GP holds 26th Annual General Meeting virtually
The 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Grameenphone Ltd. has concluded successfully today. In line with the instructions of the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Grameenphone has held its AGM virtually over a digital platform, with an aim to ensure continuous and meaningful shareholder engagement and participation.
Jorgen C. Arentz Rostrup, Chair of Grameenphone Board; Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone; and other Board members and senior officials of the Company were present virtually at the AGM conducted by the Company Secretary, S M Imdadul Haque.
Jorgen C. Arentz Rostrup, Chair of the Grameenphone Board, said, “2022 was a milestone year for Grameenphone, as we marked 25 years of providing mobile connectivity for millions of people and businesses across Bangladesh. Despite adverse regulatory and macroeconomic challenges, the Board of Directors is pleased to report that the Company delivered on top-line growth, enabled by network investments, strength in market execution, and greater efficiency from digital transformation and modernisation efforts across the organisation. Grameenphone continues to provide the strongest network experience in Bangladesh to meet the growing data demands of our vast customer base and was among the first operators to conduct 5G trials in major cities nationwide, paving the way for future innovation opportunities.”
“Looking forward, Grameenphone will continue to expand the services it offers as connectivity partner to the nation and digital enabler of the “Smart Bangladesh 2041” ambition. Working with government organizations and global tech leaders, the company has designed a range of programs to prepare the country’s young minds and a focus for the year ahead will be to help them to unleash their full potential by equipping them with the necessary skills needed for 4IR,” he added.
Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, said, “In 2022, as always, our customers continued to be our biggest priority, and we strived to serve their growing needs and deliver better experiences with modernizing efforts and continuous investment. We acquired the maximum allowable 60 MHz spectrum in the auction for the 2600 MHz band and also focused on expanding the network. Despite various challenges, we successfully maintained our network strength and drove constant innovation- introducing e-SIM for the first time in Bangladesh while also further developing our customized product portfolio. Grameenphone is built on the foundation of connecting the unconnected with a purpose of empowering societies. We are working passionately in collaboration with public, private and development organizations to upskill the youth of Bangladesh with future-fit skills.” He further added, “Overall, in 2022, we delivered strong financial results and have taken some definitive steps to improve customer experience. We remain committed to creating value in the lives of our customers, stakeholders, and shareholders and hold our place as the preferred digital connectivity partner in Bangladesh.”
During the AGM for 2022, the Board of Directors of Grameenphone Ltd. has approved a final dividend in cash at the rate of 95% of the paid-up capital, or BDT 9.5 per share of BDT 10 each. With this cash dividend pay-out, the total cash dividend stands at 220% of the paid-up capital, including the previous -125% interim cash dividend pay-out, amounting to 98.72% of Profit After Tax for the year 2022. 2022 also marks a successful year for Grameenphone in terms of modernizing networks and operations, focusing on making Grameenphone a future-fit organization with the right mix of leadership, capabilities, tools, innovation, and partnerships. Technology is advancing, and the industry landscape is changing led by evolving digital lifestyle of our customers. Grameenphone is relentlessly striving to develop a company that sustains its leadership position in this new era of digitalization. Grameenphone has redefined its strategy this year to transform from a telecom company to a telecom-technology company focusing on its business model, operation, and capabilities. As Bangladesh is on its way to becoming a smart nation, Grameenphone, being the digital connectivity partner, will continue to ensure superior customer experience, co-creating with partners, expand services to make Grameenphone future-fit with the right infrastructure and skillsets.