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
- Example:
- Landline to Mobile: Dial
0
+ mobile number.- Example:
0 1712 345678
- Example:
- Mobile to Mobile: Dial
0
+ mobile number.- Example:
0 1912 345678
- Example:
International Calls
- Outgoing: Dial
00
+ country code + area code (if applicable) + subscriber number.- Example:
00 1 212 5551234
(calling the USA)
- Example:
- Incoming: Dial
+880
+ area code (if applicable) + subscriber number.- Example:
+880 1712 345678
- Example:
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:
- Validation: Use regular expressions for validation.
- Formatting: Format numbers according to international standards.
- Portability: Implement logic for mobile number portability.
- Prefix Updates: Keep systems updated with new prefixes.
For the latest on telecommunications regulations and numbering plans, visit the BTRC's official website.