Broadband Backbone for Connectivity, AI, and Digital Access
The three-day Broadband Expo 2026 concluded with various innovative project stalls, exhibitions, honors for lifetime members, a band performance, and a feast. The fair showcased practical applications of modern technologies like fiber optics, cloud computing, IoT, and artificial intelligence. University students' 25 innovative projects based on robotics, IoT, and other fields caught the eye.
The closing ceremony of the fair was held on Wednesday, April 15, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Ministry of Science and Technology was the chief guest at the event.
In his closing remarks, he stated unequivocally that broadband is no longer a luxury but essential for education, health, e-governance, and commerce. Broadband is the main force on the path to a Smart Bangladesh.
The minister described such expos as an important platform for the country's digital advancement. He 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 mentioned that the government is working to deliver high-speed internet to remote areas, make broadband affordable, and ensure a business-friendly environment. He also commented that employment will be created by launching 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.
In his address as a special guest, Abdus Salam, Administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, assured cooperation in removing overhead cables in the city. He stated that stakeholders need to work together to find a sustainable alternative solution to this problem.
At the event, ISPAB President Aminul Hakim called for maintaining the ‘Divisional ISP Layer Intact’ and declaring ISPs as ‘IT Enabled Services.’
Advocate Joynul Abedin, Chairman of the Special Committee of the National Parliament, and Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari, Chairman of BTRC, were present at the closing ceremony. Also present were BTRC Vice Chairman Abu Bakr Siddique and Zahirul Islam, Additional Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telecommunications, senior officials from the ministry, representatives from regulatory bodies, ISP entrepreneurs, technology experts, young innovators, and domestic and foreign guests.
ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan delivered the opening remarks at the closing ceremony.
The ‘Broadband Expo 2026,’ which began on April 13th, was organized by the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB). The expo was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, Dhaka, and ran until April 15th. The theme of this year's Broadband Expo was ‘Linking People, Linking Future.’ The fair featured 10 pavilions, 35 mini-pavilions, and 20 stalls showcasing internet service-related services and solutions.
DBTech/MZU/EK/OR
