If you use an Airtel SIM in Bangladesh, you’ve probably noticed a new name popping up. That name is Cirkle.
Robi Axiata PLC, the company that owns Airtel in Bangladesh, has retired the Airtel brand. In its place stands Cirkle. This isn’t a new network. It’s not a new operator either. It’s the same connection, wearing a new name.
So what actually changed, and what didn’t? Let’s break it down.
What Is Cirkle?
Cirkle is the new consumer brand from Robi Axiata PLC. It replaces Airtel, which had operated in Bangladesh for 16 years.
Robi unveiled Cirkle at an event in Dhaka. The company said the new brand is built around one idea: real connections matter more than just calls and data. Cirkle is aimed squarely at young, digital-first users who live much of their lives online.
Here’s the thing though. Cirkle is not a separate company. It sits fully under Robi Axiata, the same group that has managed Airtel since a 2016 merger.
Why Did Airtel Become Cirkle?
Airtel had been a familiar name in Bangladesh since 2010. But it operated as a licensed sub-brand under Robi Axiata, not as its own independent business.
Robi Axiata decided it was time for a fresh identity. One built for where digital habits are heading next: more AI-powered tools, more app-based services, and more focus on Bangladesh’s younger, always-connected generation.
So instead of keeping the Airtel name going, Robi chose to fold that legacy into something new. Cirkle carries the same customer base and network forward, just under a different name.
What Changes and What Stays the Same
This is the part most people actually care about. So here’s a simple breakdown.
What stays exactly the same:
- Your phone number, including the 016 prefix
- Your current balance and account
- Your active packages and offers
- Your mobile financial service wallet and transaction history
- Network coverage and service quality
What changes:
- The brand name and logo, from Airtel to Cirkle
- The app name, from My Airtel to MyCirkle
- Store signage and customer care branding
You don’t need to buy a new SIM. You don’t need to re-register anything. Robi Axiata has said the transition happens automatically in the background.
A Quick History: From Warid to Cirkle
Bangladesh’s mobile market has seen a few name changes over the years. Cirkle is really the latest chapter in a longer story.
- 2005–2010: The network started as Warid Telecom, after Warid Telecom International secured a GSM license from the telecom regulator.
- 2010: Bharti Airtel bought a majority stake, and the brand became Airtel Bangladesh.
- 2016: Airtel merged into Robi Axiata Limited, becoming the second-largest mobile operator in the country. Airtel continued on as a product brand under Robi.
- 2026: Robi Axiata retired the Airtel name and launched Cirkle as its new consumer identity.
So if you were a Warid user, then an Airtel user, you’re now a Cirkle user. Same underlying network, new name each time it evolved.
What’s New for Users: The MyCirkle App
The old My Airtel app has been renamed MyCirkle. Its core features carry over, including:
- Buying a new SIM with home delivery
- Checking rewards and treat status
- Activating international roaming
- Finding your nearest Cirkle Care center
- Filing complaints or feedback with customer support
If you already had the My Airtel app installed, expect an update that swaps in the new name, icon, and look. Your login and account details should carry over without extra steps.
People Also Ask
Is Airtel still available in Bangladesh? No. As a consumer brand, Airtel has been fully replaced by Cirkle. The underlying operator is still Robi Axiata PLC, which had already managed Airtel since 2016.
Do I need to change my SIM for Cirkle? No. Existing Airtel SIMs, numbers, and packages carry over automatically. There’s no need to visit a store or request a replacement SIM just for the rebrand.
Is Cirkle the same as Robi? Cirkle is a brand owned and operated by Robi Axiata PLC, but it runs as its own distinct identity, separate from the main Robi brand, similar to how Airtel operated before it.
Final Thoughts
Cirkle might be a new name on your screen, but for most users, day-to-day service won’t feel any different right away. Your number works. Your balance is intact. Your data plan still runs.
What’s worth watching is what Robi Axiata builds on top of Cirkle over time, especially around AI-driven features and digital services aimed at younger users. For now, update your app when prompted, and carry on as usual.
Got questions about your specific account or a package that looks different after the switch? Reach out through the MyCirkle app or visit your nearest Cirkle Care center for direct support.
