Quality, meaningful connectivity remains government’s key goal: Faqir Mahbub
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said Bangladesh’s key goal now is to ensure quality and meaningful connectivity, rather than merely expanding connections.
He said, “The focus was now not only on expanding connectivity but also on ensuring quality, affordability, reliability and meaningful connectivity.”
He said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 37th meeting of the Wireless Group (AWG-37) of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) at a city hotel as the chief guest, said a press release.
Faqir Mahbub Anam, also Science and Technology Minister, mentioned that Bangladesh had around 191 million mobile subscriptions and more than 108 million customers using 4G services as of July 2026. The country has more than 49,000 4G sites, around 46,000 towers and a 173,000-kilometre fibre-optic network.
At the same time, Bangladesh needs to enhance its capabilities in future technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, software, hardware and 5G, he added.
He said AWG is an important platform for international cooperation, experience sharing and preparation for future wireless technologies.
The minister further said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to expanding fast and reliable internet connectivity, strengthening national and international digital infrastructure, ensuring healthy competition and making telecommunications services more affordable.
“The government aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global digital economy by enhancing digital capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software, hardware and other technology-driven industries,” he said.
Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Bilquis Jahan Rimi noted telecommunications sector is changing rapidly, saying timely policies, modern infrastructure, skills development and international cooperation are crucial to ensuring the benefits of new technologies.
She said Bangladesh’s longstanding cooperation with APT is playing an important role in knowledge and technology exchange, expressing hope that the meeting would further strengthen mutual experience sharing and regional cooperation.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari (Retd) presided over the programme.
The AWG-37 meeting, attended by representatives and experts from different countries in the Asia-Pacific region, will discuss wireless communication, spectrum management, emerging technologies, network management and legal limits, among other issues.
The meeting will place emphasis on formulating regional recommendations on these issues and strengthening cooperation among member countries.
The organisers expressed hope that hosting AWG-37 in Bangladesh would further strengthen international cooperation in the country’s telecommunications sector and its active participation at the regional level.
BTRC Vice Chairman, commissioners and senior-level representatives of telecommunications regulatory bodies from the Asia-Pacific region, APT Secretary General Dr. Masanori Kondo and APT Wireless Group Chairman Dr. Daejung Kim attended the programme.
