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Grameenphone and PalmPay launch cardless EMI for smartphones
Grameenphone, in partnership with PalmPay, has launched a cardless EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) campaign to make smartphones more affordable and accessible across Bangladesh. Aimed at bridging the digital divide, the initiative enables customers to purchase Tecno and itel smartphones with just a 15 per cent down payment, while the rest can be paid in monthly instalments over up to nine months-without requiring a credit card. The offer is available at all Grameenphone Centers and selected partner outlets nationwide.
To ensure responsible usage, devices purchased under this scheme will come with a smart locking system that provides payment reminders and temporarily locks the device in case of non-payment.
Grameenphone's Chief Product Officer Solaiman Alam said the initiative aligns with the company's vision of inclusive digital growth.
PalmPay Managing Director Jun Zeng (Ethan) highlighted its role in promoting digital access, education, and financial inclusion. ISMARTU Technology CEO Rezwanul Hoque emphasised that flexible financing would make Tecno and itel smartphones accessible to more users.
vivo redesigns flagship stores across the country
Smartphone brand vivo redesigns flagship stores across Bangladesh to serve as interactive knowledge hubs, offering hands-on access to vivo's latest innovations, expert guidance, and international-standard after-sales support beside providing retail spaces.
Customers can explore vivo's advanced technologies, gain insights into ongoing research, and contribute feedback that informs future product development. The stores are designed to foster learning, engagement, and personalised service, making them unique spaces in the local tech landscape.
Vivo maintains that it operates transparently and within legal frameworks, welcoming open dialogue to address any concerns. It emphasises that its operations do not disrupt others' businesses and support healthy market competition.
Equipped with modern tools and skilled professionals, the flagship stores also offer premium after-sales care, often unavailable at smaller centres. Through these efforts, vivo continues to promote innovation, accessibility, and responsible business practices in Bangladesh's evolving digital ecosystem.
Banglalink pledges support for GSMA disability inclusion principles
Banglalink has become the only company in Bangladesh to pledge support for the GSMA Principles for Driving the Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing itscommitment to an inclusive digital society.
The GSMA Principles focus on three pillars: promoting inclusion across organisations, understanding the needs of persons with disabilities, and innovating accessible products and services.
By joining this global initiative, Banglalink aims to ensure digital participation for all, regardless of physical ability.
CEO Johan Buse stated, "Access to digital services should be a right, not a privilege. This pledge reflects our ambition to build an inclusive digital ecosystem."Banglalink has taken practical steps toward inclusion, including enhancing its website for accessibility, installing ramps at offices and customer care centres, and promoting awareness through social media. Through its Digital Classroom Initiative with Proyash, the company is also introducing assistive technology into learning spaces for children with disabilities, supporting broader efforts in inclusive education and digital access.
Robi partners with icddr,b to offer healthcare benefits for elite customers
Robi Axiata PLC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the international health research institute icddr,b to provide Robi Elite customers with a 10 per cent discount on a wide range of diagnostic services.
The MoU was signed recently at icddr,b's main campus in Dhaka. Robi was represented by Chief Commercial Officer Shihab Ahmad, Axentec's Chief Commercial Officer Abul Kalam Mohammad Nazmul Islam, and Head of Marketing Md. Showkat Kader Chowdhury. icddr,b was represented by Executive Director Dr Tahmeed Ahmed and senior officials from clinical, hospital, finance, and legal departments.
The partnership reflects Robi Elite's commitment to enhancing healthcare access for its premium users. Offer details are available on Robi's website and My Robi app.
The two organisations also discussed possible future collaboration in areas such as digital health services, AI-powered research tools, and fundraising support for icddr,b's free hospital services in Dhaka and Matlab, Chandpur.
Workshop on AI and cloud held to boost local ICT skills
Huawei recently organised a workshop titled Cloud TechWave Bangladesh 2025 to build the technical and service capacities of local ICT professionals. Held in Dhaka, the workshop was attended by around 100 participants and led by experts from Huawei's Asia Pacific regional headquarters.
Senior Solution Architect Neo Jin Sheng Cason, Product Manager Sun Bing, and Cloud Service Engineer Xiang Zheng conducted sessions on AI, cloud innovation, big data, databases, security, and PaaS. The training aimed to support the development of Bangladesh's digital infrastructure by enhancing professional skills in cloud and AI technologies.
Haven Lin, Board Member of Huawei South Asia, said the initiative aligns with Bangladesh's push towards modernisation and inclusive, tech-driven growth.
Shamsul Alam Nizami, CDO of Flora Telecom, noted that the workshop deepened understanding of cloud integration in ICT systems.
Huawei Cloud has grown rapidly in Asia-Pacific, leading the hybrid cloud segment in Bangladesh. It has launched the country's first e-government cloud and hybrid cloud for Robi.