Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has announced that the government is shifting its focus from simply expanding internet networks to high-quality, reliable, and affordable digital services.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Wireless Group (AWG-37) at a hotel on Monday, the minister emphasised that “meaningful and qualitative connectivity”, rather than just a basic connection, is now the state’s primary objective.
Bangladesh has made significant strides in network expansion. Up to July 2026, the country has recorded approximately 191 million mobile subscriptions, with more than 108 million customers using 4G services. This digital footprint is supported by over 49,000 4G sites, nearly 46,000 mobile towers, and 173,000 kilometres of fibre optic network.
However, the minister stressed that the priority must now move beyond physical expansion. The government’s core goal is to guarantee quality of service, affordable pricing, reliability, and meaningful connectivity, whilst simultaneously boosting Bangladesh’s digital capabilities in next-generation technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software, hardware, and 5G.
Describing the AWG as a vital international platform for cooperation, sharing experiences, and preparing for future wireless technologies, the minister wished the meeting every success.
He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government remains committed to expanding fast and reliable internet connections, strengthening local and international digital infrastructure, ensuring healthy competition, and making telecommunications services more affordable.
This strategy is designed to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global digital economy by boosting digital capabilities in AI, cybersecurity, software, hardware, and other technology-dependent industries.
Speaking at the event, Bilquis Jahan Rimi, secretary of Posts and Telecommunications Division, observed that the telecommunications sector is transforming rapidly. She pointed out that timely policies, modern infrastructure, skill development, and international collaboration are highly crucial to secure the benefits of emerging technologies.
She noted that Bangladesh’s long-standing cooperation with APT plays a key role in knowledge and technology exchange, expressing optimism that the AWG-37 meeting would further strengthen mutual experience sharing and regional cooperation.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Md Emdad Ul Bari .
The AWG-37 meeting, which is being attended by representatives and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region, will discuss wireless communication, spectrum management, emerging technologies, network management, and regulatory boundaries.
The event focuses on formulating regional recommendations on these issues and strengthening cooperation among member states. Observers expressed hope that hosting the event in Dhaka will increase international cooperation in Bangladesh’s telecom sector and further consolidate its active regional participation.
The opening ceremony was also attended by BTRC vice chairman and commissioners, high-level representatives of telecommunications regulatory bodies from Asia-Pacific region, APT Secretary General Masanori Kondo, and APT Wireless Group President Daejung Kim.
