GP
Hans Martin new Grameenphone chief corporate affairs officer
Telecom operator Grameenphone (GP) has appointed Hans Martin Henrichsen of Norway as the company's new chief corporate affairs officer (CCAO).
He will replace Ole Bjorn Sjulstad on May 15. Hossain Sadat has been playing the role of an acting CCAO before this announcement.
Earlier, Hans served as CCAO of Telenor Myanmar and played a "critical role in running its operation during the most challenging times."
Also read: Grameenphone reports 4.4% revenue growth in Q1 2022
He comes with extensive experience in building and maintaining Telenor's international business portfolio, and business case modelling for mobile licence acquisition.
Hans has been involved in almost all of Telenor's operations in Asia over the last 20 years.
Previously he played the role of the chief country officer in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2018, which gives him a great deal of understanding of the local context and business environment.
Read: Internet connectivity on the go: Grameenphone brings new 4G modems, routers
GP CEO Yasir Azman said, "Hans Martin's deep understanding of the business environment and regulatory dynamics will help us set the right strategic direction for the best interest of our customers, shareholders and stakeholders."
Hans said, "Bangladesh and Grameenphone are very close to my heart. I am excited to be back in one of the most thrilling and dynamic telecom markets and look forward to joining the winning team again to unfold the next chapter of digitalisation in Bangladesh."
Read Grameenphone observes Green Week 2022
GP’s call drops decrease but continue to be highest, says BTRC Chairman
Grameenphone continues to have the highest number of call drops in Bangladesh though it has declined a little following pressures, said Bangladesh Telecommunication and Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Shyam Sunder Sikder on Thursday.
“I myself is a sufferer of the poor network as a mobile user and my woes are greater as I am responsible to ensure quality service to 17 crore people of the country,” the BTRC chairman told the journalists of Telecom Reporters' Network Bangladesh (TRNB) at the BTRC head office.
BTRC is conducting test drives at 300 upazilas to ease the problem of poor network and call drops, he said.
Read HC forms committee to supervise BTRC’s activities to solve mobile service issues
Already the test drive has been completed in 227 Upazilas covering an area of `12,800 kilometers, said Shyam Sunder.
He said according to the test drive report from Rangpur, mobile users are facing the worst situation of call drops from all the telecom operators.
“We have continued our pressure on the telecom operators by sending letters and instructions on a regular basis along with the drive,” he said.
Read Genex Infosys to operate BTRC helpline, provide AI chatbot services
He said two high-profile committees have been formed led by the vice-chairman and commissioner.
Data is being collected from the operator offices and fields and they are being informed about their network service condition as there are issues with data forwarding too, said the BTRC head.
“On March 8, we last auctioned network spectrums to the operators and aim to auction three more spectrums of-2.3, 2.6, and 3.5 megahertz again in March 2022”, he said.
Read How to Check Official Phone Using BTRC IMEI Number?
The BTRC scheduled the auction in December but it was postponed at the request of the operators, he said.
GP Explorers: 2nd batch graduates from Grameenphone's in-house skill academy
"GP Explorers" Batch 2 recently graduated from Grameenphone's in-house skill academy at a virtual graduation event.
With more than 40 per cent females with a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) background in the cohort, the pool was upskilled to become future-ready professionals.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar graced the event as the chief guest.
Subrata Roy Maitra, the vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Yasir Azman, CEO of Grameenphone, and Hossain Sadat, acting chief corporate affairs officer, were present as special guests.
Also read: GP Accelerator Program 3.0: Paving the Way for Successful Startups
GP Explorers is an industry-led digital skills academy to digitally upskill and empower university students with soft and digital skills to bridge the gap between their future careers and required competencies.
The platform consists of a 20 week-long upskilling programme focusing on communication proficiency, entrepreneurship mindset and digital skills that complement the knowledge students receive from academia.
It is a crowdsourced learning model with custom content, assignments and expert sessions from industry professionals.
Mustafa Jabbar said: "The goal of any business entity is to do business or to make a profit. Apart from this, they have some responsibility towards society, the state, and the people. Grameenphone is fulfilling this promise through GP Explorers by upskilling the youth through future-fit skills."
Also read: US-Bangla, GP sign agreement
"I think the knowledge gained from GP Explorers will serve as a great foundation for their lives. These valuable lessons must be made available for all, especially for the marginalised community to benefit from digitisation."
Subrata Roy said: "There is a difference between education and training. You can do well academically, but you need to develop yourself and acquire skills simultaneously to be future-ready."
"Grameenphone, with its GP Explorers 2.0, has been able to develop the participants in the right way, and the programme has been able to keep pace with the international arena."
Yasir Azman said: "We are glad to complete the latest GP Explorers programme despite the Covid-19 barrier."
"This was possible mainly because of the resilience and indomitable spirit that our participants have shown since day one. I am sure that they will stand out as professionals in the industry very soon, bringing excellence to their organisations as well as their portfolio."
Grameenphone signs agreement with D24 Logistics
Grameenphone has signed an agreement with D24 Logistics Ltd for certain inventory & delivery management and archiving & disposal management.
A signing ceremony in this regard was held at GPHouse on Tuesday.
Grameenphone has teamed up with D24 Logistics to ensure that the mobile network operator’s inventory, delivery, archival, and disposal management are streamlined to attain optimum growth.
Read Grameenphone reports 4.4% revenue growth in Q1 2022
The announcement has been made as a continuation of promoting former employee-led startups from Grameenphone. Earlier the company also supported two startups ReCom and VX Services Ltd, which were also incorporated by former GP employees, said a media release.
Syed Tanvir Husain, CHRO of Grameenphone said, “At Grameenphone, we are keen to learn future skills and adapt lean operating model. I believe this new startup; their lean operating model and agile ways of work will help us run logistics operations smartly and efficiently. For delivering on customers’ expectation, we look forward to working together with a shared vision by best utilizing new ways of work.”
Md Ziaul Karim, Managing Director of D24 Logistics said, “Our advanced capabilities and high-tech operating model shall help Grameenphone in meeting customers’ ever-increasing demands under a future-ready logistics service infrastructure”.
Read Hans Martin new Grameenphone chief corporate affairs officer
Grameenphone partners with Wipro for advanced network management
Grameenphone (GP) has signed a contract with global technology service company Wipro Limited to acquire advanced network capabilities.
Wipro will be part of managing GP's present mobile networks and building an advanced future-fit network.
The new contract expands the relationship between the two companies, as GP has relied on Wipro as a technology partner to manage application development, infrastructure support and IT security.
Read 10th Commward: Grameenphone's campaigns win 28 awards
Demand for advanced mobile services and high-quality network experience is rapidly increasing in Bangladesh.
"To deliver on the ever-growing connectivity needs, boost customer experience, and bring in advanced future technologies, this year we have expanded 4G coverage across the country, acquired the maximum allowable amount of spectrum, partnered with tower companies to roll out new towers and gained access to fibre network in partnership with the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited," Rade Kovacevic Chief Technology Officer Grameenphone said in a statement.
Read 5G: Oppo teams up with Ericson to launch updated communication lab
About GP's partnership with Wipro, he said: "We are taking a significant leap forward in our ability to manage our network, and excel further in meeting our customers' expectations. In addition, this partnership will bring in global expertise and future-fit capabilities and create global career opportunities for Bangladeshi talent."
Bhavya Kapoor, managing director of Wipro for Southeast Asia said: "Wipro's primary focus is to accelerate Grameenphone's growth by leveraging our global strength and providing progressive and innovative localised technology solutions."
Read 5G to be rolled out through Teletalk by December: Jabbar
"With the growing convergence of IT and core telecom networks, and the advent of software-defined lined networks, cloud-first architecture and 5G, we are glad to partner with Grameenphone to provide advanced capabilities to modernise their network; coupled with IT applications and infrastructure."
Wipro recently completed its fourth year of operations in Bangladesh, one of the focus countries under its Asia Pacific-Middle East-Africa Strategic Market Unit.
Read Vivo tops Asia-Pacific 5G shipments in Q2, says Strategy Analytics
GP congratulates LTU-Tax for achieving revenue target
Grameenphone on Tuesday congratulated the Largest Taxpayers Unit (LTU-Tax) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for their outstanding performance to achieve the record revenue target of Tk 24,000 crore for the fiscal year 2020-21.
Meanwhile, Grameenphone has been announced as the highest taxpayer within the LTU-Tax for the year 2020 – 2021 at same event held at the capital's Skycity Hotel.
Grameenphone deposited BDT3,889crore in taxes for the 2020 – 2021 window.
Read GP Explorers: 2nd batch graduates from Grameenphone's in-house skill academy
On behalf of Grameenphone, its CEO Yasir Azman congratulated LTU-Tax while receiving an award for GP's contribution to the national exchequer.
"We would like to congratulate LTU-Tax for achieving this historical milestone and contributing further to self-sustained Digital Bangladesh in the making. This achievement is a testimony of commitment, digitalization & automation by NBR and growing good and ethical business practices by corporates and citizens as a collective force. We are humbled that our contribution has also been recognized for the consistent contribution to the national exchequer. We look forward to contributing more in the coming days to unleash the full potential of Digital Bangladesh, " said Yasir Azman.
Read Grameenphone awarded for resolving highest cases through ADR
Fazle Kabir, Governor of Bangladesh Bank; Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem, Senior Secretary of Internal Resources Division (IRD) and Chairman of NBR; Md Alamgir Hossain, Member (Tax Policy) (Grade-1); Md Golam Nabi, Member (Tax Administration and Human Resource Management) (Grade-1); Md Iqbal Hossain, Tax Commissioner, LTU. In addition, from Grameenphone, Jens Becker, CFO, and Md Mohsin, Head of Corporate Tax were present at the program.
GP offers up to Tk 80 cashback on MyGP
Grameenphone users can now enjoy up to Tk 80 cashback through its app MyGp.
This cashback offer can be enjoyed upon their availing of various voice packs, bundle packs, data packs, and recharge offers through its dedicated mobile app – MyGP, said a media release Tuesday.
Powered by SSLCOMMERZ, the cashback feature will be available till August 31 on MyGP app.
Read How social platforms are dealing with the Taliban
Users can enjoy cashback starting from Tk 7 to Tk 80, based on the type and volume of their purchases. Voice and bundle packs ranging from Tk 64 to Tk 307 are available with different validity periods, bonuses, and cashback. Data packs, from 1GB to 50GB, can also be purchased under this offer to enjoy reward bonuses and cashback. A detailed description of the offers can be found at – https://mygp.li/cbaug.
MyGP users can enjoy this offer upon recharging through any payment method available at the app, said a press release.
Read: GP offers enhanced maritime communication
The offer shall be applicable for recharges made using MyGP only.
Recharge from any other online channels or physical retail outlets will not include the offer.
All Grameenphone (except Skitto) customers can obtain this offer. Users can avail this offer as many times as they want.
Read Avoy App for the Safety of Girls: A Splendid Step to Build a Secure Bangladesh
Grameenphone contributes Tk 31.4 crore to Labour Fund
Amid the global pandemic, Grameenphone (GP) contributed around Tk 31.4 crore to the Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation Fund under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
A five-member delegation led by Grameenphone’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Syed Tanvir Husain handed over the cheque to State Minister for Labour and Employment, Begum Monnujan Sufian at the ministry Tuesday.
READ: Grameenphone board approves 275% cash dividend
At the cheque handover ceremony State Minister for Labour and Employment and the Chairman of Bangladesh Labour Welfare Foundation Begum Monnujan Sufian said, “The government has formed a foundation fund under the Bangladesh Labor Act for the welfare of working people. During this disastrous time of coronavirus, around two thousand workers have been provided assistance worth Tk 6.25 crore from this fund,”
GP CHRO Syed Tanvir Husain said, “We believe that our humble contribution to the labour welfare fund will inspire many others to come forward and stand by the workers in need.”
Around 165 local, foreign and multinational companies, including Grameenphone, have been regularly contributing a certain portion of their dividends to this fund which is increasing every month.
READ: Grameenphone announces 15,500 4G towers in country
Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment K.M. Abdus Salam, Director General of Bangladesh Workers Welfare Foundation Begum Jebunnesa Karim, Shakila Zerin Ahmed, Director of Workers Welfare Foundation, Director-General of the Department of Labour Gautam Kumar, Grameenphone’s Head of Regulatory Affairs Hossain Sadat, HR Business Partner & Circle HR Head Yeasir Mahmood Khan, Grameenphone’s Industrial Relations Head K M Sabbir Ahmed and Md. Asaduzzaman a member of Grameenphone’s Industrial Relations Department were present among others at this event.
GP Explorers 2.0 launched to upskill 357 youths
Grameenphone has recently launched Grameenphone Explorers 2.0, the second batch of its youth-development initiative, to ensure the growth of skills and expertise among future leaders.
The 12-week-long programme officially began with the orientation session on April 1.
At the programme, ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, "Initiatives like Grameenphone Explorer 2.0 are key enablers that help devise how the youth of this country can prepare themselves to contribute to the growth of our great nation and unlock new opportunities for our future generations."
Also read: Grameenphone announces 15,500 4G towers in country
GP Explorers is an innovative upskilling initiative from Grameenphone – targeted to unleash the youths' potential and transform their mindset towards skills of the future.
This year, GP Explorers 2.0 is set to feature a wide range of virtual and real-time engagements between the participants and mentors, focusing on building their communication proficiency, entrepreneurship skills, and digital skills.
The programme also targets grooming their personalities to face the immensely competitive local and global job markets.
Also read: Grameenphone provides Tk 30 crore to workers welfare fund
Also,70% of the learning is designed to take place online with interactive digital tools, and 30% of live classes involve collaborative activities.
GP Explorers 2.0 will also hold regular counselling and experience sharing sessions for the aspiring youths' deep cognitive support.
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said, "The first season of GP Explorers has seen significant impact from the three-month programme; the-then trainees are now confidently getting into corporate ecosystems. We are optimistic about finding more of such future leaders, this time with GP Explorers 2.0."
Also read: Grameenphone introduces portable pocket router
Over 1,400 students from 67 renowned educational institutions had applied to be a part of GP Explorers, from where only 357 were chosen to be eligible for the campaign, read a press release.
Grameenphone announces 15,500 4G towers in country
Commemorating Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary, Grameenphone reaffirmed its commitment to unleash the potential in every corner of the country by announcing 100 percent of its 15,500 towers 4G has been enabled.
The declaration was made at an event on Sunday in Dhaka where Posts and Telecommunication Minister Mustafa Jabbar was the Chief Guest, said a press release.
Also read: GP files review petition asking to pay BTRC Tk 575 crore
Bangladesh and Telecom Regulatory Commission Vice-Chairman Subrata Roy Maitra, was special guest while Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman, CFO Jens Becker, and CMO Mohammad Sajjad Hasib were present.
Mustafa Jabbar, Hon’ble Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, stated “I have continuously emphasized the necessity of nationwide 4G coverage so that the common person in the remotest area may become a part of the Digital Bangladesh vision. I thank Grameenphone for their continued efforts in assisting the government in realizing that vision.”
Read GP customer care worker passed users' info to criminal gang; case filed against telco leader.
On behalf of Grameenphone, CEO Yasir Azman said, “I take this opportunity to thank our customers for keeping their trust in us; I also thank MoPT and BTRC for their continued guidance.”
Subrata Roy Maitra, Vice-Chairman of BTRC said “We appreciate Grameenphone’s commitment to ensure high-speed internet all across Bangladesh.”
Read Huawei hosts ‘online digital summit 2020’ in Bangladesh
Speaking on the occasion, Grameenphone CFO Jens Becker said, “In continuation of our efforts to empower Bangladesh, today indeed is a very special day for us.”
During the event, Mohammad Sajjad Hasib, CMO Grameenphone, made live calls to community representatives in multiple remote locations and shared the joyous moment, and celebrated 4G connectivity with them.
Also read:Nagad joins forces with GP to drive digital financial inclusion
Over the last 24 years, Grameenphone has been working to democratize technology benefits and ensure access to connectivity for all.
With the nationwide 4G coverage, new tower roll-out, and preparations to deploy an additional 10.4 MHz spectrum, the company is positioned to meet people’s growing need for high-speed internet and support digital services uptake in rural and urban areas for its 80 Mn customers and beyond.