The Daily Corporate Desk
VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu and Banglalink CEO Johan Buse have met with senior government and regulatory officials in Dhaka, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh’s digital and economic transformation.
The meetings brought together VEON and Banglalink leadership with Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Posts, Telecommunications, Information Technology and Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Bangladesh Bank Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Investment and Capital Market Affairs Tanvir Ghani, and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md Emdad Ul Bari.
During the discussions, VEON and Banglalink highlighted several strategic initiatives aimed at expanding investment, connectivity and digital services in Bangladesh.
$1 Billion FDI Initiative
A key focus was VEON’s “Invest in Bangladesh NOW” initiative, under which the company has committed an initial $250 million investment as an anchor for a broader effort to attract $1 billion in foreign direct investment into Bangladesh.
The initiative is designed to support next-generation digital infrastructure, advanced connectivity, digital financial services and artificial intelligence, while also encouraging international investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s digital economy.
Expansion into Digital Financial Services
The company also highlighted Banglalink’s entry into the digital payments sector through Mukto Pay.
Bangladesh Bank granted Banglalink a Payment Service Provider (PSP) licence in August, paving the way for the commercial launch of Mukto Pay. The service is expected to offer digital payments, money transfers, merchant and e-commerce payments, utility and government bill payments, salary disbursements and other approved services. VEON has also applied for a Digital Bank licence in Bangladesh.
Satellite Connectivity Through Starlink
Another major area of focus is satellite-powered connectivity.
VEON’s Banglalink has partnered with Starlink Mobile to integrate direct-to-device satellite connectivity with its terrestrial network in Bangladesh. The service is expected to initially support messaging, followed by data services, subject to regulatory approvals.
The technology is intended to extend connectivity to areas where conventional terrestrial networks face coverage limitations, including remote and disaster-prone locations.
Expanding Bangladesh’s Digital Ecosystem
VEON and Banglalink are also looking to expand their digital ecosystem in Bangladesh beyond traditional telecommunications.
The group has identified digital financial services, entertainment, education, healthcare, agriculture, ride-sharing, IoT and advanced connectivity among the areas with potential for further development. Banglalink’s digital portfolio already includes services such as MyBL and Toffee, Bangladesh’s largest entertainment platform, according to VEON.
The government representatives welcomed VEON’s continued investment interest and commitment to Bangladesh, with the discussions underscoring the importance of collaboration between the government, regulators and private-sector investors in accelerating the country’s digital economy.
VEON’s latest engagement comes as the group continues to position Bangladesh as a key market for its digital growth strategy. With its planned investment, expansion into digital financial services and proposed satellite connectivity, the company is seeking to play a broader role in Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure and economic transformation.
