Govt to enact law to prevent internet shutdown: Faiz Ahmad

The government of Bangladesh is set to amend the telecommunications law to permanently prohibit arbitrary internet shutdowns, ensuring that no future administration can disrupt internet access at will.

Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, made the announcement at a press conference held Friday at the InterContinental Hotel in Dhaka. The event marked the official launch of the US-based satellite internet company Starlink in Bangladesh.

“We will never shut down the internet under any circumstances,” said Taiyeb. “To prevent any government from shutting it down in the future, we are working to amend the telecommunications law.” While the process is complex, the government aims to complete the legal amendments within the next year.

Starlink will appoint its own distributors in Bangladesh and manage customer service independently. Taiyeb emphasized the government’s clear stance on internet control and security: “No shutdowns, only protection through law.”

Responding to queries about Starlink’s pricing compared to other countries and plans for customized offers, Taiyeb stated, “Pricing decisions are up to the company. However, our prices are significantly lower than Sri Lanka’s. Price flexibility may be introduced in the future for coastal, island, and remote areas as demand grows.”

Starlink’s service has already started, with all logistics and approvals finalized. Tayyab said usage and expansion will increase over time. “Our goal is to provide high-quality, high-speed internet to the public. Satellite internet is a new generation of connectivity, complementing mobile and broadband services. Competition will be market-based, with opportunities for all providers.”

The launch ceremony was attended by senior Starlink officials, including Loren Dreyer, Vice President of Business Operations, and Richard Griffiths, Director of International Strategy and Government Relations. Also present were Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdadul Bari, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, and other officials.