First-ever Broadband Expo opens in city

The country's first-ever Broadband Expo 2026 was inaugurated in the capital on Monday, bringing together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to highlight the future of Bangladesh's broadband and digital ecosystem.
Speaking as the special guest, Prime Minister's Adviser Rehan A. Asad said the government would prioritise three key areas over the next five years: ensuring universal connectivity, implementing the "One Citizen, One Digital Identity" initiative, and building an AI-driven digital Bangladesh.
He expressed the hope that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) would take appropriate steps to implement infrastructure sharing in the telecom sector and gradually fulfil the commitments outlined in the election manifesto.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, attending as the chief guest, underscored the need for a more investment-friendly tax structure in the digital sector, noting that the absence of such incentives could hinder growth. He also urged the government and the regulator to address longstanding challenges faced by internet service providers (ISPs).
BTRC Chairman Emdad-Ul-Bari said the term "Fixed Telecom Service Provider (FTSP)" would be reconsidered, with a return to the earlier "Internet Service Provider (ISP)" nomenclature under review. He added that the policy for the Social Obligation Fund (SOF) would be revised and that positive developments regarding infrastructure sharing could be expected soon.
Additional Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Zahirul Islam said the government would engage stakeholders to resolve issues related to ISP licence renewals and infrastructure sharing. ISPAB President Mohammad Aminul Hakim noted that ISPs have invested approximately Tk 200 billion in the sector, but only around 30 per cent of network capacity is currently utilised.
He said infrastructure sharing could significantly reduce unused capacity. Highlighting that broadband penetration stands at around 15 per cent, he expressed optimism that, with policy support, it could reach 50 per cent within five years.
He also emphasised the need for uniform transmission rates nationwide to implement a "One Country, One Rate" policy.
In his welcome remarks, ISPAB Secretary General Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan outlined key industry concerns, including licence renewal issues, and placed several demands before the government.
Organised by the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), the three-day expo is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre under the theme "Linking People, Linking Future".
The event features participation from a wide range of broadband and ICT companies showcasing services, software, hardware and network-based solutions. This year's event includes 10 pavilions, 35 mini pavilions and 20 stalls.
A key attraction of the expo is the "Experience Zone", where around 25 technology-driven projects -- including robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) innovations developed by university students -- are being displayed for visitors.
The organisers hope that the expo will open new horizons for the development of internet infrastructure, technological innovation and the expansion of digital services in Bangladesh.
The expo will continue until April 15, remaining open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the closing ceremony expected to be attended by prominent figures from various sectors.

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