Broadcast Bonds and Bold Tech: ICBC Expo 2025 Unites Industry Stakeholders

Embracing innovation and fostering collaboration could take Bangladesh’s broadcast sector to new heights, said industry leaders at the country's first-ever International Cable TV, Broadcast, and Communication (ICBC) Expo 2025. For the first time under one roof, television broadcasters, cable operators, ISPs, IIGs, NTTNs, and tech providers gathered to explore new dimensions of broadcast, OTT platforms, cloud technology, and start-up TV solutions.

Held at the western tent of the Bashundhara Convention Center in Dhaka, the expo features 62 companies across 96 stalls, each showcasing at least one smart TV to present their digital services. Participants shared brochures and service information with visitors, partners, and industry peers, offering promotional gifts such as chocolates, pens, paperweights, and keyrings.

Among the exhibitors, top internet service provider ICC Communication Limited and OTT platform Ayna Scope set up a joint stall, offering a blend of broadband and entertainment. ICC announced a 20% discount on broadband packages for Eid and an additional incentive: customers paying six months in advance would receive the seventh month free. Ayna Scope, meanwhile, offered customized OTT and IPTV software solutions to ISPs and cable operators, complete with CDN support for content delivery.

Nearby, the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) stall introduced visitors to Starlink-powered satellite internet access. By scanning a QR code, attendees experienced the cutting-edge technology firsthand.

Almost half the expo is occupied by leading Bangladeshi TV channels, demonstrating their broadcasting technology and live coverage setups. Studio equipment like autocues, Octopus newsroom systems, and OBS software are on display. Participating broadcasters include Jamuna TV, News24, Channel i, Somoy TV, ATN Bangla, Ekattor, RTV, Boishakhi TV, DBC, Ekushey TV, Deepto TV, Channel 24, Ananda TV, Mohona TV, and MyTV.

Internet providers like Amber IT, Summit Fiber@Home, Mir, and Carnival are present alongside cable and hardware vendors such as Rasa, TechBD, Provident, Sadia, Aurora Network, and Dhaka Network.

The expo, which runs until May 24, was inaugurated on Thursday with BSCL Managing Director Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman as the chief guest.

In his speech, Dr. Rahman urged industry stakeholders to embrace new technologies and work as collaborators rather than competitors.

"There’s no longer anything to distribute through cable TV; ISPs are expanding TV accessibility. That’s why the entire industry must focus on strong collaboration to develop a common OTT-based platform," he said.
"We are all part of the same ecosystem. We must adopt new technologies and produce high-quality content for international audiences. If our TV channels don’t become sustainable industries, this sector won’t survive. A healthy media and broadcast industry is essential. For that, policies must be developed."

The opening ceremony was chaired by ABM Saiful Hossain Sohel, President of the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB). Other speakers included Zahid Uddin Mahmud Mamun, Treasurer of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO); Syed Mosharraf Ali Chanchal, General Secretary of COAB; and Nizam Uddin Masud, Convener of the expo.

Zahid Uddin Mahmud Mamun warned that reliance on advertising revenue alone is not a viable path forward.
"Without digitization and resolving existing issues, it won’t be possible for us to survive. TV channels must improve technologically and in terms of content quality. COAB and broadcasters must modernize. Through modernization, we can transform our TV industry into a larger, more sustainable sector," he stated.

COAB President Saiful Hossain Sohel echoed this sentiment, noting the challenges cable operators currently face.
"We are going through a crisis. Relying solely on advertising won’t allow domestic channels to survive, and if they don’t, neither will we. The sector urgently needs coordinated solutions and investment in every area," he said.

General Secretary Syed Mosharraf Ali Chanchal emphasized the significance of this milestone.
"Expos like this happen around the world, but not in our country. After 16 years, following a new committee election, we’ve organized this international-standard expo. Today, ISPs and cable operators have come together under one roof. We no longer see ISPs and cable TV as separate entities. For systemic improvement, we must move forward together. This united platform gives us hope to hold such an exhibition every year," he said.

During the event, Star News, a 24-hour news channel preparing to launch in June, signed a broadcast agreement with BSCL. With this contract, the number of channels broadcasting via BSCL has risen to 37. The agreement was signed by BSCL Managing Director Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman and Star News CEO Moksedul Kamal Babu, in the presence of the channel’s Head of News, Waliur Rahman Miraj.

Also in attendance were Aminul Haque, President of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB); Senior Vice President Saiful Islam Siddique; and Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan.