Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam. File Photo

DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS) - Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said the government wants to build Bangladesh not only as a technology user country but also as a technology-producing, exporting and innovation-driven nation.

Addressing a function marking the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026, he said the government considers the information and communication technology sector as a new driving force for economic growth and employment generation.

“The government wants to build a Bangladesh where technology will not only be used, but the country will also create a visible position in technology production, service delivery and exports through AI, hardware, semiconductor, software, BPO, server security, data centres, startups and digital services,” he said.

Posts and Telecommunications Division organized the event at the BTRC auditorium to observe the day as elsewhere across the world.

Referring to this year’s theme, “Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World”, the minister said digital connectivity is not merely a supporting tool for development but one of the key foundations of national progress, productivity, public services and economic competitiveness.

He said the government’s election commitments included establishing AI hardware hubs, creating one million new jobs, ensuring fast and reliable internet for all, expanding software, software app and hardware industries, strengthening national cyber security, building AI-driven data centres, ensuring digital sovereignty, forming startup innovation funds and building a technology-based cashless economy.

Anam said the concepts of “Made in Bangladesh”, “Assembly in Bangladesh” and “Serviced in Bangladesh” are not merely slogans, but outlines for production capability, local innovation and entry into global competition.

Highlighting the country’s digital progress, he said mobile phone connections in the country currently stood at 18.84 crore while internet subscribers reached 13.36 crore. He added that the 4G network has already reached 99 percent of the country’s population.

The minister said Bangladesh now needs not only to expand connectivity but also to make it more secure, inclusive, sustainable and resilient.

He said in a disaster-prone country like Bangladesh, resilience of digital infrastructure is directly linked to national security and public welfare. Telecommunications and digital systems must be planned in such a way that services do not collapse during crises, disasters or cyber emergencies.

Anam said the government aims to build a national digital resilience framework incorporating communication networks, submarine and test cables, satellite backup, data centres, cloud infrastructure, cyber security, emergency telecommunications and alternative digital systems.

He also stressed ensuring equal access to fast, reliable, inclusive and secure digital services for people living in villages, chars, coastal and hilly areas.

The minister said digital development would be successful only when its benefits reach every level of education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, trade, disaster management and citizen services.

He laid emphasis on server security, protection of citizens’ information, responsible use of artificial intelligence, research and innovation, skilled human resource development and technology-based commercial opportunities for the younger generation.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism M Rashiduzzaman Millat, MP, State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, State Minister for Liberating War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, and ICT Division Secretary Kazi Anwar Hossain also spoke as special guests with Posts and Telecommunications Division Secretary Bilquis Jahan Rimi in the chair.

Speaking as the special guest, Prime Minister’s adviser on telecommunications and information technology Rehan Asif Asad said Bangladesh aims to become one of the world’s top 20 digital economies within the next five years and among the top 10 digital economies in the following 10 years.

He said Bangladesh currently stands among the world’s top 20 countries in terms of mobile and broadband subscribers, but remains far behind in service quality, readiness, reliability and availability.

Rehan Asif said every 10 percent increase in broadband penetration contributes around 1.3 percent growth in GDP, while Bangladesh’s mobile data penetration currently stands at 50 percent.

“There is no other industry that can help our country grow faster and better than this sector,” he said, expressing hope that better broadband, higher reliability, improved data centers and AI-powered infrastructure for e-governance and the private sector could contribute 10 to 15 percent to GDP growth within the next five years.

He said Bangladesh must build the world’s best 5G and fiber broadband networks within the next five years and reduce the digital divide between Dhaka and rural areas.

In his welcome address, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (Retd) Emdadul Bari said innovation is essential for building digital resilience and solving real-life problems in a technology-driven society.

He said the theme of this year’s observance focused on building resilience for digital lifelines so that services do not collapse easily if one system is damaged.

Referring to satellite networks, aircraft navigation systems and hyper data centres, he said disruptions caused by solar storms or earthquakes could affect critical digital services, making resilience increasingly important.

The BTRC chairman said the relationship between technology and human progress evolved through science, invention and innovation, adding that productivity growth began when science was introduced into agriculture and production systems.

“Every invention and new technology brings the promise of productivity gain and progress,” he said.

Emdadul Bari said countries like Bangladesh, where invention is not the primary strength, must focus on innovation and adaptation of technology to solve practical problems.

Addressing the younger generation, he said the purpose of innovation is not merely using new technology but solving real-life problems through innovative application.

He urged young people to identify problems and work on solutions, saying meaningful innovation often begins with solving small practical issues.

“Find out a problem. The solution to your life will come from solving that problem,” he said.

At the ceremony, prizes were distributed among the winners of essay and other competitions. 

To mark the day, telecom fair was also organized at the BTRC.