Telecom Transparency, AI Expansion and TeleTalk Revival Pledged at TRNB Policy Seminar

The government has pledged greater transparency and accountability in Bangladesh’s telecom sector, with Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam urging journalists to produce objective, data-driven reporting on the industry.

“Do such reporting that keeps us under pressure,” the minister said while addressing journalists.

He also stated that the government is now seriously focusing on 5G and artificial intelligence (AI). According to him, plans are underway to establish AI and freelancing training centers for young people at the upazila level.

Highlighting recent government initiatives, the minister said that within three months of assuming office, the government introduced free Wi-Fi internet services at airports following railway stations, aiming to expand citizen access to digital services.

“The government is working to implement its plans. However, as an elected government, we also have certain obligations,” he added.

The minister expressed optimism that state-owned mobile operator TeleTalk could surpass Grameenphone in the future if investments worth Tk 500–600 crore are made.

He further said that instead of privatizing TeleTalk, the government is exploring investment opportunities through government-to-government (G2G) partnerships or public-private partnership (PPP) models.

“We are working to ensure reliable internet services for everyone by expanding fiber and satellite connectivity. We are also giving the highest priority to AI, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity,” he said.

The remarks were made on Saturday, 16 May, at a policy seminar organized by the Telecom Reporters Network Bangladesh at InterContinental Dhaka.

DBTech/IH/EK/OR