Redwan Ahmed is a freelance journalist and fixer/local producer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He reports on human rights, the readymade garments industry, and climate change issues. He also covers any breaking news.

Violence Erupts as Thousands Demand Bangladesh PM Resign

28 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Elections

Police in Bangladesh used tear gas, sound grenades, and rubber bullets to disperse a massive opposition rally in Dhaka, demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation for a fair election. The clashes resulted in injuries and at least one police death. The United States condemned the violence, urging calm. The opposition, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, accused the government and police of obstructing their rally and called for a nationwide strike. The protests continue despite the house arrest of BNP leader Khaleda Zia.

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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Bangladesh Police Bangladesh Nationalist Party Awami League United States Department of State

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I am journalist in Bangladesh. Currently working with Channel 24, a news based satellite popular tv channel as special correspondent. Previously i worked with other 3 television channels as reporter, also i have nearly four years of work experience with BBC Bengali Service as a freelancer. And i am ...

Telecommunication transmission network demands massive thrust

30 Jun 2023  |  bdnews24.com  |  English  |  Digital Development

Bangladesh's telecommunication infrastructure is criticized for its inadequate fibre optic network, which hampers the country's digital development. The National Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) is blamed for prioritizing short-term profits over long-term infrastructure needs, resulting in a weak transmission network. Comparisons with India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka highlight Bangladesh's lag in fibre roll-out. The article advocates for opening the transmission network market to mobile operators and other capable investors to enhance competition, reduce data service costs, and support the country's digital aspirations.

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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission National Telecommunication Transmission Network Info Sarkar project-3

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Journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh for the last ten years writing for various international media including Al Jazeera, the Daily Telegraph, Scroll.in, New York Times. Previously, worked for Bangladesh newspaper, New Age, and as a TV documentary producer in the UK, and produced radio packages ...

Bangladesh blocks access to Al Jazeera news website

22 Mar 2019  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Government Actions

The Bangladesh government blocked access to Al Jazeera's English news website after it published an article implicating a senior security figure in the disappearance of three men. The new system allows agencies to block websites centrally, bypassing the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission. The government has faced criticism for increasing media restrictions, including blocking local news websites and arresting individuals for criticizing the prime minister. Despite government denials, experts argue that these actions undermine democratic principles and are counterproductive.

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Bangladesh Football Federation National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Bangladesh Government Al Jazeera Department of Telecommunications FIFA

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Sara Creta is an Italian multimedia-journalist, specializing in coverage of humanitarian issues worldwide. With an emphasis on stories that dignify the human struggle, she works closely with NGOs and social service groups to document on-the-ground conditions in forced migration situation, human ...

Coronavirus, inequality and the digital divide

30 Apr 2020  |  RTE.ie  |  English  |  Inequality

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the global digital divide, with billions lacking internet access despite its critical role in managing the crisis. The article discusses the disparity in internet access across both developed and developing countries, emphasizing the need for policies to ensure connectivity for all. It criticizes government-imposed internet shutdowns in countries like Bangladesh and India, which hinder access to vital information. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups are calling for immediate action to make the internet affordable and accessible, especially in vulnerable regions. The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, underscoring the urgent need to address the digital divide.

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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission United Nations FCC World Health Organization World Wide Web Foundation Internet Freedom Foundation Reporters Without Borders NetBlocks

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Journalist and writer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Appeared in The Diplomat, Al Jazeera, The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune.

Researcher, Tech Policy Fellow, Tech Global Institute.

Topics covered: Politics, Technology, Policy, History, Culture.

BTRC's draft satellite internet guideline risks becoming a digital gatekeeper

30 Oct 2024  |  The Daily Star  |  English  |  Digital Governance

Bangladesh's draft guidelines for regulating non-geostationary satellite operators, such as Starlink, aim to integrate satellite internet into the country's digital framework but impose significant regulatory and financial barriers. The guidelines require satellite data to pass through local gateways, potentially subjecting users to government shutdowns and extensive surveillance. High entry costs and operational restrictions may deter smaller operators, limiting market competition. The BTRC has opened the guidelines for public consultation, offering a chance to advocate for a more balanced approach that supports innovation while ensuring security.

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National Telecommunication Monitoring Center Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission

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Ahammad Foyez is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

BenarNews website unblocked in Bangladesh days after Hasina resigns as PM

12 Aug 2024  |  Benar News  |  English  |  Human Rights

BenarNews, a U.S. government-funded news portal, has been unblocked in Bangladesh after being inaccessible for over four years. This development follows the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The site was initially blocked in April 2020 amid criticism of the government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the unblocking, current and former government officials claim unawareness of the site's status. Theories suggest the unblocking may be an attempt to avoid accountability. BenarNews is part of Radio Free Asia, focusing on security, politics, and human rights in Asia.

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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission BenarNews Ain-O-Salish Kendra Radio Free Asia

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Jahidul Islam is a journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Nokia launches ‘Made in Bangladesh’ smartphones

25 Nov 2021  |  The Business Standard  |  English  |  Business

Nokia has launched two smartphone models, G10 and G20, assembled in its new factory in Kaliakair, Gazipur, Bangladesh. The launch marks a significant milestone for HMD Global Bangladesh and its partner Union Group. The locally produced smartphones will be 30% cheaper than imported ones, and the factory will initially produce 300 units per day. The G10 and G20 models feature a three-day battery life and run on Android 11. The move adds Nokia to the list of 13 mobile brands manufacturing in Bangladesh, which caters to 85% of local smartphone production and 55% of demand.

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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Summit Group

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Faisal Mahmud is a journalist with over a decade of experience in working with three national English daily newspapers of Bangladesh—The Independent, Dhaka Tribune and The Business Standard.  Before switching his career to professional journalism, Faisal worked in the IT industry for two years. He ...

Bangladesh smartphone keyboard sparks political controversy

25 Jan 2023  |  www.ft.com  |  English  |  Corruption

Bangladesh's telecom regulator mandated the installation of the Bijoy Bangla-language keyboard in all Android smartphones, sparking controversy due to the keyboard's ownership by the incumbent telecom minister, Mustafa Jabbar. Critics, including Transparency International, view this as a misuse of state power for personal gain, potentially disrupting the market and creating an uneven playing field. Despite Jabbar's denial of any wrongdoing, the directive has faced opposition from industry players and watchdogs, who argue it benefits Jabbar's company, Ananda Computers, and imposes technical and financial burdens on manufacturers.

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Bangladesh Mobile Phone Importers’ Association Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Transparency International

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HM Murtuza is a Staff Correspondent at New Age, a daily newspaper, and also a freelance journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

I am an multimedia journalist based in Dakar, Senegal. I have 20 years of experience as a journalist, working in radio, television, newspaper and online platforms. My reportage coverage focuses on current affairs, culture and history across Africa.

How Bongo took streaming to the masses

01 Apr 2020  |  Rest of World  |  English  |  Business Development

Ahad Mohammad Bhai and Navidul Huq founded Bongo, a streaming platform targeting low-income earners in Bangladesh, overcoming significant infrastructure challenges. They leveraged YouTube to build a content library and partnered with telecom companies like Grameenphone to develop streaming apps. Bongo's mass-market appeal has led to significant viewership and profitability, despite criticism for its lowbrow content. The company plans to expand into Sri Lanka and Nepal and invest in higher-end content while maintaining its focus on the broader consumer base.

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Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Mohammadi Group Razor Capital

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