Bangladesh’s internet prices won’t budge—and neither will public access—unless the government slashes taxes, experts warned Monday at the Center for Policy Dialogue’s (CPD) two-day conference, “Recommendations by the Task Force on Restrategising the Economy,” held at BRAC Center Inn in Mohakhali.
A huge chunk of internet costs goes to taxes. Without reducing that burden, prices won’t drop, and usage among ordinary people will stay low, said speakers during the session on digital transformation.
BTRC Chairman Md Emdad ul Bari, the chief guest, acknowledged the issue: “Internet reaches consumers through multiple steps, with costs piling up at each stage. We’re simplifying the network system—look for progress by March or April—and exploring Starlink’s potential.”
Fahim Mashrur, BD Jobs CEO and task force member, highlighted the gap: urban broadband users consume 150 GB monthly, while rural mobile users average just 6.5 GB—blamed on heavy taxes, complex supply chains, and pricey data transport. Mahtab Uddin Ahmed of ICMAB added, “We tout Digital Bangladesh, yet over 40% taxes on phone data and calls keep the masses from digital benefits. This extra burden will kill usage.”
Sharetrip CEO Sadia Haque urged action for SMEs: “Tech is advancing everywhere, but we lack the investment climate—domestic or foreign—due to bureaucratic hurdles.” Meanwhile, BIDS Research Director Manjur Hossain proposed a bold fix: “We need a dedicated SME bank. Though the SMS policy mentions it, it’s unrealized. Palli Sanchay Bank could pivot quickly—it’s got the SME know-how.”
As Bangladesh chases digital dreams and small-business growth, taxes and red tape threaten to hold it back. Will the government listen—or leave progress offline?