Meta expresses interest in opening office in Dhaka: State Minister

Meta has expressed interest in opening an office in Dhaka, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said Tuesday (September 22).

She made the disclosure at a press briefing at Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where she outlined activities from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first day at the 81st UN General Assembly.

Shama said the government held a “very productive” meeting with Meta and discussed the company’s plans to establish a focal point in Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman was scheduled to attend the meeting but could not join due to time constraints, she said.

“They are very interested. They want to establish the focal point in Dhaka,” the state minister said.

The discussions also covered Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Act, while Meta expressed willingness to cooperate in expanding e-commerce and online businesses in the country.

The development comes as Meta has recently expanded its engagement with Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem. The company, along with LightCastle Partners, held an AI-focused business event in Dhaka earlier this month and announced local payment facilities for businesses advertising on its platforms.