Banglalink celebrates 20 years: Lighting the path to an AI-driven digital future

Banglalink, Bangladesh's innovative digital operator, celebrated its 20th anniversary on January 28 with a resounding commitment to leading the country into a digitally inclusive and AI-driven future.

The milestone event, held in Dhaka, brought together visionaries from various industries, business partners, and government representatives to reflect on two decades of transformative impact and unveil a roadmap for the future of digital innovation in Bangladesh.

Over the last 20 years, Banglalink has played a key role in transforming Bangladesh's telecommunications landscape, evolving from a provider of affordable voice services into a driving force behind the country's digital ecosystem. In alignment with Bangladesh's growing demand for digital convenience, Banglalink, with a purpose rooted in empowering people, has democratised access to mobile communication, technology, and digital services for millions through its diverse digital portfolio – tailored for Bangladeshis by Bangladeshis.

From the launch of MyBL, the nation's first telco super app, to Toffee, the leading homegrown digital entertainment platform, and RYZE, the country's first AI-powered digital lifestyle solution designed for the youth, Banglalink has consistently raised the bar for digital innovation in telecommunications. These platforms exemplify Banglalink's commitment to enhancing lives by providing seamless access to education, healthcare, entertainment, productivity tools, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Aligned with VEON's DO1440 strategy, which focuses on delivering value every minute of the day, Banglalink's digital platforms are transforming lives across the country. The MyBL Super App boasts nearly eight million active monthly users, while Toffee is a top infotainment platform, engaging over seven million monthly users. RYZE gained rapid popularity within days of its launch among digitally savvy youth due to its advanced AI-driven capabilities.

"As we celebrate Banglalink's 20th year, it is our privilege to serve Bangladesh more enthusiastically than ever. Throughout these 20 years, Banglalink has been a challenger that constantly pushed the bar higher for the telecommunications industry as a whole. Over the past few years, we have evolved even further, becoming the country's leading digital enabler. I am honoured and excited to see Banglalink play an essential part in Bangladesh's journey as it redefines its future," said Augie K Fabela II, Chairman of the Board and Founder of VEON, highlighting VEON's commitment to Bangladesh.

"As the people of Bangladesh build the new foundations for the country's growth, we consider it a privilege to empower this journey with VEON's digital operator model, now enhanced further with augmented intelligence. With its home-grown digital services like Toffee, MyBL and RYZE, Banglalink takes connectivity and access to education, healthcare, information and entertainment to every corner of the country. We will continue to invest in solutions that empower the people of Bangladesh, and, importantly, we will continue to invest in the talented and digitally-savvy youth of the country," said Kaan Terzioglu, Group CEO of VEON and the Chairman of the Banglalink Board, emphasising the importance of digital inclusion in driving the country's growth.

"The Banglalink team has a proven track record of bringing the most innovative products and services to the people of Bangladesh. We have now set out sight to make AI-driven digital services accessible in every corner of Bangladesh. By partnering with the government and the private sector, we will leverage AI to transform education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that every Bangladeshi and every Bangladeshi business has the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital and inclusive economy," said Erik Aas, CEO of Banglalink, sharing the company's future roadmap, emphasising the vision of democratising AI for all.