Bangladesh is giving its local internet identity a much-needed boost. With a renewed focus on the country-code .bd domain, authorities are making it easier, faster, and more affordable for businesses, freelancers, and government agencies to secure a local web address.
The move comes as part of a broader push to strengthen digital trust, expand online services, and encourage homegrown web presence in an increasingly globalised digital economy.
The .bd domain has been around for a long time, but most users preferred global domains instead. High costs, limited awareness and slower registration processes were the reasons. With the rapid growth of Bangladesh’s digital economy and online services, policymakers are looking to promote local domain use among business and government agencies.
BTCL has lowered fees for both the second level and third level .bd domains, which were a major part of this push. Domains with names longer than two characters now receive discounts of up to 36 per cent. Under the revised structure, third-level domain registration fees have been reduced from Tk1,100 to Tk700, while renewal fees have fallen from Tk1,600 to Tk1,020.
Second-level domain registration fees now stand at Tk1,280 instead of Tk2,000. Renewal costs have also dropped from Tk2,500 to Tk1,600. The organisation expects the lower prices to encourage wider participation from startups, freelancers and businesses.
The organisation has also introduced a modern reseller system to simplify the purchasing process. Customers can now buy domains through authorised resellers listed on the official website.
The initiative also includes updated governance measures aimed at preventing misuse and protecting established brands. Recognised organisations can secure their official names through proper documentation. Companies seeking to register a .bd domain that matches an existing .com address must provide proof of ownership. Government agencies have been encouraged to prioritise registration to strengthen official digital identity across public services.
Restrictions have been placed on domain names that resemble state institutions or use protected terms such as gov or govt. Domains designed to mimic official extensions for fraudulent purposes may be rejected. BTCL and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will jointly handle disputes through a formal review process. Domains containing offensive or unethical language will not be approved either.
Under the current guidelines, resale or leasing of domains and subdomains remains prohibited. BTCL announced the price reductions on January 11, while the official launch of the second-level domain and related policy was announced on Thursday, January 29.
With lower costs, simpler registration, and stronger governance, the .bd domain is now positioned to become a key part of Bangladesh’s digital landscape.
