Warren Finch, an expert in internet infrastructure and training with over 30 years of experience in information technology, believes that the future of Bangladesh’s digital landscape hinges on robust internet exchange points, local content hosting, strong networks, and public confidence.
Having joined the Internet Society in June 2025 as an IXP Development Expert, Finch is dedicated to fostering interconnection across the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, during his participation as a trainer at bdNOG 21 in Bangladesh, he discussed with The Daily Star the country’s internet exchange ecosystem, the significance of the Rajshahi NIX point of presence, digital resilience, and sustainability.
When evaluating Bangladesh’s advancements in expanding internet exchange infrastructure, Finch highlighted the crucial role of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) in enhancing resilience by keeping local internet traffic within the country during disruptions. Bangladesh has seen positive strides in this area with eight operational IXPs facilitating more efficient traffic exchange among internet service providers, banks, and content providers.
The benefits of IXPs are both technical and economic, enabling data to move directly between local providers, reducing latency, improving reliability, and cutting international bandwidth costs. With the expansion of digital services and local content in Bangladesh, IXPs are poised to play a pivotal role in fostering a faster and more stable internet environment.
Regarding the regional NIX Point of Presence in Rajshahi, Finch emphasized the advantages it brings, particularly outside Dhaka, by providing lower latency, improved speeds, and reduced operating costs for local ISPs. The enhanced bandwidth efficiency allows universities in Rajshahi to share educational resources locally, contributing to a more resilient internet ecosystem.
IXPs play a critical role in reducing bandwidth costs and enhancing speed by keeping local traffic within the country, thus improving efficiency and reducing reliance on international links. This is particularly beneficial for streaming, online education, and gaming, as content providers connecting to IXPs enable users to access content from nearby servers, enhancing browsing speeds and overall internet resilience.
While Bangladesh has made progress in building a sustainable interconnection ecosystem, challenges persist, including attracting global content providers to connect locally. Policy stability, sustainable business practices, and coordinated interconnection policies are crucial for further development in this area.
Local hosting and caching are essential for the long-term success of IXPs, as they enable faster and more reliable access to local services, reducing dependence on international bandwidth. A supportive digital ecosystem, including locally relevant services and strong content, will enhance the sustainability and economic value of IXPs.
Bangladesh’s internet engineers exhibit a strong willingness to learn and collaborate, with organizations like bdNOG fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing. However, there is a need for deeper technical understanding and more local learning resources to strengthen skills and build secure and reliable digital infrastructure.
Journalists can better report on IXP-related issues by utilizing platforms like the Internet Society’s Pulse Internet Measurement Platform, which offers public data on internet health, connectivity trends, and IXPs. Supporting awareness, advocacy, and training in local languages can further enhance understanding of internet infrastructure.
To ensure the sustainability of regional NIX initiatives, a viable operational and business model is essential. Expanding participation, transitioning to professional management, and seeking grant opportunities can help IXPs thrive and grow in the long term.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh should prioritize building a resilient and locally interconnected digital infrastructure over the next five years. This includes strategic placement of ground stations, diverse fibre paths for improved reliability, investment in digital literacy and cybersecurity, and fostering a secure internet ecosystem that supports innovation and economic growth.
