[🇧🇩] ICT Industry in Bangladesh

[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

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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.​

 

[Saif]

Starlink official receives licenses for commercial operations in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued licenses in favour of Starlink Services Bangladesh Limited, enabling the company to provide internet services through non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems in the country. The license handover ceremony took place o

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Starlink official receives licenses for commercial operations in Bangladesh
UNB
Published :
Apr 29, 2025 21:55
Updated :
Apr 29, 2025 21:55

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has issued licenses in favour of Starlink Services Bangladesh Limited, enabling the company to provide internet services through non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems in the country.

The license handover ceremony took place on Tuesday afternoon at the BTRC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, said a press release.

BTRC handed over two separate licenses—Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Operator License and Radio Communication Apparatus License —to Starlink, marking a significant step in the expansion of satellite-based internet connectivity in Bangladesh.

The licenses have been granted for a period of 10 years, following prior approval from the government.

Under the first license, issued by BTRC’s Licensing Division, Starlink will be able to conduct commercial operations in Bangladesh. The second license, issued by the Spectrum Division, allows the company to use approved frequencies to provide internet services, as well as to import and use radio communication equipment and related devices.

Lt Col Syed Md Tawfiqul Islam, Director of the Licensing Division, handed over the first license to Rebecca Slick Hunter, Director of Global Licensing and Market Aviation at Starlink.

The second license was handed over by Dr Md Sohel Rana, Director of the Spectrum Division, also to Rebecca Slick Hunter.​

 

[Saif]

Tencent wants to enter Bangladesh. What’s its business?

It publishes some of the world's most popular video games and other high-quality digital content.

en.prothomalo.com

Tencent wants to enter Bangladesh. What’s its business?
Staff Correspondent Dhaka
Published: 29 Apr 2025, 19: 49

A logo of Tencent is seen during the World Internet Conference (WIC) in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province, China, 23 November 2020. Reuters file photo

Chinese multinational tech giant Tencent has expressed interest in entering the Bangladeshi market, according to Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on posts, telecommunications and information technology.

In a Facebook post on Monday, he wrote, “American giant Starlink has already come to Bangladesh. The chief adviser approved their license application today.” The arrival of major tech giants in Bangladesh has begun under the guidance of chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. Many more will follow.

In the same post, he added, “Today, we officially sat with Chinese giant Tencent. They have expressed interest in entering Bangladesh, and we have assured them of policy support at the earliest.”

Tayyab mentioned that the Osiris Group is also coming to Bangladesh. A hyperscale cloud and data center will be installed at the Kaliakoir Hi-Tech Park through local data and cloud companies. A world-class, secured cloud setup is being prepared to accommodate the giants like Meta and Google.

“Professor Yunus is set to present such unimaginable gifts to Bangladesh,” he noted.

What does Tencent do?

Founded in 1998 with its headquarters in Shenzhen, China, Tencent's guiding principle is to use technology for good. It identifies itself as a top internet and technology company. It publishes some of the world's most popular video games and other high-quality digital content.

At a seminar titled ‘Potential of Gaming Industry in Bangladesh’ in Dhaka last February, it was noted that the global gaming market has surpassed USD 200 billion, which is larger than the music and film industries combined. As a growing economy in the Asia-Pacific region, Bangladesh holds significant potential in the gaming sector. If the industry grows, it would not only boost the digital economy but also contribute substantially to the country's GDP.

Given this context, Tencent is interested in collaborating with local partners to advance the gaming industry and digital sector in Bangladesh.

According to a 2021 report published in Prothom Alo, there is no formal research on the video game market in Bangladesh. Industry insiders estimated the market to be worth around USD 50 million.

Beyond gaming, Tencent also offers a range of services such as cloud computing, advertising, FinTech, and other enterprise services. It owns WeChat, a popular Chinese messaging app, and also works on artificial intelligence (AI).

Tencent has been listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 2004.​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh’s internet future hampered by fragmentation, says APNIC Chief Scientist

Geoff Huston, Chief Scientist at the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), believes Bangladesh has made important strides in internet development but faces critical hurdles, particularly in IPv6 adoption and network security. Speaking at the APRICOT 2025 and APNIC 59 conference in...

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh’s internet future hampered by fragmentation, says APNIC Chief Scientist
Exclusive interview with Geoff Huston on why Bangladesh is falling behind in the internet revolution

Geoff Huston, Chief Scientist at the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC). Illustration: Zarif Faiaz

Geoff Huston, Chief Scientist at the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), believes Bangladesh has made important strides in internet development but faces critical hurdles, particularly in IPv6 adoption and network security. Speaking at the APRICOT 2025 and APNIC 59 conference in Kuala Lumpur, Huston outlined the country's progress, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

In an exclusive interview, he shared his insights into how Bangladesh can strengthen its internet infrastructure.

Q: What is your general observation about Bangladesh's IPv6* uptake compared to the rest of the world?

Geoff Huston: This is a data-driven question, so I'll need to refer to our measurements at APNIC. We use a unique method to measure IPv6 adoption through Google's advertising network. Every day, we run about 30 to 35 million ads across the internet, each containing a script that checks whether users can access IPv6-only resources. This allows us to obtain an accurate, up-to-date view of global IPv6 adoption.

Looking at Bangladesh specifically, we see that the country began its IPv6 journey in late 2021 and early 2022. On 23 March 2022, one of the major providers rolled it out. Currently, Bangladesh has an overall IPv6 adoption rate of about 2%, which is significantly lower than neighbouring India's 78%.

The three major providers in Bangladesh—Grameenphone, Axiata, and Banglalink—show relatively strong IPv6 deployment rates, ranging between 35% and 60%. However, their market share is relatively small. The numerous smaller ISPs in Bangladesh have yet to deploy IPv6. This is a common challenge: large companies with sufficient resources can afford to hire expertise for deployment, whereas smaller operators with limited technical staff struggle to do so.

Q: What initiatives can the government take to expedite IPv6 deployment in the country?

Geoff Huston: Bangladesh has a unique market structure compared to most countries. In many nations, the telecommunications market has consolidated around three or four major ISPs that collectively control about 90% of the market, with only a few niche providers serving specialised segments.

However, Bangladesh has not followed this pattern. The market here is highly fragmented, with numerous small operators. This fragmentation is important because IT operations benefit from economies of scale—larger providers can operate more cost-effectively than smaller ones. A single large ISP serving 100 million users will have a lower cost per user than 100 small ISPs each serving a fraction of that market. Bangladesh has three larger providers, but they are not dominant enough, and the market remains divided into many small segments.

Governments typically avoid intervening in markets, as telecommunications industries have been deliberately deregulated to encourage competition and consumer choice. In most countries, market forces lead to natural consolidation, where larger providers thrive and smaller ones are acquired. This type of consolidation has not yet occurred in Bangladesh, which is unusual from a global perspective.

Q: What advice would you give to ISPs and telecom operators in Bangladesh regarding IPv6 adoption?

Geoff Huston: In a market-driven system, service providers must offer services that customers need at prices they are willing to pay. If your services don't meet consumer demand, your business will struggle.

Interestingly, IPv6 itself is not a selling point for customers—they won't pay extra for it. What they care about is reliable and affordable service, particularly the ability to stream high-quality video without interruptions. If an ISP can provide that at a competitive price, it will thrive. If it cannot maintain service quality at reasonable rates, customers will switch to providers who can. In a competitive market, consumers make rational choices based on price and quality, which ultimately drives market evolution.

Q: Bangladesh has strong RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) ROA (Route Origin Authorization) uptake, but RPKI origin validation remains low. What is your observation on this?

Geoff Huston: Security is a complex field where decisions are often driven by mandates rather than independent risk assessments. RPKI does not necessarily make networks more secure in a broader sense—it primarily helps prevent accidental misconfigurations.

I understand the hesitation to fully implement RPKI origin validation. Handing over control of route filtering to an automated system is a significant step, and engineers are naturally cautious about allowing automated systems to control critical infrastructure. This is a standard conservative engineering approach: avoid changes that might cause unexpected failures in the middle of the night. That caution is both professional and appropriate.

Q: What can be done to improve RPKI origin validation?

Geoff Huston: This question touches on a deeper issue. RPKI provides less protection than many people assume. It primarily prevents accidental misconfigurations, but it is not very effective against deliberate attacks.

A major challenge is that the industry implemented partial security measures before completing the full security design. Currently, RPKI focuses on validating the origin of route announcements—ensuring that the entity creating the route is legitimate. However, routing security also requires protecting the path that routing information takes across the network. Existing technologies do not secure this path, allowing attackers to create deceptive yet seemingly legitimate routes.

As a result, while RPKI can catch accidental mistakes, it does little to stop sophisticated attackers from manipulating routes. Efforts to secure routing paths have been ongoing, but early solutions were too complex for widespread adoption, and newer proposals have been stuck in development for over a decade. Since there is no imminent solution, there is little urgency in deploying the current partial approach.

Q: Bangladesh has very low participation in the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). What challenges do you see?

Geoff Huston: I don't view this as a major issue. The IETF plays a specific role in the industry—it primarily ensures that network equipment from different vendors adheres to interoperability standards, much like ensuring that all cars can drive on the same roads.

Since Bangladesh does not manufacture network equipment, there is a limited need for local participation in IETF activities. Equipment vendors must engage with the IETF, but network operators generally do not.

For professional development in network engineering, organisations like APRICOT and regional network operator groups are more relevant than the IETF. These forums focus on practical engineering expertise rather than equipment standards. Thus, Bangladesh's low participation in the IETF is not necessarily a concern—it may not be the most relevant platform for the country's needs.

Q: What is your view on policymakers and non-technical participants engaging in the IETF?

Geoff Huston: The IETF is not the right place for policymakers. The internet has raised many important regulatory and policy questions regarding industry structure, digital infrastructure resilience, and more. These are critical topics, but the IETF is not designed for such discussions.

In OECD member countries, regulatory and policy discussions occur in forums like the OECD itself. However, this organisation includes only about 40 countries, and I am unaware of equivalent venues for non-member states. Regardless, the IETF is not a substitute for policymaking discussions.

Q: So, would you say that the IETF is meant exclusively for technical professionals?

Geoff Huston: The IETF is most effective when it stays focused on technical matters. Some have attempted to bring broader discussions into the IETF, thinking they were missing an important aspect, but they quickly realised that the discussions there are highly technical.

For instance, topics like human rights and digital policy do not fit well within the IETF's framework. The organisation exists primarily to ensure that network equipment is safe, reliable, and interoperable for telecommunications providers. That is its core mandate, and expecting it to serve a broader role is unrealistic. If it successfully fulfils this mission, then it is doing its job.

*IPv6 or Internet Protocol version 6 is a protocol used to identify and locate devices on networks, and to route traffic across the Internet. IPv6 is the successor to IPv4, offering a larger address space and improved features.​

 

[Saif]

Starlink gets 90-day waiver to operate without local gateway

The internet regulator in Bangladesh has granted Starlink permission to supply bandwidth from outside the country for 90 days.

www.thedailystar.net

Starlink gets 90-day waiver to operate without local gateway

Starlink, the satellite-based internet service provider founded by Elon Musk, has begun its operations in Bangladesh with a trial service. Image: Mariia Shalabaieva/Unsplash

The internet regulator in Bangladesh has granted Starlink permission to supply bandwidth from outside the country for 90 days.

This decision comes after Starlink requested the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to grant a temporary waiver, as the company's 90-day deadline to launch services in Bangladesh would expire before a local gateway could be established.

"We have allowed Starlink to supply bandwidth without a local gateway for 90 days," BTRC Chairman Md Emdadul Bari said yesterday.

He added that the waiver was granted since Starlink would be unable to make its local gateway operational within the government's targeted timeline for launching services.

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

According to the satellite internet guidelines in Bangladesh, providers must route their internet traffic through local gateways and connect to an International Internet Gateway (IIG) for data transmission.

As such, it remains unclear whether Starlink will be permitted to launch commercial services while supplying bandwidth from outside the country's gateway infrastructure.

On April 29, the BTRC granted Starlink a licence to operate satellite internet services in the country.

On March 25, the BTRC issued the "Licensing Guidelines for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) Satellite Services Operator in Bangladesh".

Under these guidelines, Starlink Services Bangladesh applied to the BTRC for an NGSO Satellite Services Operator License, submitting the applicable fees and necessary documents.

The company's local office is registered at a building in the capital's Karwan Bazar.

After receiving the application, the telecom regulator formed a seven-member committee to evaluate it. The committee verified all submitted documents and found them to be authentic and complete, recommending Starlink for the licence.

"This is the swiftest recommendation BTRC has ever made for such a licence," an official of the commission said.

Subsequently, a two-member team from the BTRC visited Starlink's Bangladesh office and also recommended granting the licence.

Starlink officials could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.​

 

[Saif]

Internet price to drop by 20% at ISP and IIG levels from July

Internet prices at the ISP (Internet Service Provider) and IIG (International Internet Gateway) levels will be reduced by 20% from July this year, said Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb. Faiz Taiyeb came up with the announc

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Internet price to drop by 20% at ISP and IIG levels from July
Published :
May 15, 2025 19:49
Updated :
May 15, 2025 19:51

Internet prices at the ISP (Internet Service Provider) and IIG (International Internet Gateway) levels will be reduced by 20% from July this year, said Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb.

Faiz Taiyeb came up with the announcement at a press conference held at the BTRC building in Agargaon on Thursday, marking the celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, according to UNB.

The internet prices at the ISP and IIG levels will be reduced by 20% from July 1, he said. The prices at the consumer level will also be reduced subsequently, he added.

Taiyeb also urged the mobile operators to align with this initiative. "Our goal is to provide quality internet services at affordable prices to citizens."

Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary to the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Md Zahurul Islam, Acting Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Major General (retd) Md Emdad-Ul-Bari, Chairman of Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) were also present at the press conference.​

 

[Saif]

Govt sincere to develop telecommunication, IT sectors: Prof Yunus

He urged all to work united to ensure world-class telecommunication and IT service for the people.

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Govt sincere to develop telecommunication, IT sectors: Prof Yunus
BSS Dhaka
Published: 16 May 2025, 19: 17

Interim government’s chief adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus File photo

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said the interim government is sincere in developing country's telecommunication and information technology (IT) sectors and it has ensured transparency and accountability in all the activities of these sectors.

The chief adviser made the comments in his message given on the eve of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, which is to be celebrated in the country tomorrow with the theme 'Gender Equality in Digital Transformation', an official release said.

"I am delighted to learn that World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is going to be celebrated on May 17 in Bangladesh like elsewhere in the world," he added.

The chief adviser said "Equal participation of men and women in all the sectors of digital transformation and utilization of telecommunication service and IT, is a prerequisite for building a discrimination-free and modern society."

The Chief Adviser added that the interim government is committed to ensure equal opportunities and rights for men and women in all the segments of digital transformation by upholding the spirit of July mass uprising, adding, "that is why I think the theme 'Gender Equality in Digital Transformation' was significant".

Different information technology services are being launched through union information and service centers across the country, he said adding Prof Yunus said Initiatives have already been taken for 'She-STEM' training for female students and special freelancing training for women entrepreneurs.

Bangladesh is going to get connected to satellite-based high-speed internet network, which is an important milestone in terms of ensuring continuous internet service across the country including the remote and inaccessible areas," he added.

He urged all to work united to ensure world-class telecommunication and IT service for the people.​

 

[Saif]

Internet: Can local ISPs survive the coming storm?

The internet revolution in Bangladesh did not begin with global tech giants or mobile operators. It began with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who, through personal grit and grassroots innovation, laid fibre optic cables across alleys, towns, and remote areas. In the early 2000s, young entr

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Internet: Can local ISPs survive the coming storm?
The digital lifeline at risk

MOHAMMED AMINUL HAKIM
Published :
May 19, 2025 10:10
Updated :
May 19, 2025 10:10

The internet revolution in Bangladesh did not begin with global tech giants or mobile operators. It began with local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who, through personal grit and grassroots innovation, laid fibre optic cables across alleys, towns, and remote areas. In the early 2000s, young entrepreneurs in cities like Dhaka, Narayanganj, Khulna, and Chattogram risked their savings to build networks that connected people to knowledge, jobs, and the wider world. These homegrown pioneers helped open the doors to freelancing, digital learning, and social media long before smartphones became ubiquitous. During the COVID-19 crisis, it was these ISPs who kept education and businesses running.

A New Era of Threats

Today, this sector faces an existential threat. A draft BTRC policy proposes allowing mobile network operators to offer wired broadband using both radio and fibre technologies-first to enterprises, and potentially to households next. On top of that, satellite providers like Starlink are knocking at the door, bringing global competition to local turf.

Yet the problems aren't just external. Frequent disconnections, poor customer service, unstructured cabling, and vague pricing have eroded public trust. But industry insiders argue the roots of this crisis lie deeper: excessive taxation, revenue-sharing burdens, layered VAT, the Social Obligation Fund (SOF), and the ban on infrastructure sharing have all stifled growth. Years of appeals to address these barriers have largely been ignored.

What Still Sets ISPs Apart

Despite mounting challenges, local ISPs still hold critical advantages. They are deeply embedded in their communities, quick to respond to service calls, and often more affordable than mobile alternatives. Unlimited broadband at 10 to 15 Mbps is still available for just 500 taka-a competitive offering by any measure. Their local networks are often more reliable, particularly during peak usage hours, and many enjoy strong trust built over years of personalised service. A Sector in Need of Transformation

But trust alone will not ensure survival. ISPs must urgently transform their business model. Continuing to offer low-cost, low-quality services is no longer viable. Investment is needed in core infrastructure, redundancy systems, and network monitoring. Customer service must be professionalised with proper helpdesks, live chat, and smart ticketing systems.

At the same time, ISPs must embrace in-house technology development-building their own CRM platforms, billing systems, and real-time alert tools. Associations must also step up advocacy to create a level playing field. Without clear policy support, ISPs will remain disadvantaged against global and mobile competitors.

There is also room to strengthen ties with communities. Through digital literacy campaigns, school partnerships, and internet awareness events, ISPs can reinforce trust and deepen their grassroots presence. Rural and semi-urban markets remain underexplored, with rising demand and less competition. Diversification is key-services like IP telephony, IPTV, cloud storage, and local CDN solutions can open new revenue streams and future-proof the business model.

What the Government Must Do

On April 19, 2025, the ISP Association pledged to offer 10 Mbps internet for 500 taka. This prompted IIG and NTTN providers to promise discounted bandwidth and infrastructure. Yet these promises remain unfulfilled. This highlights the urgent need for government intervention and regulatory enforcement.

The state must allow infrastructure sharing among ISPs, recognise internet service as an IT-enabled service, halt revenue sharing on internet access, and suspend the SOF collection. These measures are essential for fair competition and sectoral innovation.

A Crossroads for Connectivity

Bangladesh's ISP sector is at a turning point. This industry brought the internet into homes, empowered youth, supported remote learning, and kept services running in a pandemic. Yet now, these same providers face the risk of extinction.

The question is no longer about capability-the ISP sector has the experience, reach, and trust. The question is whether the government will choose to stand by these digital pioneers or let them be swept aside as mobile and foreign giants take over. For the sake of our digital future, the choice should be clear.

The writer is Chairperson of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum​