Telecom Transparency: Call for a White Paper and an Independent BTRC
Engr. Ishraq Hossain, a member of the BNP's International Affairs Committee, has called for the publication of a white paper on corruption in the telecom sector, alleging that the previous government used the sector for rampant exploitation. Criticizing the role of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) under the previous administration, he stated, “The past government imposed internet shutdowns to cover up their brutal political operations, which has been highlighted in international reports.” Emphasizing the need for an independent telecom regulatory commission, he urged reforms to ensure transparency.
He made these remarks on Sunday at a discussion meeting held at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah Hall of the National Press Club, organized jointly by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA) and TAPP. Speaking on the need for reforms in the telecommunications and internet services sector, Ishraq mentioned that the BNP’s 33-point agenda includes a provision to allow all statutory and constitutional bodies to operate independently without interference. “Currently, BTRC functions as a regulator that creates barriers instead of facilitating growth. It has introduced seven to eight layers in the licensing process, which must be reformed. Practical initiatives should be taken for infrastructure sharing, and local enterprises must be given priority.”
Ishraq further alleged that silent and systematic looting had taken place in the telecom sector, similar to the power and other industries. He demanded the publication of a white paper to expose those involved. He accused the government of granting complete authority over public infrastructure projects such as Info-Sarkar 1 and Info-Sarkar 2 to specific individuals and companies, turning them into personal assets, thus enabling large-scale corruption. “Although Info-Sarkar was meant to ensure easy and affordable internet access at the grassroots level, duopoly and monopoly practices have turned it into a tool for financial exploitation. A regulatory framework must be established to prevent such practices,” he added.
Regulatory Bias and Licensing Concerns
The discussion, presided over by BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed, featured insights from Engr. Ishraq Hossain, former Director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission Khaled Abu Naser, former Senior Vice President of ISPAB Saiful Islam Siddique, IIGB President Aminul Hakim, former BASIS President Fahim Mashroor, Senior Director of Robi Anamika Bhakta, Grameenphone’s Hossain Sadat, and Head of Communication of AMTOB Abdullah Al Mamun. Telecom expert Mustafa Mahmud Hussain presented the keynote paper.
Saiful Islam Siddique highlighted concerns over political appointments at BTRC, stating, “Those appointed to BTRC were politically chosen and have facilitated opportunities for their political beneficiaries, causing significant harm to business operators. Companies holding licenses across multiple layers have suppressed competition. Granting a single company licenses across all layers is unfair, as it prevents medium and small operators from thriving. This issue should have been addressed.”
He further mentioned, “There are currently 3,000 ISP licenses, creating employment for one million people, with investments worth billions of takas. We have turned ISPs into social enterprises. Nowhere else in the world is broadband internet provided at such low prices. We are offering unlimited, high-quality internet for just 500 takas.”
However, he warned of a growing threat: “Our biggest challenge now is that mobile operators are attempting to enter the fixed broadband sector. We have heard that one operator has applied for an ISP license. This should not happen. We, as ISP operators, will not accept it. We do not want them to operate in this layer, as it will eliminate our business. Instead, the government could consider allowing ISPAB to function as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) like in other developed countries.”
Market Control and Revenue Collection Priorities
Khaled Abu Naser stressed that the telecom sector is integral to multiple economic fields, including finance, healthcare, entertainment, and outsourcing, yet it is not functioning efficiently. “ISPs are struggling for survival. It is BTRC’s responsibility to ensure their protection. Steps must be taken to prevent monopolies and protect existing license holders.”
Fahim Mashroor, former BASIS President and CEO of BdJobs, indirectly referenced Summit Group, stating, “Over the past 15 years, many have entered this sector not to do business but to plunder. Currently, there are only two NTTN (National Telecommunications Transmission Networks). The telecom sector was the third largest area for looting. We should discuss who controls it, be it Adani or S. Alam. Some of their representatives are present in this program.”
He further criticized internet penetration levels, saying, “Despite 41% of urban dwellers using smartphones, less than 40% actually access the internet. In rural areas, this figure is even lower—under 20%. Broadband offers the best internet experience, yet discussions are focused solely on the 18 crore mobile users.” He also alleged excessive bureaucratic hurdles: “The government has created 29 licensing layers in the internet business, unnecessarily inflating prices.” Mashroor accused the government of treating BTRC as a tax collection agency rather than a regulatory body: “The government has discovered BTRC as NBR’s B-team. Internet prices will not drop until the government genuinely wants them to. They are collecting 60% in taxes, which is automatically driving up costs.” Call for a Fair Market and Local Enterprise Protection Aminul Hakim, President of the International Internet Gateway Association of Bangladesh (IIGAB), called for a level playing field in the telecom sector. “We welcome the initiative to bring Starlink to Bangladesh. However, local entrepreneurs must also be given fair opportunities. While attracting foreign investment, the government must ensure that small domestic investors are not strangled.”
He also criticized BTRC’s revenue-centric approach: “BTRC is being treated as a revenue collection agency for NBR. Last year, its revenue target was set at Tk 4,000 crore, and this year, it has been increased by another Tk 500 crore.” He added, “We want to reduce internet prices further, but our proposals remain stuck in BTRC’s files.”
BTRC Reform and Service Improvement
BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed questioned the recruitment policies at BTRC, saying, “Why was a retired individual appointed to BTRC? It has now become an ineffective commission. Reports suggest that relatives of certain individuals have been appointed to please specific interests. We demand BTRC reform, just like other institutions.”
He further suggested structural changes in the service model: “Currently, various service layers—such as IGW, ICX, and IIG—are unnecessary. Reducing these layers would improve service quality and lower costs.”
The discussion emphasized the urgent need for regulatory reform, independent oversight, and a transparent telecom sector to foster fair competition, protect local businesses, and ensure affordable internet access across Bangladesh.
