Government to Ensure 20 Mbps Broadband Nationwide

Policy Update:
The government is set to mandate a minimum broadband internet speed of 20 Mbps nationwide, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak announced on May 17. This update will be included in the National Broadband Policy this year.

World Telecommunication Day Announcement:
Speaking at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day event in Dhaka, Palak emphasized the government’s focus on embracing artificial intelligence (AI) while safeguarding citizens from its misuse. He highlighted a new law that will require labels on AI-generated videos to prevent confusion and misuse.

Future Plans:
Palak also mentioned plans to launch the Bangabandhu-2 earth observatory satellite with optical radar within the next five years.

Event Details:
Post and Telecommunication Secretary Abu Hena Morshed Zaman chaired the event, which was attended by key figures such as BTRC Chairman Mohiuddin Ahmed, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited Chairman Shahjahan Mahmud, and ICT Secretary Shamsul Arefin. Abdul Bari, policy advisor of the EDGE project, presented the keynote on the potential benefits of innovation by 2030. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin encouraged innovation in her video message.

Broadband Policy Goals:
The draft National Broadband Policy 2024 aims for 100% broadband coverage in villages, homes, educational, and healthcare facilities by 2031. Previously, the 2009 policy set a minimum speed of 128 Kbps, which has since increased to a current minimum of 5 Mbps.

Internet Statistics:
As of March, Bangladesh had over 12 crore mobile internet connections and 1.34 crore fixed internet connections, according to BTRC.