Bangladesh needs stronger data governance and OTT regulation, but not through disruption or disproportionate compliance burdens. A sequenced, market-aware approach combining digital literacy, smarter enforcement, and competitive local infrastructure can protect citizens while preserving exports, entrepreneurship and economic resilience.
During the preceding interim government, on January 12, 2025, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission made a decision that permitted mobile operators to offer data packages. This implies that mobile operators will have the autonomy to design their own packages and market them to consumers. As a result of this decision, mobile operators are enabled to provide data packages of varying durations and volumes, ranging from one hour to unlimited access. An investigation by Views Bangladesh has revealed that, by leveraging this opportunity, three foreign-owned mobile operators have accrued an additional approximate revenue of Tk4,000 crore from customers throughout 2025 by strategically pricing their packages. In contrast, the domestic operator Teletalk has refrained from employing this strategy for generating extra income. Furthermore, mobile operators are also seizing the chance to charge a minimum of 45 paisa and a maximum of Tk2 per minute for voice calls. While no other country in the world has a floor price for voice calls, Bangladesh stands out as the only nation where the regulatory authority has permitted mobile operators to impose higher charges for voice calls on customers rather than fostering competition.
The highly anticipated inaugural session of the 13th National Parliament commences today, March 12.
The recent tensions surrounding the United States, Israel, and Iran have brought to the fore an old problem in international politics—the reliance of powerful states on military power in world politics. While the governments involved justify their actions in the name of security and deterrence, the larger reality paints a different picture. This conflict once again demonstrates how the politics of geopolitical hegemony profoundly affects the lives of ordinary people, regional stability, and the global economy.
Although Iran is seemingly behind the United States and Israel in terms of modern fighter jets, powerful air defense systems, or sophisticated intelligence capabilities, the country has emerged as an 'irresistible' regional power in the past few decades.
Global crude oil prices are rising rapidly as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed and the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel intensifies. As a result, not only the energy market but the entire global economy is facing growing risks. Analysts warn that if oil prices continue to climb, it will have a direct impact worldwide on the prices of essential goods and the daily cost of living for ordinary people.
To reduce the long-standing suffering of litigants, prevent fraud in bail documents, and make the bail process faster and more transparent from the court to the prison, Bangladesh is introducing a digital bail bond system—known as “e-Bail Bond”—for the first time. Under the existing system, it often takes several days for bail documents to reach prisons from the courts. However, under the new online system, once a judge approves bail, the order will be transmitted directly to the concerned prison authorities.
The fashion industry is as expansive today as it was a few years ago. It has undergone significant transformations, experiencing numerous highs and lows. After several decades, entrepreneurs are beginning to perceive a glimmer of optimism within this sector.
VIOLENCE against women and young girls in Bangladesh is a widespread concern for all. A significant number of women are experiencing various forms of violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence. In Bangladesh, 70 per cent of the women have experienced at least one form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
War is raging in Iran, and Bangladesh has run out of fuel. It feels as if America has attacked Bangladesh, not Iran. A severe crisis over fuel oil and LPG has gripped the entire nation, as if we have closed the Strait of Hormuz ourselves even before Iran did. No gas, no petrol – the only reliance is on electricity or solar power.
Professor Dr. Sakhawat Ali Khan is a distinguished educationist and journalist. He is considered a pioneer in the fields of media, mass communication, and journalism education in Bangladesh. Journalist Sakhawat Ali Khan possesses extensive experience. He commenced his professional career at a weekly publication named Sonar Bangla. Subsequently, he became a part of Paygam. On January 5, 1965, he joined Dainik Pakistan, a newspaper affiliated with the National Press Trust. This newspaper began its operations on November 6, 1964. By 1971, Sakhawat Ali Khan held the position of senior sub-editor at Dainik Pakistan. Although he had no official assignment on March 7, 1971, he was present at the Race Course Maidan in his capacity as a journalist. Views Bangladesh is sharing his experiences with the courtesy of Rahat Minhaz, Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Jagannath University.
On March 7, 1971, at the then Racecourse Maidan, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered a momentous speech that served as an indirect declaration of independence. UNESCO has acknowledged the March 7 speech as a "Global Authentic Heritage." Millions of Bengalis assembled at the event that day to listen to Bangabandhu's voice. He stepped onto the stage, raised his finger, and proclaimed, "The struggle of this time is our struggle for freedom..."