Broadband Backbone for Connectivity, AI, and Digital Access
Broadband is no longer a luxury but an essential requirement for education, healthcare, e-governance, and business and commerce. Broadband is the main driving force on the path toward a Smart Bangladesh.
This statement was made by Minister of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology Faqir Mahbub Anam while delivering the chief guest’s address at the closing ceremony of Broadband Expo 2026, held on Wednesday, 15 April at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
The Minister said the expo is an important platform for the country’s digital advancement, showcasing the real-world applications of modern technologies such as fiber optics, cloud computing, IoT, and artificial intelligence.
Faqir Mahbub Anam stated that the government is working to bring high-speed internet to remote areas, make broadband more affordable, and ensure a business-friendly environment. He also remarked that employment opportunities will be created through AI and freelancing training in every upazila.
He called for stronger coordination between the government and the private sector to jointly accelerate the country’s digital development.
In a special guest speech, Secretary of the ICT Division Kazi Anwar Hossain said that strong and reliable connectivity is now the highest priority for building a Smart Bangladesh.
He further said, “The government’s three main goals are connectivity, ‘One Citizen, One ID, One Wallet’, and the application of artificial intelligence in health, education, and the public sector. The core foundation of achieving these goals is uninterrupted and high-quality internet connectivity. ISP entrepreneurs are our focal point in ensuring this connectivity. Without a reliable network infrastructure, achieving digital transformation is not possible.”
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of broadband infrastructure development, policy support, and ensuring affordable internet services. They expressed hope that such initiatives would further accelerate and strengthen the country’s ICT sector.
Special guests at the event included Chairman of the Parliamentary Special Committee Advocate Zainul Abedin, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation Abdus Salam, and Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Major General Md. Md. Emdad Ul Bari.
Senior officials of ministries, representatives of regulatory bodies, ISP entrepreneurs, technology experts, young innovators, and both local and foreign guests were also present at the event.
DBTech/MZU/EK/OR
