Photo: BTRC

DHAKA, April 15, 2025 (BSS) – The Universal Acceptance Day 2025 was observed today at BTRC, aiming to promote a more inclusive and multilingual internet ecosystem.

To mark the occasion, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) in cooperation of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), hosted a technical workshop and a special conference at the BTRC, according to a press release.  

Technologists, researchers, stakeholders related to the telecommunications sector as well as officials from various government and private organizations joined the occasion. 

On this occasion, BTRC Chairman Major Gen (Retd) Md. Emdad-ul-Bari launched BTRC's own website and email application on the “btrc.bangla” domain.

In his opening remarks, BTRC Director General (Engineering and Operations) Brig Gen Shafiul Azam Parvez emphasized the significance of Universal Acceptance Day, highlighting its relevance in the current digital landscape.

During his welcome speech, BIGF Secretary General Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu called for BTRC’s continued support in promoting the use of the .bangla domain. He also underscored the various collaborative initiatives undertaken by BIGF and BTRC to advance this cause.

Delivering the keynote presentation, Mohammad Mamunur Rashid, Associate Professor in the Department of Bangla at Jahangirnagar University, pointed out that 49.2 percent of internet content is in English, while only 16 percent of the global population is native English speakers. This language imbalance limits access for many communities around the world to find content in their own languages, he said.

He presented an in-depth and insightful analysis on the use of Bangla online, elaborating on the context of Universal Acceptance as well as its economic relevance and potential.

Professor Rashid further noted that AI models, including ChatGPT, often prioritize English and other Western languages. He stressed the need to develop content, interfaces, and digital tools in Bangla to ensure inclusive internet access.

He concluded by emphasizing that this is vital for the economic, cultural, and technological advancement of our country, people, and society.

BTRC Deputy Director Dr Shamsujoha highlighted the technical aspects of Universal Acceptance, saying new top-level domains are set to be introduced in 2026. 

He emphasized the significant potential for Bangladesh and recommended joint public-private initiatives with interested entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity.

Joining virtually, Vice President and Managing Director of ICANN’s Asia Pacific Region, Sameeran Gupta stressed the importance of a multilingual Internet, especially for non-English speakers. He elaborated on ICANN’s ongoing work related to domain names and Universal Acceptance, affirming the organization’s readiness to provide technical and engineering support as needed.

Director of ICANN Board, Sajid Rahman said Internet was originally designed to unite people, but it has often created divide— especially linguistic ones. 

He underscored the importance of equal Internet access for all to build an inclusive digital future, praising BTRC’s initiative as a vital step toward creating a robust Universal Acceptance ecosystem involving all stakeholders.

Domain Division Manager at BTCL Mustafa Al Mamun and Mahfuzur Rahman from Amber IT elaborated the technical challenges of supporting multilingual Internet use. They said ongoing development of software and technical infrastructure will be essential for the effective implementation of Universal Acceptance.

In his speech, BTRC Chairman emphasized the irreplaceable role of one’s mother tongue in communication, pointing out that expressing cultural and social nuances often becomes difficult in foreign languages. 

To bridge the digital divide, he stressed the need for improving both connectivity and equitable Internet usage.

BTRC Commissioner (Spectrum) Mahmud Hossain, BIGF Chairperson Aminul Hakim and official concerns were present.