Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged the leadership of the telecommunications operator Banglalink to take concrete steps toward making internet services more affordable for the general public.

The Prime Minister made this call during a courtesy meeting with Augie Fabela, Chairman of VEON—the parent company of Banglalink—at the Prime Minister’s office within the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Monday morning.

During the discussion, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of expanding access to digital services and underscored the necessity of lowering the costs associated with internet usage.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the Banglalink authorities to explore initiatives that would make smartphones more accessible to customers at lower price points, aiming to bridge the digital divide and foster broader technological inclusion across the country.

The meeting was attended by key government and industry figures, including Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, and the Prime Minister's Adviser on the same portfolio, Rehan Asif Asad.

Also present were VEON Board Member Michiel Soeting and Banglalink Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Johan Hendrik Martinus Bus.

The attendees deliberated on strategies to enhance the accessibility and affordability of digital services, reflecting a shared focus on advancing the nation's digital infrastructure.