As Bangladesh accelerates its journey toward becoming a digitally empowered economy, few sectors carry as much strategic importance as telecommunications. Once viewed primarily as a provider of voice connectivity, the telecom industry has evolved into the backbone of commerce, innovation, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. In this issue of the ECRL Monthly Economic & Business Review, we place this vital sector at the center of our analysis.
Our cover story, “Bangladesh’s Digital Backbone: An In-Depth Analysis of Operator Ecosystems and Fiber Infrastructure,” explores the remarkable progress and emerging challenges shaping the industry. With over 187 million mobile subscriptions and more than 131 million internet users, Bangladesh has built one of the largest digital connectivity ecosystems in South Asia. The sector has become a critical enabler of economic activity, supporting everything from mobile financial services and e-commerce to education and public service delivery.
Yet, despite these achievements, the industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. Rising data demand, expanding digital services, and the promise of next-generation technologies present immense opportunities. At the same time, regulatory complexities, high operational costs, infrastructure gaps, and investment constraints continue to limit the sector’s full potential. Our analysis examines how ongoing policy reforms, new submarine cable investments, and the push toward advanced digital infrastructure could reshape the future of connectivity and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global digital economy.
Beyond the cover story, this issue’s ECRL Thought article, “The Digital Transformation of Revenue System: Breaking Colonial Legacies for a Sovereign Fiscal Future,” explores how technology-driven reforms can modernize tax administration, improve transparency, and strengthen the country’s fiscal capacity. As governments worldwide embrace digital governance, Bangladesh’s revenue system must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
We also feature an exclusive interview with Dr. A. Mannan Khan, Chairman of Mango Teleservices, who shares valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing the telecommunications industry. His perspectives on infrastructure investment, regulatory reform, taxation, and digital inclusion provide a practical lens through which to understand the sector’s future direction.
Together, the articles in this edition highlight a common reality: digital infrastructure is no longer a supporting pillar of development—it is a defining one. The choices made today regarding connectivity, regulation, and technological investment will shape Bangladesh’s competitiveness for decades to come.
At ECRL, we remain committed to delivering research-driven insights that help policymakers, business leaders, and investors navigate these transformative changes. We hope this issue offers a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as Bangladesh builds the foundations of its digital future.