Bangladesh's first privately owned submarine cable project has become entangled in both domestic political controversy and the growing technological rivalry between the United States and China, placing the BNP government under mounting pressure over a decision with far-reaching implications for national security, digital infrastructure and foreign investment.

The proposed Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) was initiated after the previous Awami League government granted three private submarine cable licenses in 2022 to Summit Communications, Metacore Subcom and CDataNet Communications. The companies later formed a consortium to jointly implement the project. The licensing process has drawn sharp criticism. Although Bangladesh's long-term bandwidth demand was expected to be met through the government-backed SEA-ME-WE-6 submarine cable project, the previous government approved three private licenses instead of one.

Critics allege that licensing guidelines were amended to accommodate politically connected companies, including firms with little or no experience in submarine cable operations. Investigations also found that one licensed company was registered after the application notice had been published, raising further questions about transparency. The controversy deepened after the consortium signed a contract with China's HMN Technologies, formerly Huawei Marine Networks, to design, manufacture, install and test the branch cable connecting Bangladesh to the SIGMAR submarine cable system. The 1,900-kilometre SIGMAR cable links Singapore and Myanmar, while Bangladesh plans to build a 1,300-kilometre branch connection. The United States has repeatedly raised unofficial objections, describing HMN Technologies as an "untrusted" vendor that could pose cybersecurity, espionage and data security risks. US officials have reportedly met officials from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), urging the government not to approve the project. Washington's position reflects its broader Clean Network Initiative, launched in 2020 to prevent Chinese technology from becoming part of critical global communications infrastructure.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also tightening restrictions on submarine cables using Chinese technology, warning that such systems could be excluded from carrying US data traffic. China, meanwhile, has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure approval. On June 14, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka requested Bangladesh to expedite clearance, arguing that HMN Technologies is an internationally recognised commercial company and that external political considerations have unnecessarily delayed the project despite technical preparations being completed.

The project remains stalled because approvals from several key government agencies, including the Home Ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Intelligence (NSI), are still pending. Political controversy has also intensified following the 2024 change in government. Reports suggest that ownership structures of several consortium members have changed significantly, with shares shifting from individuals linked to the former Awami League administration to people considered close to the ruling BNP, reportedly to preserve the project and facilitate its approval. Security experts have also expressed concern that nearly 90 percent of the proposed branch cable would pass through Myanmar's Exclusive Economic Zone, potentially limiting Bangladesh's operational control during maintenance or emergencies.

Technology analysts warn that reliance on Chinese-built infrastructure could discourage investment by major Western technology companies, while further delays could slow Bangladesh's expanding digital economy. The government says no final decision has been made and that all legal, technical, regulatory and national security issues are being carefully reviewed. As competition between Washington and Beijing increasingly extends to global digital infrastructure, Bangladesh faces a complex balancing act between geopolitical interests and its own national priorities. Make only 100 words report with relevant facts and figure and names to include on it