fibre must go underground."

The keynote presentation at the roundtable was delivered by TRNB Organising Secretary Al-Amin Dewan.

TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey presided over the event, while General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin delivered the welcome address, according to UNB.​

 

[Saif]

Base broadband internet speed to double

The announcement comes under the purview of the "One Country, One Rate" policy introduced by the BTRC in June 2021.

www.thedailystar.net

Base broadband internet speed to double
ISPAB president says

Instead of 5Mbps, internet subscribers across the country will receive 10 Mbps speed for Tk 500, the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) announced.

"Now, customers will get 10 Mbps speed instead of the previous 5 Mbps under the Tk 500 package," ISPAB President Emdadul Haque said.

He made the remarks at a roundtable discussion, titled "Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward for Internet Services", organised by Telecom and Technology Reporters' Network at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon.

The announcement comes under the purview of the "One Country, One Rate" policy introduced by the BTRC in June 2021.

The policy mandated uniform pricing nationwide and included three packages: Tk 500 for 5 Mbps, Tk 800 for 10 Mbps, and Tk 1,200 for 20 Mbps.

With the amendment, the entry-level package will now provide double the speed for the same price.

In December last year, the BTRC proposed reducing broadband internet prices by up to 20 percent. However, the ISPAB disagreed with the proposal.

"Customers want quality of service; price doesn't matter here. That's why we have doubled the internet speed," Haque said.

At the event, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser with executive authority over the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and ICT, warned against attempts to influence policymaking with money.

He said businessmen should do business. "Don't go to political leaders or policymakers with bags of money. It's not sustainable."

Taiyeb said the malpractices that shaped past telecom policies must end, adding that influencing decisions with money would only harm businesses and the industry.

He revealed that several telecom licences would be scrapped as part of upcoming reforms, but existing businesses will have the opportunity to continue under stricter performance-based milestones and key performance indicators.

He also said a new telecom act is on the way.

He also highlighted the need for continuous monitoring of internet service quality, especially after ISPs recently announced a minimum speed of 10 Mbps.

"Some claim Bangladesh offers the cheapest internet in the region, but in terms of quality, it's among the worst. So, it's actually overpriced," he remarked.

Additionally, Taiyeb said investors must be assured that internet shutdowns are a thing of the past, adding that Bangladesh aims to be among the top 30 countries in global digital indices within two years.

BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari echoed those sentiments.

He criticised the manipulation of the International Long Distance Telecommunications Services (ILDTS) policy, which was originally designed for accountability, network separation, and to curb illegal VoIP operations.

"In 2010, political interference overturned the policy framework, leading to unnecessary and politically motivated licensing," he said.

ISPs could have become a strong solution for SMEs, but political influence over ISP licensing requiring ISPAB membership hampered progress, he said.

He added that small businesses may no longer need licences but will instead undergo a registration process to open up the market further.​

 

[Saif]

SpaceX technical launch in Bangladesh by May: SpaceX vice president

We're very close to the finish line. I've asked my team to be fully ready for a technical launch by May'

en.prothomalo.com

SpaceX technical launch in Bangladesh by May: SpaceX vice president
BSS Doha, Qatar
Published: 23 Apr 2025, 21: 25

SpaceX vice-president for Global Engagement Lauren Dreyer, met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha on Wednesday Facebook

Lauren Dreyer, Vice-President for Global Engagement at SpaceX, met Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the Earthna Summit in Doha today.

Their discussion centred on the final stages of the collaboration that is set to bring SpaceX satellite services to Bangladesh, Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir said.

Dreyer, who has worked alongside Elon Musk for the past two decades, conveyed optimism about the partnership's progress.

"We're very close to the finish line. I've asked my team to be fully ready for a technical launch by May," she said.

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Prof Yunus expressed national excitement about the development.

"It's big news in Bangladesh. People are counting down the days," he told Dreyer. "And when the time comes, it has to be a big celebration."

This collaboration is expected to start with a technical rollout before moving to full deployment, pending resolution of a few final issues.

PayPal which was also founded by Elon Musk is also being explored to support digital transactions related to SpaceX's operations in Bangladesh.

"From the outset, this has been one of the most streamlined and well-organised initiatives we've been part of," said Lauren Dreyer to Prof Yunus.

Senior officials, including foreign adviser Md Touhid Hossain, National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman and Principal Coordinator on SDG Affairs Lamiya Morshed were present at the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

BTRC approves licence for Starlink

This is the swiftest recommendation from the BTRC for any such licence, according to a BTRC official.

www.thedailystar.net

BTRC approves licence for Starlink
Sends proposal to telecom ministry for final nod

“We’re very close to the finish line. I’ve asked my team to be fully ready for a technical launch by May,” Lauren Dreyer, Vice President for Global Engagement at SpaceX said. Image: Mariia Shalabaieva/ Unsplash.

Bangladesh's internet regulator has given the green light for Starlink to obtain a satellite internet licence, sending a letter to the telecom ministry last week for final approval.

As per telecom law, it is mandatory for the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to obtain pre-approval from the ministry before taking key decisions, including granting licences.

"We already sent a letter to the ministry for pre-approval last week," said BTRC Chairman Md Emdad ul Bari.

"Once it is granted, we will issue the licence upon payment of the required fees," he told The Daily Star yesterday.

According to the document, Starlink Services Bangladesh Ltd applied for the licence on April 7 under the regulatory framework titled "Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operators in Bangladesh" issued by the BTRC.

The company's registration states that its local office is in a building in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka.

After receiving the application from Starlink, the BTRC formed a seven-member committee to evaluate it. The committee found all the documents authentic and proper, and recommended Starlink for the licence.

This is the swiftest recommendation from the BTRC for any such licence, according to an official of the regulator

Later, a two-member committee of the BTRC also visited Starlink's Bangladesh office and recommended in favour of granting the licence.

This is the swiftest recommendation from the BTRC for any such licence, according to a BTRC official.

The development comes as Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in March this year directed the authorities to ensure Starlink's commercial launch within 90 days.

Starlink has been trying to enter the Bangladesh market since 2021.

In April last year, the BTRC approved the formation of a committee comprising officials from various divisions to draft guidelines for satellite-based internet services.

The draft was prepared in October 2024, and the final guideline was issued in late March this year.

Earlier, on March 29, the US-based satellite internet service provider received approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority to begin operations in the country.

Now, the final hurdle for Starlink will be securing regulatory approval from the telecom ministry before launching its services commercially.

Globally, Starlink, operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is a major player in the satellite internet industry, which has become increasingly competitive.

Companies like Amazon's Project Kuiper, OneWeb, and Telesat are also deploying constellations of low-earth-orbit satellites to offer high-speed broadband, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Starlink currently operates over 6,000 satellites and serves more than three million users worldwide. The service is seen as a potential game-changer in regions where traditional fibre-optic or mobile broadband is either unavailable or unreliable.

The pricing for Starlink services varies greatly across markets.

In the US, a basic residential connection typically costs around $120 per month, while in some developing countries, including parts of Africa, Starlink has introduced subsidised rates as low as $30-$40 per month to make the service affordable.

However, the initial equipment cost, which includes the satellite dish and router, often remains a major barrier, with prices ranging between $200 and $500 depending on local subsidies and taxes.

Industry insiders believe Starlink's success will largely depend on its final pricing strategy and government regulatory conditions.

If approved by the telecom ministry, Starlink could begin offering services in Bangladesh within a few months, marking a significant milestone in the country's digital connectivity ambitions.​

 

[Saif]

Chief Adviser clears Starlink licence

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has approved the licence for Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider owned by SpaceX. The approval was granted on Monday, according to a statement released to the media by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing. With the nod, Bangladesh is now poised to

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Chief Adviser clears Starlink licence
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Apr 28, 2025 20:08
Updated :
Apr 28, 2025 20:19

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has approved the licence for Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider owned by SpaceX.

The approval was granted on Monday, according to a statement released to the media by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

With the nod, Bangladesh is now poised to become the second country in South Asia, after Sri Lanka, to adopt the service.

Considering all things involved, Foyez Ahmed, Special Assistant for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology to the Chief Adviser, reportedly told a local daily that Starlink is likely to launch its service in mid-May this year.​