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 5000–6000 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.
Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said the government is working with priority to expand 5G and artificial intelligence services to the rural level across the country. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to curbing corruption in the sector. According to the minister, around one million jobs will be created in the ICT sector over the next five years.
Special guest at the seminar was Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, while the keynote speaker was Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Chairman Major General (Retd.) Emdad Ul Bari.
At the event, the keynote paper titled “Shaping the Era of Telecom: Bangladesh Perspective” was presented by Robi Axiata PLC Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Sahed Alam.
Among others, speeches were delivered by MTB Secretary General Lt. Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Zulfikar, Chief Executive Officer of the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Nurul Kabir, former Director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission Khaled Abu Naser, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Professor Dr. Lutfa Akter, Managing Director of Teletalk Bangladesh Limited Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Banglalink Taimur Rahman, and General Secretary of the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) Masuduzzaman Robin.
DBTech/IH/EK/OR
