The government of Bangladesh has planned to install underground fiber lines to deliver dynamic internet services to 87,000 villages and enhance digital access for marginalized communities. The initiative, originally launched as the ‘Tiger Project’ in 2022 and later renamed ‘D-Star’ or ‘Digital Star,’ received an initial allocation of 300 million US dollars. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission began groundwork to implement the project aimed at strengthening rural connectivity.

Progress has stalled due to disputes between mobile operators and fiber network businesses. Mobile operators have urged the government to expand spectrum coverage instead of direct fiber connections, while fiber providers argue that underground fiber connectivity at the union level would ensure better quality and resilience. The project remains pending at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council as both sides lobby for control.

Telecom experts have supported the underground approach, citing reduced risk of cable damage during natural disasters and less infrastructure clutter. The government has reportedly decided in principle to route fiber lines underground to improve reliability and minimize corruption risks.