ISPAB forms Barishal regional sub-committee

The Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) has formed a nine-member regional sub-committee for Barishal Division, completing the formation of regional committees across all eight divisions.

The committee was announced at a discussion meeting with ISPAB members from Barishal Division on Saturday at Euro Convention Hall in Planet Park, Barishal.

The meeting was held in accordance with Sub-clause 14(9) of the association's memorandum, with members of the ISPAB Central Executive Council in attendance.

ISPAB President Mohammad Aminul Hakim announced the six-month committee after discussions with members of the Barishal division.

Md Firoz Alam, proprietor of SBC Broadband Internet Service, an ISPAB member, was named convenor, while Md Mehedi Hasan Arman, proprietor of Quantum Broadband, was appointed member-secretary.

Congratulating the newly formed committee, Hakim said ISPAB's primary objective is to strengthen cooperation among internet service providers and work with the government on policy formulation and decision-making concerning the internet industry.

He also called for collective efforts to address problems faced by ISPs, including cable cutting and forced domination, while urging members to remain active in strengthening the association.

Hakim highlighted several priorities for the industry, including developing community networks, bringing internet services under VAT packages, implementing the “One Nation, One Rate” policy, expanding value-added services through common platforms and establishing Wi-Fi zones.

ISPAB General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan also congratulated the new committee, describing Barishal as the final division to receive a regional committee.

He expressed hope that the committee would strengthen cooperation among ISPs in the division, help implement government policies, resolve local industry issues and ensure uninterrupted, quality internet services.

Bhuiyan also stressed the need to adopt low-cost NIX services, establish data centres, form City Surveillance and Traffic Force (CSTF) initiatives to improve city aesthetics, participate in leader summits, organise internet fairs in divisional cities and develop common access networks in line with government decisions.

ISPAB Joint General Secretary Fuad Mohammad Sharfuddin, directors Rashedur Rahman Rajon, Md Mithu Howlader, Md Sabbir Ahmed and Raisul Islam Tuhin, and Office Secretary Bijoy Kumar Paul also spoke at the meeting.

The programme was moderated by ISPAB member and Eurotel BD Ltd Managing Director S M Zakir Hossain.