Banglalink's success is tremendous as it reached one million people in only ten months, Naguib Sawiris, chairman Egypt-based Orascom Telecom Holding, the owning company of Banglalink, told a press briefing.

The cellphone service provider has also announced two promotional offers to mark the celebration.

Under the offers, customers can purchase a connection of Banglalink (mobile to mobile) only at Tk132 while a Banglalink M2M plus connection with BTTB incoming facilities at Tk425.

Sawiris also said, "We have kept our promises to generate real competition in the market. The market dynamics have changed completely since Orascom's entry into Bangladesh telecoms market in February, 2005."

Customer focused packages and innovative and aggressive strategies are the reasons behind the achievement of Banglalink, Sawiris explained.

He said, "As Banglalink intends to be a major market player in Bangladesh, 61 districts are now under its network."

He said Bangladesh is one of the priority markets for Orascom group. We have already made a commitment to invest $300million in telecoms in Bangladesh by two years."

Replying to a question about new cell phone company, which is expected to launch its operation in Bangladesh within a short time, he said, "Five companies in a market like Bangladesh are too much."

However, Sawiris said, "We will welcome any company in the market. But before launching in Bangladesh, the company should study more about the market as the average income of Bangladeshis is very low."

About the further investment in Bangladesh, Orascom Telecom's chairman said some Orascom sister concerns are interested to invest in cement, fertiliser, real estate and hotel business in Bangladesh.

Among others, Lars P Reichelt, chief executive officer (CEO), and Mehboob Chowdhury, chief commercial officer (CCO) of Banglalink, were present at the press conference.