Speakers at a programme stressed that broadband connectivity has become an essential service underpinning education, healthcare, e-governance and commerce, as Bangladesh accelerates its transition towards a "Smart Bangladesh".
Addressing the closing ceremony of Broadband Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Posts, Telecommunications and ICT and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam on Wednesday night said broadband is now "the main driving force" of the country's digital transformation.
He said the government is working to expand high-speed internet to remote areas, make services affordable and create a business-friendly environment, adding that AI and freelancing training at the upazila level would help generate employment.
ICT Division Secretary Kazi Anwar Hossain, speaking as the special guest, emphasised that reliable and uninterrupted connectivity is the top priority for building a Smart Bangladesh.
He outlined key government goals, including "One Citizen, One ID, One Wallet" and the wider application of artificial intelligence in public services, noting that these depend on robust network infrastructure.
The three-day expo, organised by the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh under the theme "Linking People, Linking Future", brought together policymakers, technology firms, ISPs and young innovators. With multiple pavilions and stalls, it showcased a range of solutions from fibre optic networks and cloud services to Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and AI-driven applications.
Industry participants highlighted a shift from basic internet provision to integrated digital services. Companies demonstrated innovations such as real-time tracking systems, environmental monitoring platforms, automated billing solutions and next-generation networking devices, including Wi-Fi 6 and high-speed routers.
Infrastructure providers also showcased core components such as fibre optic cables, servers and data centre services, underlining the backbone required for expanding connectivity nationwide.
A notable attraction was the student innovation zone, featuring robotics and drone projects.
Teams from leading universities presented locally developed technologies, including a Mars rover prototype and an indigenous drone initiative, reflecting growing efforts to reduce reliance on imported technology and foster homegrown innovation.
Speakers at the event called for stronger public-private collaboration, policy support and continued investment in broadband infrastructure to ensure affordable and high-quality internet services across the country.
The event was attended by senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders and technology experts, alongside local and international participants.
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