The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has awarded a feasibility study grant to CdNet Communications Ltd (CdNet) to enhance internet connectivity across Bangladesh through the development of the Bangladesh International Submarine Cable (Bagha-1).

This landmark project aims to significantly boost bandwidth and improve internet quality for users in both urban and rural areas. Florida-based APTelecom LLC has been selected to conduct the study, which will determine the most effective strategy for deploying a reliable subsea cable system.

The agreement was signed at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum in Manila, with USTDA Director Enoh T Ebong and U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas in attendance. Both emphasized the potential of the Bagha-1 project to greatly enhance internet access and quality for the people of Bangladesh. "Across the Indo-Pacific, USTDA is building a portfolio of subsea cable projects with partners like CdNet who are committed to expanding their countries' broadband capacity through trusted subsea fibre optic cable systems," said Enoh T Ebong, USTDA Director. CdNet is owned by business tycoon Nafeez Sharafat Chowdhury, who also leads the Canadian University of Bangladesh. The university's Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department is actively contributing to the nation's telecommunication infrastructure development, aligning with the goals of the Bagha-1 project. "Bagha-1 would help bolster Bangladesh's reliable and trusted connectivity to the world and unlock opportunities for emerging digital services, including 5G services, international data centres, and international hyperscalers," said Nafeez Sharafat Chowdhury, Director of CdNet. The Canadian University of Bangladesh is proud to announce this significant achievement, highlighting the collaborative efforts to advance the telecommunication sector in Bangladesh.