Call Bangladesh from Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Bangladesh has made significant strides in telecommunications over the past two decades, with a rapidly expanding mobile network infrastructure. The country is served by several major mobile network operators, including Grameenphone, Robi, Banglalink, and Teletalk. As of 2023, mobile phone penetration in Bangladesh has reached over 90%, with a substantial portion of the population relying on mobile devices for communication and internet access. The country has also been rolling out 4G services since 2018, with a growing number of areas now covered by 5G technology as well, particularly in urban centers like Dhaka and Chittagong.

Landline availability is limited, especially in rural areas, but major cities have better infrastructure for fixed-line services. The mobile networks are generally robust, with urban areas enjoying high-speed internet and good voice call quality, while rural regions may still experience connectivity challenges. The widespread use of mobile phones has transformed communication habits, making SMS and instant messaging applications like WhatsApp and Viber popular, especially among the youth.

Phone call etiquette in Bangladesh is characterized by a blend of formality and warmth. When answering a call, it is common for individuals to greet the caller with a polite "Hello" or "Assalamu Alaikum," the latter being a traditional Islamic greeting. The way people greet each other can vary depending on the relationship between the caller and the recipient, with more formal greetings typically used in business contexts or with elders.

Cold calling is generally acceptable, particularly in a business context, but it is advisable to introduce yourself and the purpose of your call right away. For personal calls, it's customary to ask about the well-being of the other person and their family before diving into the main topic. In business communications, it is preferred to use English, especially in urban areas and among professionals who are accustomed to international dealings. Instant messaging apps are also popular for quick communication, often preferred for informal chats.

Bangladesh operates on Bangladesh Standard Time (BST), which is UTC+6. The typical workweek runs from Sunday to Thursday, with business hours generally spanning from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM BST. The best time to reach someone for business discussions is during these hours, particularly from mid-morning to early afternoon when people are most engaged.

During weekends, which include Friday and Saturday, many businesses are closed, and individuals may be less responsive to calls. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid national holidays and major Islamic festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, when many people take time off work to celebrate with family. Understanding these cultural nuances will enhance your chances of connecting successfully.

When engaging in business communication with contacts in Bangladesh, it is important to be mindful of local customs and professional norms. Scheduling meetings in advance is standard practice, and it is common to confirm appointments through a call or email beforehand. The preferred language for business discussions is typically English, particularly in corporate environments; however, being courteous and using a few words in Bengali can help establish rapport.

For initial contacts, email is often favored due to its formality and the ability to provide detailed information. However, if you decide to call, ensure you introduce yourself clearly and state the purpose of your call right at the outset. Professional etiquette emphasizes respect and politeness, so addressing individuals by their titles or Mr./Ms. followed by their name is advisable. Following up with an email summarizing the conversation and next steps is a good practice to reinforce understanding and commitment.

Mobile numbers in Bangladesh start with 01 followed by a carrier-identifying digit: 013 and 017 are Grameenphone, 016 is Robi, 015 and 018 are Banglalink, 019 is Teletalk. When dialing from abroad, drop the leading 0 — so a 017 number becomes +880 17 followed by the eight-digit subscriber number. Landlines use regional codes: Dhaka is 2, Chittagong is 31, Sylhet is 821. Fixed lines are relatively rare in homes but still found in offices, shops, and institutions. The practical reality is that most people are far more reachable on mobile, and Bangladeshis are accustomed to calls arriving on their cell at almost any hour. Voicemail is uncommon; an unanswered call is typically followed by a return call once the person is free.

Landlines in Dhaka and other cities are cheaper per minute than mobiles when calling from abroad, and for long conversations with a business, the fixed line is the economical choice. Bangladesh runs on UTC+6 with no daylight saving, which puts it ahead of most European callers by five or six hours — morning calls from Europe land in the Bangladeshi afternoon. The workweek is Sunday through Thursday; Friday is the day of prayer and most people are unreachable for any professional matter. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha each bring several days of near-total unavailability, and the days leading up to them see reduced office attendance. For the Bangladeshi diaspora calling family, evening calls Bangladesh time — after dinner, around 9 to 10 PM local — tend to catch people at home and willing to talk.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the international calling community is relatively small but significant, primarily consisting of expatriates, foreign diplomats, and the families of North Koreans who have defected to other countries. The most common countries called include South Korea, China, and the United States, reflecting the demographics of the expatriate population and the diaspora. According to estimates from various human rights organizations, there are around 30,000 North Korean defectors in South Korea alone, many of whom maintain connections with relatives and friends back in North Korea.

International calling is crucial for residents of the DPRK, as it serves as a vital lifeline to the outside world, offering both emotional support and crucial information. For expatriates, these calls can facilitate business communications and maintain cultural ties. Families separated by borders often rely on these calls to stay connected, share news, and provide emotional reassurance. The restrictive nature of the DPRK's telecommunications environment means that traditional calling methods can be costly and heavily monitored, making the ability to reach out to relatives abroad even more important for personal and emotional reasons.

International calling rates from the DPRK can be prohibitively expensive when using traditional carriers, costing upwards of $3.00 per minute depending on the destination. This high cost often limits the frequency and duration of calls that residents can afford. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions present a more economical alternative, allowing users to make calls over the internet at a fraction of the price.

Despite the DPRK's limited internet access and infrastructure, there are areas in Pyongyang and select regions where internet services are available, albeit restricted. The government has been working on improving the telecommunications sector, and mobile data is accessible to a limited extent, particularly for citizens who own the state-controlled Koryolink mobile service. This availability allows some residents to utilize browser-based calling services, which can significantly reduce costs and enhance the ability to maintain international connections.

For families separated by the borders of the DPRK, the emotional significance of international calls cannot be overstated. These conversations help bridge the gap created by political and geographical divides, providing comfort and connection to loved ones. Technology plays a critical role in maintaining these relationships, allowing families to share milestones and offer support despite the distance.

To ensure regular communication across time zones, it is advisable to establish a consistent calling schedule that considers the time differences. Using online tools to keep track of time zones can be helpful, as can setting reminders for both parties. Regularly scheduled calls can help maintain emotional bonds and alleviate the sense of isolation experienced by families separated by political circumstances.