ISPs Urged to Ensure Inclusive, Inexpensive Internet: BTRC Chairman’s Call
The newly elected leaders of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) have been encouraged by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to focus on ensuring affordable and quality internet services across the country. BTRC Chairman Md. Emdadul Bari made this call during a courtesy meeting on Sunday, May 18, following the ISPAB elections.
A delegation of 11 newly elected ISPAB directors visited the BTRC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka, to meet the Chairman. The official role distribution among the elected directors is scheduled for Monday. During the meeting, the delegation voiced concerns related to business interests and regulatory uncertainties.
The team, led by ISP United Panel head and CEO of Amber IT Limited Aminul Hakim, introduced themselves before engaging in discussions. Among those who participated were Saiful Islam Siddique, Managing Director of ICC Communication Ltd.; Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, MD of KS Network Ltd.; Md. Mithu Hawlader, CTO of Invention Technologies Ltd.; and Moin Uddin Ahmed, CEO of Red Data (Pvt.) Ltd.
Other directors present included Neyamul Haque Khan, Chairman of Majeda Networks Ltd.; Rashedur Rahman Rajon, MD of One Sky Communications Ltd.; Mahbub Alam (Raju), CEO of Circle Network; and Sabbir Ahmed (155). From the associate category, Raiisul Islam Tuhin of Tuhin Enterprise, Fuad Mohammad Sharfuddin of Fisha Communication, Md. Zubayer Islam of SM Zubayer IT Expert, and SM Saiful Islam Selim of Shobuj Bangla Online also attended.
According to meeting sources, the BTRC Chairman congratulated the new committee and urged them to deliver high-quality broadband internet services nationwide. The newly introduced licensing regime was also discussed, where the Chairman reassured the business leaders that there was no reason for concern. He hinted that the new licensing structure might reflect long-standing demands of the broadband industry.
Following the meeting, the ISPAB leaders visited a two-day tech fair held at the BTRC premises to mark World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. The fair showcased innovations from 31 public and private ICT organizations.
During the tour, the ISPAB leaders observed drones capable of flying without runways, designed for military and agricultural use by the Narsingdi Science and Robotics Lab. They also interacted with young inventors and examined advanced prosthetic bionic hands developed by local innovators.
Amirul Islam, co-founder of Narsingdi Science and Robotics Lab, said they had developed 12 commercial drones in-house using their own technology. Two agricultural drones were also under development. The drone bodies are manufactured using 3D printing, and the costs are slightly more than half compared to similar foreign models.
Before leaving, the newly elected ISPAB leaders spent time at BTRC’s “36 July” corner. Reflecting on the fair, Saiful Islam expressed optimism about the younger generation, stating, “I want to stand by them to help make their dreams a reality. Strong ties among students, academics, and entrepreneurs will certainly take this nation to new heights.”
