Understanding Phone Numbers in Bangladesh

Quick Reference

• Country: Bangladesh
• Country Code: +880
• International Prefix: 00
• National Prefix: 0

Overview

Discover the comprehensive structure of Bangladesh's telephone numbering plan. This guide is an essential resource for telecom professionals, developers, and systems administrators dealing with Bangladeshi phone numbers. It covers number formats, dialing procedures, and regulatory insights.

Number Structure

General Number Structure

Bangladesh operates under a closed numbering plan with fixed-length numbers, excluding the country code:

• Country Code: +880
• National Significant Number (NSN): 9 to 10 digits
  • Area Code: 1 to 3 digits (for fixed-line numbers)
  • Subscriber Number: 6 to 8 digits

Number Formats by Type

Type	Format (with Country Code)	Example
Mobile	+880 1XNN-NNNNNN	+880 1712-345678
Fixed-Line	+880 XNN-NNNNNN	+880 231-2345678
Toll-Free	+880 800NNNNNN	+880 8001234567
Emergency	NNN	999
Special Services	+880 96XX-NNNNNN	+880 9601-234567

Regular Expressions

For validation and formatting, use these regular expressions:

• Mobile Numbers:
  ^\+8801[3-9]\d{8}$
  

• Fixed-Line Numbers:
  ^\+880[2-9]\d{7,8}$
  

• Toll-Free Numbers:
  ^\+880800\d{7}$
  

• Emergency Numbers:
  ^\d{3}$
  

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

• Landline to Landline: Dial 0 + area code + subscriber number.
  • Example: 0 2 1234567
• Landline to Mobile: Dial 0 + mobile number.
  • Example: 0 1712 345678
• Mobile to Mobile: Dial 0 + mobile number.
  • Example: 0 1912 345678

International Calls

• Outgoing: Dial 00 + country code + area code (if applicable) + subscriber number.
  • Example: 00 1 212 5551234 (calling the USA)
• Incoming: Dial +880 + area code (if applicable) + subscriber number.
  • Example: +880 1712 345678

Recent and Upcoming Numbering Plan Changes

Recent Changes

The National Numbering Plan was updated in 2017, introducing new mobile prefixes and expanding fixed-line ranges to meet demand.

Upcoming Changes

Currently, no significant changes are scheduled.

Number Portability

Introduced in 2018, mobile number portability (MNP) allows subscribers to retain their numbers when switching operators, regulated by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

Mobile Network Operators

Operator	Prefixes
Grameenphone	+880 17XX, +880 13XX
Banglalink	+880 19XX, +880 14XX
Robi	+880 18XX
Teletalk	+880 15XX

Fixed-Line Network Operators

Operator	Prefixes
BTCL	+880 2XX, +880 3XX, etc.
Onetel	+880 6XX
Others	+880 4XX, +880 9XX

Regulatory Body

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) manages the numbering plan and oversees the telecommunications industry in Bangladesh.

Number Allocation and Management

The BTRC allocates and manages phone numbers, ensuring fair distribution and availability to meet future demands.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

Golden Numbers

These memorable sequences are available for purchase at a premium through telecom operators.

Number Blocking

Operators may offer number blocking services upon request.

Technical Considerations for Developers

When handling Bangladeshi phone numbers, consider:

1. Validation: Use regular expressions for validation.
2. Formatting: Format numbers according to international standards.
3. Portability: Implement logic for mobile number portability.
4. Prefix Updates: Keep systems updated with new prefixes.