At a seminar organized by the Telecom Reporters Network of Bangladesh (TRNB) on “The Importance of Telecommunications Networks to Meet Future Challenges,” Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Emdadul Ul Bari emphasized that internet access should be a fundamental right and should never be interrupted. He highlighted that ensuring robust and inclusive digital connectivity should be the priority for customers, operators, and the government alike, with BTRC acting as a fair referee to ensure equal access rather than focusing solely on business protection.
In his address, Bari underscored the establishment of National Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) to separate transmission networks, which has since faced challenges and criticisms regarding its service delivery. Bari questioned whether NTTNs were fulfilling their intended role, noting issues such as limited Point of Presence (POP) infrastructure and insufficient Fiber to the Home (FTTH) coverage outside of Dhaka. He called for a sustainable, demand-driven approach to network expansion to ensure that connectivity truly reaches underserved areas.
Further, the chairman suggested the need for an asset-light model for network management and proposed involving third parties in managing transmission networks. He also advocated for reducing mobile internet prices, stressing the importance of broadband as a sustainable solution to lower costs and meet the needs of a growing digital economy. Bari urged stakeholders to prioritize sustainability and affordability in internet services and mentioned the submission of a broadband policy to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology.
In the keynote speech presented by former TRNB president Rashed Mehedi, it was reported that by 2024, Bangladesh will have a transmission network covering approximately 171,106 kilometers, extending internet-based services to union levels across the country. Mehedi’s report highlighted the need for policies that promote affordable and accessible digital infrastructure, especially to enable greater participation from younger demographics.
BRAC University professor Saimum Reza Talukdar recommended a review of telecom policies, focusing on infrastructure, content, and competition to prevent internet shutdowns under any circumstances. Additional seminar speakers included Dhaka University professor Mosaddeq Hossain Kamal Tushar, Teletalk acting managing director Nurul Mabud Chowdhury, Fiber@Home managing director Moinul Haque Siddiqui, AMTOB secretary-general Md. Zulfikar, and ISPAB president Imdadul Haque.
