Prime Minister's Adviser on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, April 25, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister's Adviser on Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad today said that connectivity is now the top priority of the government as it has aimed to connect 90 percent of the population with 5G. 

The government will make decisions on this in consultation with all stakeholders in the industry and work has already begun, he said.

Rehan Asif also the Premier's Adviser on the Ministry of Science and Technology made this remark while Speaking at a seminar titled "New Telecom Policy: Expectations of Entrepreneurs", organized by the Telecom and Technology Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB) in a city hotel.

"Nothing is more important than connectivity for this government," he said.

The second priority is to build a unified digital ecosystem through a nationwide digital identity system, he said, adding that "One citizen, one digital ID, one digital wallet" is their goal.

He explained that each citizen will receive a digital ID linked to a digital wallet that can connect with banking and mobile financial services.

"Every citizen has the right to a digital ID and a digital wallet," he said.

The government is studying global models such as Singapore's and Estonia's digital system.

The adviser mentioned that their third priority is to turn Bangladesh into an AI-enabled economy.

"We want to call it an AI-enabled Bangladesh," he said, adding that artificial intelligence will be introduced in education and industry.

He added that despite a large pool of young talent, Bangladesh earns less than many peers from sectors like business process outsourcing and freelancing.

The fourth priority is reforming the telecom tax system, which Asad said places a heavy burden on both users and operators.

"When someone recharges Tk 100, they receive only Tk 62 worth of service. The remaining Tk 38 goes to the government," he noted, saying the government plans to review the entire telecom value chain to improve service delivery.

He said that not all problems will be solved immediately, but the current work marks the start of a longer reform process.

With TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey in the chair, General Secretary Maduduzzaman Robin delivered welcome address.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Chairman Major General Md Emdad Ul Bari (retd) spoke the discussion as special guest.

Telecom and ICT experts and stakeholders also spoke.