Chinese short-video platform TikTok has finalized a deal with several U.S. investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, to maintain its operations in the United States and avert a potential ban. CEO Shou Zi Chew announced the agreement to employees on Thursday, confirming that the joint venture will allow TikTok to comply with U.S. regulatory requirements.

Under the arrangement, one-third of the new venture’s ownership will remain with ByteDance’s existing investors, while ByteDance itself will hold around 20 percent— the maximum share allowed for a Chinese company under current U.S. law. Oracle’s executive chairman Larry Ellison, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, is among the key figures involved in the deal.

The move follows earlier U.S. government demands during Joe Biden’s presidency that ByteDance divest TikTok’s American operations or face a ban. With the investor deadline set for January, TikTok’s timely agreement ensures its continued access to one of its largest markets while easing political and security tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) has reported that 98.9% of households in the country now use mobile phones, reflecting the deep penetration of mobile technology across both rural and urban areas. The data comes from the first-quarter report of the 2025–26 ICT Use and Application Survey, conducted between July and September 2025, covering over 61,000 households nationwide.

According to the survey, 72.4% of households use smartphones, a slight decline from 72.8% in the previous fiscal year. Individual mobile phone usage, however, rose to 80.6% from 78.9% last year. Internet usage also increased modestly, reaching 48.9% of the population. Gender disparities persist: 80.9% of men and 78.8% of women use mobile phones, but ownership rates remain lower among women (52.8%) than men (63.2%).

Urban households show higher smartphone adoption (80.8%) compared to rural ones (68.8%). BBS noted that such data will help policymakers assess progress toward Sustainable Development Goals and design targeted ICT development programs.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has postponed the launch of the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to January 1, shifting from the earlier date of December 16. The decision, announced in a BTRC press release on Monday, aims to give mobile phone traders additional time to register unsold or stocked imported handsets in the system.

According to BTRC sources, many retailers have yet to submit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) data for their devices, prompting the extension. The commission has requested all mobile phone traders to send the required information in a specified Microsoft Excel format to neir@btrc.gov.bd by December 31.

The NEIR system is designed to curb mobile phone theft and illegal handset use by tracking IMEI numbers nationwide. Once operational, it will help authorities block unauthorized or cloned devices from accessing mobile networks, enhancing consumer protection and national security.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has issued an urgent warning to citizens planning to travel abroad, cautioning them against fraudulent websites imitating the official MyGov platform. The ministry confirmed that cybercriminals are operating fake domains resembling government sites to issue counterfeit apostille certificates, undermining the credibility of legitimate digital authentication services.

According to the ICT Division’s Aspire to Innovate (a2i) program, the MyGov platform (https://www.mygov.bd) has processed around 1.7 million applications in the past 11 months, significantly improving transparency and efficiency in document verification. However, authorities recently identified multiple fake domains, including apostillemygovbd.news and apostille-mygovbd.com, used for scams. Police have already shut down two such fraudulent sites following ministry directives.

Officials warned that these scams could jeopardize the acceptance of Bangladeshi public documents abroad and disrupt lawful migration processes. Citizens are urged to use only the official MyGov website and avoid sharing personal data through suspicious links. Law enforcement efforts to identify and prosecute the fraudsters remain ongoing.

The Government of Bangladesh has extended the deadline for registering unregistered mobile phones until March 15, following discussions with the Mobile Business Community of Bangladesh (MBCB). The National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR), initially set to launch on December 16, will still go into effect as planned, but users now have additional time to register devices purchased or used without prior registration.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, the decision came after three days of continuous dialogue with mobile traders. The ministry clarified that there are no restrictions on importing mobile phones, and relevant authorities will be notified about permissible models and import conditions. Ongoing discussions with the National Board of Revenue and the Ministry of Commerce aim to revise import duties.

Officials urged mobile traders to maintain order and avoid any actions that could disrupt public safety. The government’s mediation seeks to balance regulatory enforcement with business concerns, ensuring a smoother transition to the NEIR system and curbing illegal handset use.

Bangladesh’s prison authorities are preparing to launch a video calling system that will allow inmates to communicate with their families using IP phones. Currently, prisoners can make a 10-minute voice call every seven days for 10 taka through a fingerprint-based system. The new initiative will expand this service to include video calls, enabling inmates to see their relatives for 10 minutes each week at a cost of 15 taka.

Officials from the Department of Prisons said the move aims to reduce the financial and emotional burden on families who often travel long distances to visit inmates, spending an average of 3,000 taka per visit. The system will be centrally controlled through software, ensuring security and monitoring. Assistant Inspector General (Development) Md. Jannat-ul Farhad stated that the success of the fingerprint-based calling system encouraged the adoption of IP-based video communication.

Authorities believe the video call service will modernize prison communication, reduce inmate isolation, and strengthen family ties. The installation of IP phones across all prisons is expected to begin soon.

Apple is expected to introduce a new budget-friendly model, the iPhone 17e, as part of its upcoming iPhone 17 series in early 2026, according to international media reports. The device will reportedly feature Apple’s next-generation A19 chip, promising improved gaming, image processing, and AI-driven performance. Analysts suggest that while CPU upgrades will be modest, GPU performance will see significant enhancement. The iPhone 17e is also expected to adopt the dynamic island design, replacing the older notch criticized in the iPhone 16e, giving it a more modern appearance and better notification handling. Camera improvements may include an 18-megapixel front camera with Center Stage support, automatically adjusting framing during video calls or selfies. Although Apple has not officially confirmed pricing or release dates, analysts predict a February 2026 launch, following the company’s usual schedule. In Bangladesh, the current iPhone 16e is priced around 75,000 taka.

The Bangladesh government has decided to ban the import of cloned, stolen, and refurbished mobile phones to curb illegal trade and protect the domestic device industry. The decision was made during a meeting involving the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Ministry of Commerce, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). Migrant workers registered with the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will be allowed to bring up to three phones tax-free, while others can bring two. The government also plans to significantly reduce import duties on legally imported smartphones, currently around 61%, to make them more affordable. Additionally, measures will be taken to align taxes on locally manufactured phones to prevent harm to foreign investments. The new National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system will take effect on December 16, ensuring only phones with valid IMEI numbers remain active. Authorities also warned citizens to use SIM cards registered in their own names to avoid cybercrime risks.

Turkey has achieved a major milestone in military aviation with the successful test of its unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar Kizilelma. The aircraft, developed by Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar, became the world’s first unmanned combat jet to successfully fire a radar-guided beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile at a moving jet-powered target. The test, conducted over the Black Sea near Sinop province, used Turkey’s domestically developed ‘Gökdoğan’ missile and the Murad Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system built by defense firm Aselsan. The Kizilelma’s ability to detect, track, and destroy aerial targets without human pilots marks a breakthrough in autonomous air combat technology. Baykar officials stated that this achievement demonstrates Turkey’s growing aerospace capabilities and positions Kizilelma as the first and only unmanned platform officially recognized for air-to-air combat readiness. The test also featured joint flight operations with F-16 fighter jets, signaling a new era of manned-unmanned aerial collaboration.

India’s Ministry of Telecommunications has directed smartphone manufacturers to preinstall a state-owned cybersecurity app called ‘Sanchar Saathi’ on all new devices within 90 days. The app, which cannot be deleted or disabled, is intended to help track and block lost or stolen phones and strengthen cyber threat prevention. However, privacy advocates and industry experts have raised concerns that the mandatory inclusion could compromise user privacy and data security. Companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi have yet to comment on the directive. Analysts suggest Apple may seek a compromise, possibly offering users an installation choice instead of a compulsory preinstall. The government maintains that the app’s purpose is purely protective, but critics argue that the inability to remove it raises surveillance and data misuse fears among users.

The ASEAN Technology Cooperation Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur’s Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, set new participation records with over 2,000 onsite delegates, 50,000 online viewers, and representatives from 13 countries. The three-day event, inaugurated by Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, underscored technology, human capital, and regional unity as key drivers of future transformation. Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to boost research funding and attract global innovators. The summit launched several initiatives, including the Cooperation and Development Summit 2025 and multiple MoUs between regional innovation bodies. Discussions covered emerging technologies, AI governance, sustainable supply chains, and cross-border R&D. Industry leaders emphasized ASEAN’s growing interdependence with the APEC region and Malaysia’s strategic role in digital trade and green industry. The event reinforced Malaysia’s position as a hub for ASEAN innovation diplomacy and regional science collaboration, paving the way for long-term partnerships and policy frameworks.

Shahjalal Islami Bank Limited (SJIBL) is advancing Bangladesh’s cashless transaction ecosystem through robust digital infrastructure, innovative payment systems, and international collaborations. Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed stated that the bank has developed state-of-the-art internet and app-based payment systems, enabling customers to make secure transactions across merchants, utilities, and wallet accounts. SJIBL has partnered with institutions in India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore for technical maintenance and remittance services, ensuring uninterrupted digital operations. The bank’s new app, Shahjalal TouchPay, and integration with mobile financial services, card payments, and corporate payment systems enhance service quality and accessibility. Customers can now make charge-free transactions via Bangla QR and EFT systems under Bangladesh Bank guidelines. Despite progress, SJIBL faces challenges from rising cyber threats and regulatory complexities in launching new digital products. The bank remains committed to strengthening cybersecurity, customer awareness, and continuous innovation to sustain its leadership in the competitive digital banking landscape.

Eastern Bank PLC (EBL) has introduced the world’s first biometric metal card featuring fingerprint-based security, reinforcing Bangladesh’s move toward a cashless economy. The bank’s Managing Director, Ali Reza Iftekhar, stated that EBL’s innovations—such as the WEAREBL wearable payment device, upgraded Sky Banking app, and multi-network virtual cards—are designed to make digital transactions faster, safer, and more convenient. EBL has also ensured interoperability with mobile financial services (MFS) and e-commerce platforms, while adopting AI-based fraud detection and real-time transaction monitoring to strengthen cybersecurity. Drawing lessons from India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, EBL is developing cost-effective peer-to-peer transfer models and merchant-friendly fee structures. The bank is also promoting digital literacy and awareness to address fraud and social engineering risks, particularly in rural areas. These initiatives aim to enhance customer trust and accelerate Bangladesh’s transition to a secure, inclusive digital banking ecosystem.

Amazon has officially launched its new satellite internet service, ‘Amazon LEO,’ positioning it as a direct competitor to Elon Musk’s Starlink. The company claims LEO is the world’s fastest commercial satellite internet service, capable of delivering download speeds up to one gigabit per second—five times faster than Starlink’s current performance. Although Amazon’s network currently includes only 150 satellites compared to Starlink’s 8,000, it plans to expand to 3,236 satellites in the coming years. The service is initially available to select business clients, including Hunt Energy Network, Vanu Incorporated, and JetBlue Airways, as part of a limited rollout to test network performance and industrial applications. Amazon aims to broaden access globally next year, while SpaceX continues to expand Starlink toward a 12,000-satellite constellation. The launch marks a major step in the growing competition for global satellite-based internet connectivity.

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) will hold its first-ever auction of the 700 MHz radio frequency band on January 14, aiming to expand the country’s telecommunications capacity. The announcement was made by Fayez Ahmed Tayyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on posts, telecommunications, and IT, who described the move as a major milestone for the sector. The 700 MHz band, valued at around Tk 11,000 crore, has long remained unused due to regulatory and technical challenges. Joint efforts by BTRC, the Posts and Telecommunications Division, and the Ministry of Finance have paved the way for the auction. The spectrum is expected to enhance 4G and 5G network coverage, improve indoor connectivity, and expand rural access with fewer towers. Globally known as a high-value and strategic band, the 700 MHz frequency is considered the “golden band” for densely populated countries like Bangladesh due to its wide coverage and cost efficiency.