For the first time, VEON has brought its board meeting to Bangladesh, putting the country’s telecom and digital services landscape at the centre of discussions involving the global digital operator’s leadership.
The meeting was followed by a gathering with journalists at Crowne Plaza Dhaka Airport on Tuesday, where VEON executives and Banglalink leaders spoke about the company’s journey from a traditional telecom operator towards a broader range of digital services.
Banglalink CEO Johan Buse opened the event with a presentation on how the company has grown over more than two decades – from a challenger in the telecom market to a digital operator combining nationwide 4G connectivity with locally developed platforms.
The figures he shared offered a measure of that journey. Banglalink has invested $2.5b in Bangladesh and contributed $4b in taxes, while creating 10,000 jobs and building a customer base of 40 million, according to the company.
But the presentation was not just about connectivity. Buse also outlined Banglalink’s expansion into infotainment, artificial intelligence and digital financial services under an approach it calls “Digital for All”. The aim, he said, is to extend connectivity and digital inclusion across the country while working with the government.
The shift was also on display outside the presentation room. Guests were taken around product kiosks showcasing services and businesses including Starlink-powered direct-to-cell connectivity, RYZE, Toffee, Techvan, Mukto Pay and the newly launched Mukto App.
Banglalink product managers explained how the services work, while guests had the opportunity to try them out.
Banglalink described its Starlink-powered direct-to-cell service as the first of its kind launched by an operator in South Asia. The company also presented Mukto Pay, its newly launched digital payment platform operating as a payment service provider.
Other products reflect the range of areas in which Banglalink is seeking to build a presence. Toffee, its infotainment platform, has seven million monthly users, according to the company. RYZE is an artificial intelligence-powered lifestyle brand targeting young people, while Techvan focuses on making smartphones more affordable.
The event brought together VEON founder and board chairman Augie K Fabela II, VEON Group CEO and board member Kaan Terzioğlu, and Banglalink CEO Johan Buse. VEON board members Andrei Gusev, Sir Brandon Lewis, Duncan Perry and Michiel Soeting also attended.
Banglalink Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman moderated the press meet.
After the product demonstrations, journalists put questions to the executives. VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioğlu and VEON founder and board chairman Augie K Fabela II delivered the closing remarks.
