Govt Crafting Flexible AI Law to Encourage Innovation

Bangabandhu Satellite-01, launched in 2018 with an investment of Tk 19.51 billion ($248 million), is deemed economically unfeasible due to underutilized bandwidth and low revenue. While 59% of its C-band transponders are used by local TV channels, 26 of the 40 Ku-band transponders remain unutilized. The satellite, with a lifespan extending to 2033, was expected to generate Tk 2.5-3.0 billion annually, but it only earned Tk 1.70 billion in FY 2023 and incurred operating costs of Tk 606.02 million.

Domain hosting businesses in Bangladesh are urging the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) to avoid acting as a domain registrar to ensure fair competition in the retail market. They also call on the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to address price disparities faced by private resellers and to boost the use of dotBD and dotBangla domains. In a recent BTRC meeting, it was noted that BTCL is facing challenges in domain sales due to poor service. The BTRC plans to set a floor price to prevent price discrimination and ensure equitable practices. BTCL will also be integrated into the DNS root zone to enhance cybersecurity and domain management.

Officials and employees of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division donated Taka 2,964,038 to support flood victims. The contribution, equivalent to one day's salary from each staff member, was presented in six cheques to Adviser Md Nahid Islam.

At a meeting chaired by ICT Adviser Md Nahid Islam, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority decided to rename all hi-tech parks, software technology parks, and IT training centers, as current names are linked to former Premier Sheikh Hasina's family.

Southeast Bank has signed an agreement with Genex Infosys to integrate its 'Acquiring Payment Gateway' into Genex’s Electronic Fiscal Device (EFD) machines. The deal, formalized at Southeast Bank's head office in Dhaka, will enable the routing of the bank's payment gateway through Genex’s EFD network, facilitating efficient card transactions and seamless VAT invoice generation for merchants across Bangladesh.

With the fall of Sheikh Hasina's dictatorial government, the IT sector is abuzz with joy and optimism under the newly formed government led by Dr. Yunus. The industry is hopeful for stability, good governance, democracy, and necessary reforms.