Minister Calls for Long-Term Digital Investment

Long-term private investment will be crucial to the next phase of Bangladesh’s digital transformation, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has said. He noted that international investors bring not only capital but also technology, innovation, global expertise and international best practices. Combining these capabilities with Bangladesh’s young population, entrepreneurial spirit and growing digital skills could open up new opportunities.

 On 28 September,  the minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an event marking 30 years of Robi Axiata PLC’s operations in Bangladesh, held at the Sheraton Hotel in Banani, Dhaka, on Monday evening.

Faqir Mahbub Anam said Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector had undergone a remarkable transformation over the past three decades, bringing significant changes to communication, employment, education, citizen services, and business and commerce.

“An investment-friendly policy environment that is transparent and stable is necessary to ensure investors’ confidence. Only through continuous dialogue among the government, industry and relevant stakeholders can we ensure an environment conducive to investment, innovation and sustainable growth,” he said.

Highlighting the opportunities created by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud technology, digital services and modern data infrastructure, the minister said these technologies could open up new avenues for economic growth and employment. He called on stakeholders to work together to harness the technological opportunities of the next 30 years, building on the achievements of the past three decades.

Nick Rizal Kamil, group chief executive officer and managing director of Axiata Group Berhad, said, “Robi’s 30-year journey is essentially a reflection of Bangladesh’s digital transformation. Having started its journey in 1997 as Aktel, Robi is now one of the country’s most trusted partners in digital connectivity and innovative services. Axiata remains firmly committed to continuing its long-term investment and strategic partnership in Bangladesh’s digital advancement.”

State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin attended the event as a special guest. Also present were Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md Emdad Ul Bari, Robi Axiata PLC Managing Director and CEO Ziad Shatarah, and senior officials of the Axiata Group.

//DBTech/ZIP/SME/MIST//