The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is set to grant non-filtered data access to Starlink, though only for bandwidth exports to the regional market and not for direct sales to Bangladeshi users.
BTRC Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari made the announcement during the 21st Bangladesh Network Operators Group (bdNOG21) conference in the capital on Saturday, outlining the government’s latest policy shift aimed at modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure.
“The evolving digital landscape is creating a separate digital world,” Md Emdad Ul Bari stated. He highlighted the necessity for regulatory adjustments to align with global changes but emphasized that not all licensing barriers would be lifted immediately.
This development represents a significant step in Bangladesh’s broader strategy to adapt its internet policies to global standards. As part of these efforts, the BTRC plans to establish a coordination committee with industry stakeholders to facilitate smooth implementation of these changes and ensure equitable opportunities for all parties involved in the sector.
In his speech, the BTRC chairman also revealed plans to make IPv6 mandatory for government websites and e-tendering systems, a move that is expected to significantly modernize the country’s internet infrastructure.
The event also featured insights from other industry leaders. Md Razzaqui Islam, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce and Director of the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC), spoke about the government’s commitment to supporting surveys and research to map out the future of Bangladesh’s ISP sector. He emphasized the growing need for enhanced security measures as the country opens up more data to the public.
Additionally, BTRC Director General Brigadier General Shafiul Alam Parvez highlighted the alignment of national internet policies with global standards, while Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Mohammad Aminul Hakim urged professionals to apply for fellowships to attend the South Asian Network Operators Group’s 44th conference in Nepal, scheduled for May 15.
ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan expressed optimism that future policies would not only foster infrastructure development but also nurture skilled engineers to support the growing digital economy.
