Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton and Executive Engineer (Electricity) A.B.M. Asaduzzaman Sweet are scheduled to visit France from June 20 to 30, 2026, for an 11-day study tour on street and lighting technology. The visit aims to enhance their knowledge of energy-efficient outdoor lighting systems. RCC’s Chief Executive Officer Rezaul Karim sought approval for the trip from the Local Government Division on May 12, citing an invitation from Signify Bangladesh Limited.

According to the letter sent to the ministry, the officials will visit Signify France’s Outdoor Lighting Application Center to learn about new electricity-saving technologies for streetlights. Signify Bangladesh Limited will cover all expenses of the trip. The company’s manager, Mehedi Hasan, said they import French-made streetlights and sometimes take clients to observe production processes when purchase orders are placed.

However, Hasan could not confirm which dealer supplied streetlights to RCC. Attempts to contact Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman Riton for comment were unsuccessful.

The United States Department of Defense has initiated an 18-month competition titled 'Drone Dominance' to accelerate the expansion of its drone fleet. According to a Washington Post report, the Pentagon aims to identify the most promising manufacturers capable of producing low-cost combat drones. The initiative follows growing recognition of drones’ effectiveness in recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, prompting the U.S. military to seek rapid enhancement of its drone capabilities.

The competition invites both established defense firms and emerging startups, including companies founded by drone racers and hobbyists. The winning firms could receive contracts worth up to $1.1 billion to produce as many as three million drones. The drones being tested cost around $5,000 each and are designed for single-use missions. Early rounds of the contest, such as one held at Fort Benning, Georgia, saw 26 companies participate, with British firm Skycutter emerging as a top performer.

Pentagon officials stated that future warfare will likely depend heavily on affordable swarms of drones, and the program aims to bypass lengthy procurement processes to foster faster innovation.

The Bangladesh government has approved the purchase of new surveillance equipment worth about Tk 950 million for the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) to enhance content blocking and filtering capabilities. The decision was made on May 20 at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The equipment includes next-generation firewalls, hybrid packet brokers, switch management cards, and accessories for six partially connected data centers. Dhaka-based Global Brand PLC was selected as the lowest bidder.

The NTMC, originally formed in 2008 and renamed in 2013, has faced longstanding allegations of privacy violations and unauthorized surveillance. Following a UN fact-finding report and public criticism, the previous interim government dissolved the NTMC in December 2025 and created a new structure called the Center for Information Support under the Home Ministry. The current administration later amended laws to align surveillance practices with international standards.

Officials stated that the new system aims to strengthen internet security and enforce the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, though public debate over surveillance practices continues.

Malaysia has begun enforcing a new regulation that bans children under 16 from opening social media accounts, effective Monday. The rule requires platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to implement age verification systems and block underage accounts. Companies failing to comply could face fines of up to 10 million ringgit. Parents will not be penalized if children bypass the restriction. Authorities said the move aims to protect minors from harmful content, cyberbullying, and addiction risks.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission stated that the policy seeks to make service providers more accountable and ensure age-appropriate safeguards, not to restrict children’s access to digital technology. Platforms must introduce “safety-by-design” features and curb manipulative designs that encourage excessive use. A grace period will be provided for implementing age verification systems.

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Meta’s regional policy director warned the blanket ban could push teens toward unsafe online spaces, while academics raised privacy concerns over ID-based verification. Critics also questioned the law’s effectiveness, noting parents could still help children bypass the restrictions.

The government is taking steps to increase internet speed and make Teletalk services more accessible to customers, according to ICT Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam Swapon. He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new Madhupur Press Club building in Tangail on Sunday afternoon. The minister said that delivering Teletalk services to customers’ doorsteps is only a matter of time, with some procedural issues still being addressed.

During the event, Swapon also highlighted the growing drug problem in Madhupur and Dhanbari, urging journalists and the administration to work together to eliminate it. He stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward drug abuse. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by senior journalist Zainal Abedin and attended by local officials, political leaders, and journalists.

Before the discussion, the minister unveiled the nameplate of the new press club building and participated in a special prayer.

Around 100 drones fell from the sky during a light festival in Australia, startling spectators near Sydney Harbour. The incident occurred during the 'Star-Bound Drone Show', part of the annual 'Vivid Sydney' festival. The drones crashed into the water and onto the wharf, breaking apart upon impact.

According to the UK-based operator Skymagic, an unexpected change in the radio frequency environment caused 89 drones to lose positional accuracy, triggering their automatic emergency landing systems. Witnesses reported hearing loud crashing sounds as the drones hit the concrete marina. Skymagic stated that none of the drones fell outside the designated safety zone. Festival organizers apologized to attendees for the disruption and inconvenience.

Subsequent shows have been canceled pending a full investigation by Skymagic and government agencies. The 'Star-Bound Show' featured 1,000 specially designed drones scheduled for 22 performances over 11 nights and had launched just one day earlier.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft, developed by U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk’s company, crashed into the Indian Ocean after a test flight and subsequently exploded. The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. local time on Friday, marking the first major test of the third-generation version of Starship. Live footage showed the spacecraft reaching space and completing several planned maneuvers before catching fire and exploding during a controlled descent over the ocean.

According to the source, SpaceX considered the test a success despite the explosion, as the main objective was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new design. During the flight, Starship executed a maneuver to flip from an inverted position and reignite its engines to regain control. Although one engine failed, the remaining engines allowed the spacecraft to maintain stability.

The test provided SpaceX with data on the performance of its redesigned systems, which the company views as a step forward in its ongoing development program.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, announced that all digital services will be designed to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. Speaking on May 21, 2026, at an event marking Global Accessibility Awareness Day at the BIDA Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, he said accessible websites and apps have already been developed so that no one is left behind. He emphasized that accessibility is a right, not charity, and that technology must align with human needs, abilities, and diversity.

The minister added that new technologies will help integrate persons with disabilities more actively into mainstream society, turning them into valuable assets for the nation. The ICT Division will take all necessary initiatives to ensure their dignified participation. State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin said the government will fully support public and private initiatives promoting digital accessibility. ICT Division Secretary Kazi Anwar Hossain noted that Bangladesh’s digital progress will be complete only when every citizen can use digital services with dignity, freedom, and equality.

The event was attended by officials from a2i, Sightsavers, Friendship, and CRP, among others.

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology’s (RUET) rover research and innovation team, Team Agrodut, has achieved 13th place globally in the Anatolian Rover Challenge 2026 (ARC 2026). The team also earned one of the highest design scores, securing 48.59 out of 50. The main phase of the competition will be held from July 29 to August 2 at the Middle East Technical University (METU) campus in Ankara, Turkey, where rover teams from around the world will participate.

Founded in 2017, Team Agrodut has consistently represented Bangladesh in international rover and space robotics competitions. It previously ranked sixth in the 2018 Indian Rover Challenge, 27th in the 2019 European Rover Challenge, and 11th globally in the 2023 International Rover Design Challenge, where it was Bangladesh’s top team. The group also reached the semifinals of IRDC 2025 and the finals of IRC 2025.

Beyond competitions, the team developed a bomb disposal robot for the Bangladesh Army in 2024, reflecting its practical engineering expertise. Team Agrodut aims to advance autonomous rover technology and inspire young innovators while preparing for future global contests.

Bangladesh will celebrate two decades of high-speed internet and digital transformation on May 21, marking the 20th anniversary of the country’s first submarine cable, SEA-ME-WE 4, inaugurated in 2006 at Cox’s Bazar by then Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. The Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) reaffirmed its pledge to safeguard national data infrastructure and digital sovereignty on this milestone occasion.

Before 2005, Bangladesh’s international communication relied entirely on satellites, resulting in slow internet speeds and high costs. The launch of SEA-ME-WE 4 connected Bangladesh to a global network stretching from Singapore to France, initially offering 22 Gbps capacity. Through successive upgrades, the cable’s capacity has reached about 4,650 Gbps by 2024. The project spurred rapid growth in freelancing, e-commerce, mobile banking, and digital public services across the country.

Following the success of SEA-ME-WE 4, the second cable SEA-ME-WE 5 was launched in 2017, and the third, SEA-ME-WE 6, is nearing completion. Together, these systems will raise total capacity to about 38 Tbps, exceeding projected national demand for 2027. BSCCPLC has also initiated plans for a fourth cable to further strengthen Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Fakir Mahbub Anam, stated that the government has never treated space, satellite, and drone technologies as luxuries. Speaking on Monday at a seminar titled ‘Satellites, Drones and the Future of Space Technology in Bangladesh’ at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) in Dhaka, he said these technologies have become essential for national development, disaster management, agriculture, fisheries, communication, and security. He highlighted the 2018 launch of Bangladesh’s first satellite as a major milestone, noting its role in broadcasting, telecommunications, and emergency communications.

Anam added that the government is planning a new low-earth orbit satellite to enhance data accuracy for agriculture, coastal security, and environmental monitoring. He emphasized that satellite data can improve weather forecasting and safety for coastal fishermen. The minister also underlined the growing importance of drone technology in border security, land surveys, infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response.

Keynote speaker Dr. Muhammad Imadur Rahman of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited said space technology is a driving force of the fourth industrial revolution and vital for economic growth, security, and climate resilience in developing countries like Bangladesh.

The government has launched free Wi-Fi service at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, enabling around 37,000 passengers to access high-speed internet simultaneously. The service was inaugurated on Sunday by Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam Rita, with other senior officials from the telecommunications and ICT ministries present. According to the ministry, the network covers approximately 94,000 square meters, including Terminals 1, 2, domestic, VIP, VVIP, and parking areas.

The ministry stated that the system operates with a maximum bandwidth capacity of 40 Gbps, supported by 250 access points, 48 kilometers of optical fiber and Ethernet cables, and 37 access switches. Each access point can serve up to 150 users at once, ensuring stable and fast connectivity throughout the airport. Since the trial phase began on April 26, about 20,000 passengers have used the service, consuming roughly 2.3 terabytes of data.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to providing fast and reliable internet for all citizens, enhancing digital access and communication for both domestic and international travelers.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed his First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, as the head of the country’s special cyberspace headquarters. The presidential directive emphasized establishing an integrated governance system in cyberspace, curbing divergent narratives, and preventing overlapping activities among responsible institutions.

The appointment comes amid the 75th consecutive day of widespread internet disruptions and restrictions across Iran. On February 28, the Iranian government cut off international internet connections, coinciding with attacks involving Israel and the United States. Telephone communications with foreign countries have also been severely affected.

The move signals the administration’s focus on tightening control over digital communications and coordination among state agencies during a period of heightened cyber and connectivity challenges.

The European Union is preparing to present a plan this summer to ban social media use for minors, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She announced the initiative on Tuesday, citing growing pressure from several member states to strengthen child protection online. The proposal aims to address concerns about the impact of addictive online platforms on children.

Support for stricter regulation has increased in recent months, with France, Spain, Greece, and Denmark leading calls for stronger measures. Von der Leyen made the remarks at the European Summit on Artificial Intelligence and Children in Copenhagen, where she highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement and its deep influence on childhood and adolescence.

Several EU countries are already moving toward national legislation on this issue. The European Commission has also formed an independent expert panel on online child safety to assess potential measures to combat addiction and social anxiety among minors. Similar restrictions have already been implemented in Australia and Indonesia.

Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCCPLC) has stated that there is no shortage in international bandwidth supply, rejecting recent media reports suggesting risks from geopolitical tensions or cable capacity issues. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the state-owned company under the Posts and Telecommunications Division said it operates two trusted submarine cable systems, SEA-ME-WE-4 and SEA-ME-WE-5, with a combined capacity of about 7,200 Gbps. Of this, 4,100 Gbps is currently supplied domestically, while 3,100 Gbps remains available for future use.

According to BSCCPLC, only 1.34 percent of total capacity passes through the Red Sea, and none through the Strait of Hormuz, making claims of potential disruptions from regional conflicts unfounded. The company clarified that SEA-ME-WE-5 still has 712 Gbps unused capacity and a lifespan until 2037, while SEA-ME-WE-4 remains operational with capacity until 2030. A new system, SEA-ME-WE-6, is under implementation and expected to add 30,000 Gbps by early 2027.

BSCCPLC assured that it is fully prepared to meet current and future bandwidth demand and urged operators and citizens not to be misled by inaccurate reports.