News Flash
DHAKA, Aug 6, 2025 (BSS) - One year since the historic July Mass Uprising that ousted the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has delivered a wave of transformative reforms in Bangladesh's digital and communication landscape.
Marking a decisive break from the previous government's widely criticized policies of internet blackouts, surveillance, and censorship, the interim administration has enshrined the right to uninterrupted internet access, declaring unequivocally that network shutdowns will no longer be used as a tool of political control.
In a landmark move, the government launched Starlink, Elon Musk's low-earth orbit satellite internet service that now ensures high-speed, affordable connectivity in both urban centres and rural heartlands. The satellite network, hailed as a game-changer, bridges the country's longstanding digital divide.
To protect this progress, a comprehensive Cyber Security Ordinance-2025 was enacted, creating legal and institutional safeguards for citizens' data, critical infrastructure, and online freedoms. This ordinance also replaced repressive laws used by the previous regime to suppress dissent and journalism.
Analysts note that these digital reforms have not only restored public trust but also laid the foundation for a future-forward Bangladesh. Investments in emerging technologies, startup ecosystems, and digital education have surged over the past year under the new administration's watch.
As the country reflects on the fall of fascism and the rise of a transitional leadership grounded in rights and innovation, the ICT gains of the past year are seen as a defining legacy of the July Uprising and the people's demand for change.
Starlink Launches Commercial Services in Bangladesh:
According to the officials Starlink officially commenced commercial operations in Bangladesh on May 20, 2025, following regulatory approval from BTRC. Starlink received two 10-year licenses from BTRC in April 2025: a Non-Geostationary Orbit Satellite Operator Licence and a Radio Communications Operator Licence.
Starlink is initially offering two residential plans:
Starlink Residential with monthly fee of Tk 6,000 and its speed: Up to 300?Mbps.
Besides, another is Starlink Residential Lite with monthly fee: Tk?4,200 and its speed: Up to 300?Mbps (deprioritized during peak network use)
Setup cost: Tk?47,000 one-time for the dish, router, cables, and accessories.
Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025:
The interim government has enacted Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025. While the online world offers opportunities, it also carries risks, fraud, and abuse. Issues such as identity theft, hacking, digital harassment, fake news, and profile cloning are constantly threatening young people.
The government enacted the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025 to ensure cyber security and to identify, prevent, suppress and prosecute crimes committed in cyberspace.
Serious incidents like the nationwide internet shutdown occurred during the July Uprising. This decision was seen as a serious blow to the democratic balance. In that context, the government gave legal recognition to the right of citizens to access the internet around the clock through the said ordinance.
Cyber security is not just a technical issue; it is a social, political and human aspect. The newly enacted Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025, has identified online gambling, forgery, cyber sexual harassment and cyber terrorism as crimes and ensured legal protection so that the youth are protected from such threats. At the same time, importance has also been given to ensuring that the freedom of expression of citizens is not curtailed.
Bandwidth Marks significant milestone:
On the other hand, the state-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cable PLC (BSCPLC) has marked a significant milestone by surpassing 4 terabits per second in international bandwidth (real-time internet traffic) transmission.
This achievement followed the commercial launch of satellite-based internet service (Starlink) in July, which added 200 gigabits of bandwidth supply. On August 1, BSCPLC reached the new milestone, continuing its upward trajectory, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
Previously, on April 28, BSCPLC had crossed the 3 terabits mark. Within just three months, the company added another terabit to its supply.
In contrast, in the eight months prior to April, usage had increased by only 1.10 terabits. During the previous tenure of the Awami League government, more than 65 percent of BSCPLC's capacity remained unused.
Under the current administration, bandwidth supply has increased by over 2.2 terabits in just one year, a growth rate of 105 percent.
This progress has been made possible due to the policy support from the Posts and Telecommunications Division, proactive initiatives by the company's management, and two rounds of price reductions.
As BSCPLC's share in the country's total bandwidth usage has grown, its revenue has also seen a significant rise.
Recently, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) amended its licensing guidelines, mandating all International Internet Gateway (IIG) operators to use at least 50 percent submarine bandwidth. This move has reduced dependency on India-based internet supply and encouraged greater use of submarine bandwidth.
In response, BSCPLC has introduced special packages with additional discounts for data centers, cloud providers, and hyperscalers.
The government has already signed agreements to participate in the revised routes of SEA-ME-WE 4, SEA-ME-WE 5, and SEA-ME-WE 6 submarine cable systems, which were recently approved in an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting.
Once implemented, BSCPLC's real-time internet capacity will be enhanced by an additional 17 terabits.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure and Reducing Disparity:
The network capacity of Union Digital Centres (UDCs) has been enhanced to ensure connectivity for all schools, colleges, madrasas, growth centers, and other institutions within the unions. Additionally, targeted initiatives have been launched to eliminate digital disparity across 653 unions.
Promoting ICT Education and Youth Engagement:
The ICT Division organized the National High School Programming Competition 2025 to foster interest in ICT and programming among secondary and higher secondary students. This initiative aims to popularize programming across schools, colleges, madrasas, and technical education boards nationwide. The growing demand for technologists and programmers in developing countries like Bangladesh underscores the importance of such programs.
A separate event, "Robotics for Junior," was also held with active participation from school students.
Ensuring Information Authenticity and Security:
The ICT Division conducted Digital Verification and Fact-Checking Training for Public Relations Officers from all ministries and divisions. A seminar titled "Comprehensive Security for KPI: Physical and Cyber Perspective" was also organized.
Capacity Building for the Fourth Industrial Revolution:
In the past year, Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) trained 54,803 individuals-including youth, government officials, and teachers-nationwide to prepare for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
Additionally, 1,659 individuals received ICT training at BKIICT and regional centers, while 231 differently-abled persons were trained in essential computer skills and digital marketing.
Enhancing National Digital Infrastructure:
BCC significantly contributed to building a digitally empowered nation. The Tier-III National Data Center provided 8,529 services to 250 institutions, including: email services, website and application hosting services, VPS services, network services and storage services.
The Advanced Digital Forensic Lab supported law enforcement agencies with services such as mobile, memory, database, instant messaging, computer, network, email, and web forensics.
Global Outreach and Startup Ecosystem Development:
International road shows were held in France and Japan as well as other countries to promote Bangladesh's ICT industry.
Three flagship programs, Youth Startup Summit 2025, Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025, and Expand North Star (GITEX) 2024 in Dubai, opened new horizons for startups.
Human Resource Development and Infrastructure Expansion:
To meet IT industry demands, training targets have been set for 55,000 youth by 2025 and 150,000 by 2031. So far, 36,538 individuals have been trained by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority.
The Authority has established 33 specialized labs in universities to foster research and skill development. IT Training and Incubation Centers have been set up in Natore and Rajshahi, with plans for 45 more centers and DPP formulation underway for 32 districts.
To support new entrepreneurs, IT Business Incubator was launched at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, and an IT Training and Incubation Center at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology.
Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority is developing 108 public and private hi-tech parks, software technology parks, and IT training centers-11 of which are fully operational. Incubation centers are being established in all 64 districts, with over 41,000 individuals already trained.
More than 230 organizations have received plots and spaces, and 151 local startups have been provided with free co-working spaces. Investments in these parks are Tk 2,150 crore, generating over 53,654 direct jobs.
Under the iDEA project, Tk 2.36 crore was distributed among 472 women entrepreneurs, each receiving Tk 50,000.
Software Requirement Specifications were documented for battery-run rickshaw management and mobile apps, with plans underway to launch a rickshaw enrollment module.
Promoting Responsible Media and Cultural Preservation:
To combat disinformation and hate speech, 18 community radio stations received content creation training.
Initiatives included: Strengthening digital and media literacy among students, 16 days of activism for social cohesion, Promoting responsible AI aligned with Bangladeshi culture, Training of Trainers (ToT) on digital literacy and responsible social media use and scientific documentation efforts have begun for 41 languages, including Bangla, to preserve them from extinction.
Commemorating Historical Movements and Promoting Peace:
To honor the July Mass Uprising, BCC organized workshops and exhibitions titled "Activism for Peace" across five divisions. Youth who were directly involved in the movement shared their vision for Bangladesh's future.
Six exhibitions showcasing 135 artworks were held in Dhaka, Chattogram, Mymensingh, Jashore, and Rangpur to promote peace, tolerance, and harmony. Additionally, 150 young artists participated in related workshops.
