Bangladesh Halts Private Subsea Cable Installation

TBS Report, The Business Standard
August 24, 2026

Bangladesh's Posts and Telecommunications Division has instructed relevant authorities not to clear two vessels hired for the country's first privately funded submarine cable unless the project receives a formal recommendation from the division. The action prevents the vessels from entering Bangladesh's territorial waters and delays the planned installation.

According to a letter signed by Deputy Secretary Kaniz Fatema, CdNet Communications approached the National Security Intelligence directly for permission to bring the cable ships CS Blue and Endeavour into the country. The division asked authorities not to issue a no-objection certificate or other clearance without its forwarding letter.

The letter cited concerns involving license conditions, national security, and the protection of government and shareholder investment in Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC, the state-backed operator under the division. It also said the division has not yet decided whether to clear a privately developed submarine cable.

The Bangladesh Private Cable System consortium includes Summit Communications, CdNet Communications, and Metacore Subcom. The group has invested about $53 million, or Tk650 crore, in preparatory work but has faced delays involving approvals from multiple ministries and agencies. The consortium had separately sought permission for the two vessels to enter Bangladesh's waters and begin installation. The latest directive leaves that work on hold pending the division's formal recommendation.

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