With as many as 14 electronics makers now producing smartphones in this country, Bangladesh no longer needs to import 4G handsets from abroad.

Minister of Post and Telecommunication Mustafa Jabbar said this at the 'GSMA Roundtable on Bangladesh Achieving Mobile-Enabled Digital Inclusion', a virtual global event, that took place on Tuesday.

"As a result of the current government's technology-friendly policy, 14 companies, including Samsung and Oppo, are currently producing mobile handsets in the country. 4G handsets are also being made in all the factories. As a result we do not need to import the handsets," he said.

"In just three years, our mobile operators have expanded 4G across the country despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The government will take all initiatives to increase the scope of its use," the Minister added.

Also read; Walton offers 4G handsets with 3GB RAM at Tk 6,999

Lauding the role of mobile operators during the pandemic, the Minister said that the development of mobile technology has revolutionised Bangladesh. "80 percent of corona patients in the country have received digital treatment."

At the virtual event, GSMA leaders highlighted the need for joint efforts by the government and stakeholders to create digital skills and awareness in Bangladesh. They also came up with a number of suggestions for developing the mobile handset industry for future.

Also read: Walton launches affordable new 4G phone

Representatives of BTRC, Teletalk, Robi, Banglalink and MTB, ITU's Asia Pacific Region Representative and A2I Senior Policy Advisor Anir Chowdhury participated in the roundtable discussion moderated by GSM officials Rahul Shah and Julian Garmen.