Dhaka: Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today emphasized that Bangladesh’s primary goal is to ensure quality and meaningful connectivity, moving beyond merely expanding connections. He stated, “The focus was now not only on expanding connectivity but also on ensuring quality, affordability, reliability and meaningful connectivity,” while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 37th meeting of the Wireless Group (AWG-37) of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) at a city hotel as the chief guest, according to a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Faqir Mahbub Anam, who also serves as the Science and Technology Minister, revealed that as of July 2026, Bangladesh boasts around 191 million mobile subscriptions and over 108 million customers utilizing 4G services. The country supports this connectivity with more than 49,000 4G sites, around 46,000 towers, and a 173,000-kilometre fibre-optic network. However, he noted the necessity for Bangladesh to advance its capabilities in future technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, software, hardware, and 5G.
The minister highlighted the significance of the AWG as a platform for international cooperation and experience sharing, playing a vital role in preparing for future wireless technologies. He reassured that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to expanding fast and reliable internet connectivity, strengthening both national and international digital infrastructure, ensuring healthy competition, and making telecommunications services more affordable.
Minister Anam reiterated the government’s ambition to bolster Bangladesh’s standing in the global digital economy by enhancing digital capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software, hardware, and other technology-driven industries.
Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Bilquis Jahan Rimi remarked on the rapidly changing telecommunications sector, emphasizing the importance of timely policies, modern infrastructure, skills development, and international cooperation to reap the benefits of new technologies. She commended Bangladesh’s longstanding collaboration with APT, which plays an important role in knowledge and technology exchange, and expressed hope that the meeting would further strengthen mutual experience sharing and regional cooperation.
The AWG-37 meeting, presided over by Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Maj Gen Md Emdad Ul Bari (Retd), gathered representatives and experts from various Asia-Pacific countries to discuss wireless communication, spectrum management, emerging technologies, network management, and legal limits, among other topics. The gathering aims to formulate regional recommendations on these issues and enhance cooperation among member countries.
Organisers are optimistic that hosting AWG-37 in Bangladesh will foster stronger international cooperation in the nation’s telecommunications sector and bolster its active participation at the regional level. High-level representatives from telecommunications regulatory bodies across the Asia-Pacific region, including BTRC Vice Chairman, commissioners, APT Secretary General Dr. Masanori Kondo, and APT Wireless Group Chairman Dr. Daejung Kim, were present at the programme.