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Bangladesh is stepping up its technology-driven development agenda by expanding digital public services, promoting artificial intelligence (AI), strengthening energy security, supporting scientific research and fostering innovation-based entrepreneurship, according to a weekly press briefing by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman presented the updates at the briefing on Tuesday, highlighting recent initiatives undertaken by various ministries and government agencies.
The Department of Posts reported that 428,557 registered letters, Guaranteed Express Post (GEP) items and parcels were delivered through its Domestic Mail Monitoring System (DMS) between July 15 and 21.
The government has also introduced free Wi-Fi services at six airports and five railway stations, while 1,195 internet hotspots have been established in haor, baor and remote areas as of July 22. In addition, mobile operators have completed 667 kilometres of shared fiber-optic infrastructure to improve connectivity.
According to the Information and Communication Technology Division, 33 new government offices have been integrated into the National Information Portal. During the same period, 337 new vehicles were registered under the D-Toll system, with transactions totaling Tk 3.53 million.
In the semiconductor sector, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Bangladesh Semiconductor Industry Association (BSIA) jointly organized the National Semiconductor Symposium and BEAR Summit 2026 at the National Science and Technology Museum in Dhaka. The event brought together researchers, scientists, universities, industries and technology entrepreneurs, with 35 organizations showcasing their latest innovations.
The Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission said its 22 nuclear medicine institutes provided medical services to 87,424 patients in June, including PET-CT scans, radiotherapy and thyroid imaging. The commission also tested 1,808 imported food samples for radioactivity, extended the shelf life of 19,806 kilograms of food products and sterilized 342 cubic feet of medical equipment.
The government has also initiated the allocation of an additional 8,000 square feet to expand the National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory at the National Science and Technology Complex.
On food safety, the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) ordered the withdrawal of three food products from the market after laboratory tests found excessive levels of preservatives.
The government said it is gradually implementing AI-based road safety measures in line with the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), including intelligent speed management, faster emergency response after accidents and smart pedestrian safety systems.
To strengthen energy security, officials said technical problems at a floating LNG terminal have reduced daily gas supply to the national grid by around 450 million cubic feet. To address the shortfall, the government is planning a fourth Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), assessing LNG imports from Malaysia via ISO tanks, reviewing options to transport gas from Bhola to the mainland and implementing a plan to drill 100 new gas wells. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has already approved a Tk 729 crore project to drill three new gas wells in Begumganj and Sunamganj.
Bangladesh Railway reported revenue of Tk 20.66 billion in fiscal year 2025-26, an increase of Tk 2.21 billion from the previous fiscal year. The government attributed the growth to improved digital management, enhanced services and operational reforms.
To encourage innovation, the government has approved collateral-free loans of up to Tk 1 million for entrepreneurs engaged in small and cottage industries, ICT, technology-based creative businesses, green technology ventures and enterprises operating in climate-vulnerable regions.
The briefing also highlighted infrastructure and agricultural initiatives, including the promotion of Md. Belal Hossain to Chief Engineer (Grade-1) of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).
In the agriculture sector, Bangladesh and the Netherlands have jointly established an Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Tarakanda, Mymensingh, to promote modern fish farming technologies and skills development. Demonstration ponds in several upazilas of Barishal Division have also received fish fry, fish feed and lime under government support programs.
Responding to questions from journalists, Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said a sitting President enjoys constitutional immunity from legal proceedings during his or her tenure, but legal action may be taken after leaving office if warranted by law. He also stressed that the judiciary remains fully independent in handling cases before the courts.
On reports that microplastics had been detected in 26 of 34 toothpaste samples tested, the adviser said the government is aware of the issue, noting that microplastic contamination extends beyond toothpaste and requires a comprehensive response covering food, water and the environment.
He also announced that a museum commemorating the July Mass Uprising will be inaugurated on August 5, and reiterated that the government plans to begin local government elections before the end of the year.
The briefing was attended by Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, Joint Secretary Dr. Md. Alam Mostafa, and senior officials from the relevant ministries.