Dhaka, Jan. 14 -- The number of broadband internet connections was 5.7 million in February last year before the onset of the outbreak, according to Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission or BTRC.

The number reached 9.7 million in December after growing much faster than the previous years, as the people hunkered down at home, doing most of the jobs online.

The educational institutions held classes online while many job holders and businessmen held meetings over the internet. Many resorted to online shopping to avoid gatherings.

MA Hakim, president of Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh or ISPAB, believes the demand for broadband internet increased due to the change in lifestyle of people.

Many favoured broa...