5G for All: Faiz Calls for Fair Connectivity

“5G should not remain a privilege for the elite. Using its near-zero latency, even rickshaw drivers should be able to charge their rickshaw batteries,” urged Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor, addressing mobile operators. He recommended reviewing India’s successful 5G implementation as a model for broad accessibility.

Bangladesh has taken a significant step toward a next-generation digital future as Robi Axiata officially inaugurated its limited commercial 5G services. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Principal Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, emphasized the importance of making 5G accessible to all segments of society, not just the urban elite.

Speaking at Robi’s launch event, Taiyeb said, “5G is not a technology meant solely for the country’s elite. It is a tool to solve problems across every profession, for the rich and the poor alike. If we fail to do this, the technology’s maturity will take much longer to achieve, just as it did with 4G. Our IoT, machine-to-machine communications, business-critical networks, and companies using robotic hands or automated supply chains must have their needs addressed. Equally, we must recognize customers such as rickshaw drivers. We should tell a rickshaw driver how many more hours he can operate after charging his battery. Technology must reach every sector.”

Taiyeb urged operators to study India’s successful 5G adoption as a reference, stating, “We must ensure that 5G does not remain a luxury for the elite. It must reach from the hills to the plains, from riverside villages to small towns, and from metropolitan centers to district towns.”

He highlighted the key requirements for effective 5G rollout: spectrum availability, smart device penetration, and practical use cases. “We must expedite the release of 700 MHz spectrum while also utilizing 800 MHz, 900 MHz, and higher frequency bands for comprehensive coverage. The current challenge is that legacy networks, especially 2G, occupy valuable low-band spectrum. To deploy 5G effectively, we must incentivize users to migrate from 2G to 4G and 5G,” he added.

Taiyeb also noted, “5G is a latency-driven technology, but its purpose lies in practical applications. It must serve mission-critical, business-critical, and everyday user needs. The rollout must be inclusive, benefitting rickshaw drivers, farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals across all income levels.”

Commending Robi Axiata’s efforts, he said, “This is an auspicious moment as we stand on the verge of transforming Bangladesh’s legacy cellular network to a new generation. I congratulate Robi Axiata for achieving this remarkable milestone. Robi has a history of being first, and today they are leading the way again. However, being first is not enough. Inclusivity is essential.”

The event saw the presence of distinguished guests including ICT Division Secretary Shish Haidar Chowdhury, BTRC Chairman Emdadul Bari, Commissioner Mahmud Hasan, Director General Aminul Haq, and senior executives from Robi Axiata including COO Riaz Rashid, Company Secretary Shahedul Alam, and Chief Commercial Officer Shihab Ahmed.

According to officials, Robi’s 5G services have already been activated in select areas, including Fakirapool (Paltan), Shahbagh (Dhaka University), Mogbazar crossroad in Dhaka, Khulshi in Chattogram, and Sagar Dighi in Sylhet.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, BTRC Chairman Emdad Ul Bari, Commissioner Mahmrid Hasan, and Director General Aminul Haq.

Additional remarks were delivered by COO Riaz Rashid, Company Secretary Shahedul Alam, and Chief Commercial Officer Shihab Ahmed, highlighting Robi’s commitment to expanding 5G access nationwide.