Dhaka: Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam announced today that the government is planning to upgrade more than 9,000 post offices nationwide. This initiative aims to modernize postal services and bring them closer to people's doorsteps.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks at a press conference held at the ICT Division Conference Room to mark 180 days of the BNP government. Faqir Mahbub Anam, who also serves as the Science and Technology Minister, emphasized the government's commitment to aligning postal services with international standards and maintaining public trust in government-run services.
The minister highlighted ongoing efforts, including joint ventures and technology support from Chinese postal companies, to enhance the postal service. He announced the inauguration of 10 postal franchises with plans for future expansion. Furthermore, e-commerce activities, from product collection to distribution, have commenced through 14 fulfillment centers across the country, achieving 90 percent progress in modernizing postal processing and logistics services.
Faqir Mahbub Anam also discussed advancements in the telecommunications sector. Free Wi-Fi has been installed at eight airports and six railway stations, and intercity trains now offer Wi-Fi with satellite company support. The BTRC has launched an experimental high-speed internet service on the 'Pink Bus,' and GPON broadband capacity has been increased.
The government is also focusing on providing low-cost data packages for students and freelancers and enhancing internet connectivity in educational institutions. Efforts are underway to improve the service quality of the state-owned mobile operator, with drive tests completed over 5,000 kilometers and 300 new sites launched. The introduction of Voice over Wi-Fi and VoLTE is currently in trial stages.
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, internet services are being extended to 100 schools using LEO satellites. A pilot program is testing the integration of artificial intelligence into BTRC's customer complaint resolution system.
Regarding international bandwidth, the minister reported that equipment installation and testing for a new subsea cable under the Third Submarine Cable Project have been completed at the Cox's Bazar landing station.