WB-funded Tk3,172cr project to boost nationwide broadband, digital services
The project proposal has been submitted to the Planning Commission for final approval.
Highlights:
- Project proposal submitted to Planning Commission; full implementation targeted by 2031
- About 39 million to gain high-speed internet; 78 million to access secure digital services
- $200 million private investment in broadband expansion expected
- Advanced skills training to help reach $5 billion in IT exports
- Focus on connecting rural areas, women, and youth; reduce the gender digital divide
The state-run Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) is set to launch a Tk3,172 crore project aimed at expanding access to affordable and resilient broadband internet and digital services, while strengthening the capacity of individuals and institutions to participate in the digital economy.
The World Bank will provide Tk3,106.41 crore in loan support for the initiative, which seeks to provide citizens with easy, secure, and inclusive digital services, while helping Bangladesh achieve its target of $5 billion in IT exports through improved technological skills.
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Shish Haider Chowdhury, secretary of the ICT Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, told TBS that the milestone project aims to ensure 100% broadband internet coverage and introduce a one-stop platform for government services, enabling citizens to access birth registration, NID, passport, and TIN information all in one place.
The project will also focus on skill development to boost IT product exports, he said.
The project proposal has already been submitted to the Planning Commission for final approval and is scheduled for full implementation by 2031.
Under the project titled D-STAR (Digital Service Transformation for Access and Resilience), approximately 39 million people will gain access to high-speed and reliable broadband internet, while 78 million people will benefit from secure, user-centric digital public services, according to the proposal seen by TBS.
Around $200 million in private capital will be invested in broadband connectivity. Advanced digital skills training will enhance the country's capacity to achieve $5 billion in IT exports.
BCC officials said that the project will unlock digital opportunities for people in rural and remote areas, as well as for women and youth. At the same time, government services will become more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.
Project details
The D-STAR project aims to expand affordable, climate-resilient broadband and strengthen Bangladesh's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), targeting three groups – individuals, businesses, and government institutions.
For citizens, it will improve internet access, especially in rural areas, provide secure access to government services, and offer digital skills training for youth and women. For businesses and entrepreneurs, it will enable open-access fibre networks, better data-sharing systems, simplified processes, lower compliance costs, and targeted support for women-led enterprises.
For the government, the project will deliver climate-resilient broadband, interoperable infrastructure, and secure, transparent digital services.
The initiative leverages private sector investment to extend connectivity to over 27 million underserved users and address the gender digital divide, while also investing $95.5 million in interoperable platforms for inclusive, efficient service delivery.
It establishes three strategic pillars: (a) affordable, quality broadband, (b) interoperable digital services through DPI, and (c) digital upskilling to support a $5 billion IT export target.
To expand broadband coverage, the project will reform legal and regulatory barriers, including fragmented licensing, infrastructure ownership limitations, and weak asset-sharing regulations, while providing matching grants to fibreize and upgrade tower infrastructure for 4G and last-mile connectivity in rural areas.
A five-year training plan will build the capacity of Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) officials in telecom regulation, QoS, cybersecurity, spectrum management, and digital service supervision.
The project also focuses on gender-inclusive digital access and human capital development. It will strengthen BTRC's regulatory and operational capacity, establish a National Data Exchange, Digital Identity Ecosystem, and Hybrid National Cloud to facilitate secure data sharing and evidence-based policymaking, and expand ICT training, certification, and job placement programs in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, IoT, and fintech.
