World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 Celebrated in the Capital with Colorful Arrangements
5/17/2026
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 was celebrated in the capital with colorful arrangements under the theme:
“Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World.”
To mark the occasion, a discussion session and seminar were organized this morning at the main conference hall of the BTRC Building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
In his welcome speech at the inaugural ceremony, BTRC Chairman Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari (Retd.) stated that around 1.75 million kilometers of fiber optic submarine cables are currently spread across the globe, carrying nearly 99 percent of the world’s data traffic. He emphasized the need to make digital infrastructure safer, stronger, and more resilient. He also stressed the importance of developing technology-driven innovative solutions to local challenges.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Mr. Fakir Mahbub Anam, said that the government considers the ICT sector one of the key driving forces for the country’s economic growth and employment generation. He mentioned that the government is working to position Bangladesh strongly in technology production and exports through AI, hardware, semiconductors, cybersecurity, data centers, startups, and digital services. He further stated that the number of mobile phone connections in the country has reached 188.4 million, while internet subscribers have reached 133.6 million. He added that 4G network coverage has now reached 99 percent of the population.
Special guest and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Affairs, Rehan Asif Asad, said that Bangladesh is among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of mobile subscribers. He emphasized the importance of building world-class 5G and nationwide fiber infrastructure within the next five years. He also mentioned plans for “One Citizen, One Wallet, One ID” and the establishment of a national data bank. He highlighted the expansion of artificial intelligence in public services.
State Minister for Social Welfare, Farzana Sharmin, said that ensuring the safety of women and children in digital communication systems is now a necessity of the time. She stressed the need for effective measures against misinformation and disinformation and also emphasized the development of skilled human resources in the ICT sector.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, said that technological advancement is enabling government services to reach large populations within a very short time. He mentioned initiatives to expand modern digital services and Wi-Fi facilities at airports.
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Ishraq Hossain, stated that Bangladesh’s geographical position offers enormous potential for the growth of the telecommunications and digital sectors. He called for improving service quality and infrastructural capacity to position Bangladesh among the world’s leading digital service provider countries.
Secretary of the ICT Division, Kazi Anwar Hossain, said that even a single mobile message can save a life during disasters. He emphasized digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, paperless administrative systems, and the expansion of artificial intelligence, satellite data, and IoT technologies.
In her presidential speech, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, Ms. Bilkis Jahan Rimi, said that digital connectivity is no longer just a means of communication; it is now a foundation for the economy, education, healthcare, disaster management, and citizen services. She added that AI, IoT, 5G, cloud computing, and data technologies will open new horizons for the future economy and employment.
In a video message marking the occasion, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said that digital networks have now become lifelines for people. She emphasized the importance of building strong digital infrastructure, increasing international cooperation, and enhancing digital skills.
An online essay competition was organized in three categories to mark the day, and prizes were distributed among the winners.
The day-long programs also included the publication of a special supplement, unveiling of commemorative postage stamps, publication of a technology-based souvenir, essay competitions, and topic-based talk shows on various television channels.
In addition, a two-day telecom and technology fair is being held on 17 and 18 May at the BTRC premises. Around 30 telecom and technology-related organizations, including mobile operators, mobile handset manufacturers, tower companies, internet service providers, ICXs, IIGs, and BTCL, are participating in the fair.
It may be noted that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was established on 17 May 1865. Later, in 2006, it was officially declared that 17 May would be observed as “World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.” The day is currently being observed with due importance in 194 member countries worldwide.
Representatives from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and stakeholders from the telecommunications and ICT sectors participated in the event.
“Digital Lifelines: Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World.”
To mark the occasion, a discussion session and seminar were organized this morning at the main conference hall of the BTRC Building in Agargaon, Dhaka.
In his welcome speech at the inaugural ceremony, BTRC Chairman Major General Md. Emdad Ul Bari (Retd.) stated that around 1.75 million kilometers of fiber optic submarine cables are currently spread across the globe, carrying nearly 99 percent of the world’s data traffic. He emphasized the need to make digital infrastructure safer, stronger, and more resilient. He also stressed the importance of developing technology-driven innovative solutions to local challenges.
Speaking as the chief guest, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Mr. Fakir Mahbub Anam, said that the government considers the ICT sector one of the key driving forces for the country’s economic growth and employment generation. He mentioned that the government is working to position Bangladesh strongly in technology production and exports through AI, hardware, semiconductors, cybersecurity, data centers, startups, and digital services. He further stated that the number of mobile phone connections in the country has reached 188.4 million, while internet subscribers have reached 133.6 million. He added that 4G network coverage has now reached 99 percent of the population.
Special guest and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Affairs, Rehan Asif Asad, said that Bangladesh is among the top 20 countries in the world in terms of mobile subscribers. He emphasized the importance of building world-class 5G and nationwide fiber infrastructure within the next five years. He also mentioned plans for “One Citizen, One Wallet, One ID” and the establishment of a national data bank. He highlighted the expansion of artificial intelligence in public services.
State Minister for Social Welfare, Farzana Sharmin, said that ensuring the safety of women and children in digital communication systems is now a necessity of the time. She stressed the need for effective measures against misinformation and disinformation and also emphasized the development of skilled human resources in the ICT sector.
State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, said that technological advancement is enabling government services to reach large populations within a very short time. He mentioned initiatives to expand modern digital services and Wi-Fi facilities at airports.
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs, Ishraq Hossain, stated that Bangladesh’s geographical position offers enormous potential for the growth of the telecommunications and digital sectors. He called for improving service quality and infrastructural capacity to position Bangladesh among the world’s leading digital service provider countries.
Secretary of the ICT Division, Kazi Anwar Hossain, said that even a single mobile message can save a life during disasters. He emphasized digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, paperless administrative systems, and the expansion of artificial intelligence, satellite data, and IoT technologies.
In her presidential speech, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division, Ms. Bilkis Jahan Rimi, said that digital connectivity is no longer just a means of communication; it is now a foundation for the economy, education, healthcare, disaster management, and citizen services. She added that AI, IoT, 5G, cloud computing, and data technologies will open new horizons for the future economy and employment.
In a video message marking the occasion, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said that digital networks have now become lifelines for people. She emphasized the importance of building strong digital infrastructure, increasing international cooperation, and enhancing digital skills.
An online essay competition was organized in three categories to mark the day, and prizes were distributed among the winners.
The day-long programs also included the publication of a special supplement, unveiling of commemorative postage stamps, publication of a technology-based souvenir, essay competitions, and topic-based talk shows on various television channels.
In addition, a two-day telecom and technology fair is being held on 17 and 18 May at the BTRC premises. Around 30 telecom and technology-related organizations, including mobile operators, mobile handset manufacturers, tower companies, internet service providers, ICXs, IIGs, and BTCL, are participating in the fair.
It may be noted that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was established on 17 May 1865. Later, in 2006, it was officially declared that 17 May would be observed as “World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.” The day is currently being observed with due importance in 194 member countries worldwide.
Representatives from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Ministry of Social Welfare, Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, and stakeholders from the telecommunications and ICT sectors participated in the event.