Banglalink offers its attractive introductory package at Tk 3,400, which includes a handset with connection and six Tk 300-denomination pre-paid recharge cards, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Banglalink Lars P. Reichelt told reporters in Dhaka.

The service will be available in the market from tomorrow (Saturday), said Reichelt. The subscribers will be able to pick a set from a range of handsets including Siemens, Alcatel, Motorola and Sagem.

Per minute call charge is fixed at Tk 6.0 with 30-second pulse provision from the first minute during peak hours between 7:00am and 11:00pm while 15-second pulse from first minute during off-peak hours between 11:00pm and 7:00am excluding value added tax.

The recharge card of Tk 300 denomination will have 30-day validity period while every new prepaid connection will include Tk 20 free talk time to ensure that customers can start using their Banglalink connections immediately.

The service will have text messaging with GrameenPhone and AKTEL subscribers.

Orascom Telecom bought Sheba Telecom in September last year and changed its brand name to Banglalink from Shebaworld.

Banglalink, the smallest among the country's four operators, currently has network in nine districts -- Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Khulna, Comilla, Narayanganj, Mymensingh, Gazipur and Cox's Bazar.

An extensive expansion plan is already underway across the country to make its presence in 61 districts by the end of this year, officials said.

Banglalink is investing around $160 million in the 2004-05 fiscal year.

"With the service we are breaking new ground and truly making mobile affordable," Reichelt said. He said Bangladesh is a place with huge potential and the country can have 20 million mobile phones within the next five years.

Egyptian Ambassador in Dhaka Ismail Ghoneim, Vice-chairman of Orascom Board of Investment Alex Shalaby, Executive Chairman of Board of Investment Mahmudur Rahman and outgoing CEO of Banglalink Paul Kearney were also present at the function.