MAHMUDUL HASAN

Internet subscriptions in Bangladesh posted a sharp recovery in April, driven by a rebound in mobile data usage and continued growth in fixed broadband connections, according to the latest data from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

The total number of internet subscribers rose to 13.14 crore in April 2026 from 12.96 crore in March, marking month-on-month growth of 1.39 percent and a net addition of 18 lakh users.

The market had previously experienced a prolonged downturn, culminating in a fall to 12.82 crore subscribers in February 2026, the lowest level in three years.

The consecutive gains recorded in March and April suggest the telecom sector has stemmed the subscriber losses seen during the winter months, according to industry insiders.

Mobile internet remained the primary driver of growth. The number of mobile internet users increased to 11.64 crore in April from 11.48 crore in March, adding 16.2 lakh active connections during the month.

Despite the rebound, mobile internet subscriptions remain below the record high of 12.91 crore recorded in June 2024.

Meanwhile, broadband subscriptions rose to 1.49 crore in April 2026 from 1.47 crore, a level that had remained unchanged throughout January, February and March.

An internet subscriber is defined as a user who has accessed the internet at least once during the preceding 90 days.

BTRC compiles ISP subscriber data through market analysis, consultations and information collected from most internet service providers, and publishes the figures on a quarterly basis.

“The growth in internet subscribers mainly reflects the country’s overall economic development and the strengthening of the digital economy,” said Shahed Alam, chief corporate and regulatory officer of Robi Axiata PLC.

“As a result, the demand for digital services and connectivity is increasing, which overall indicates continued progress.”