Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam on Saturday pledged to ensure transparency and accountability in the country’s telecom sector, urging journalists to produce objective, data-driven reports.

“Carry out your work in a way that keeps us on our toes,” the minister said while addressing a roundtable discussion titled “Future of the Telecom Sector: What the New Government Thinks,” organised by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh at InterContinental Dhaka.

He said the government is now focusing on 5G technology and is taking artificial intelligence (AI) seriously. Plans are underway to establish centres at the upazila level to train youths in AI and freelancing, he added.

The minister also said that within three months, the government introduced free Wi-Fi internet services at airports following similar initiatives at railway stations, as part of efforts to improve public service delivery. “As an elected government, we have certain obligations, and we are working to implement our plans accordingly,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the state-owned operator Teletalk, Anam said that with an investment of Tk 500–600 crore, the company could surpass Grameenphone in the future. Instead of selling it, the government is seeking investment through government-to-government (G2G) or public-private partnership (PPP) models.

He said initiatives are underway to expand fibre and satellite connectivity to ensure reliable internet services for all, while giving top priority to AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

The event, chaired by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey, was moderated by its General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin, who also delivered the welcome speech. Sahed Alam, Head of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at Robi, presented the keynote paper.