Transforming TSS: Government Plans High-Tech Revival

The government has initiated a project to transform the Telephone Shilpa Sangstha (TSS), located in Tongi under the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, into a high-tech park. Initially, efforts are being made to establish TSS as a functioning mid-tech or low-tech manufacturing entity.

Just before Eid, the special assistant to the chief advisor, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, announced the approval of this transformation in a Facebook post on April 1. As an advisor designated for the ICT and telecommunications sector, he mentioned that Telecom Secretary Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman and ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury are assisting him in this endeavor.

This initiative has received appreciation from individuals outside the telecommunications sector as well. Media personality Abdun Noor Tushar commended the effort, while the President of the Mobile Phone Consumer Association, Mohiuddin Ahmed, stated, "It is possible to make TSS a productive and profitable enterprise. We have been demanding this for a long time, but the government did not pay attention. Finally, we appreciate the government’s initiative in reviving it. We hope the advisor remains committed to fulfilling our expectations."

Former secretary Mahbub Kabir Milon also welcomed the move, recalling, "TSS-produced phones were highly durable. Once purchased, they lasted for years without damage. They were also much more affordable. Nowadays, whether it’s Chinese Panasonic or any other brand, circuits fail within three to six months. If TSS can be revived, it will be a significant achievement."

BUET student Md. Amanat suggested that alongside manufacturing small electronic devices, cables, and regulators, plans should be made for producing mechanical solenoid valves, relief valves, and servo valves domestically. He added, "Another target should be set—how to manufacture all products priced below 500 taka in Bangladesh using local engineers."

Blogger Mosharraf Hossain emphasized the need to enhance national capabilities, stating, "If technology needs to be purchased, that is also important. However, many Bangladeshis abroad have expertise in various fields. Instead of hiring foreign consultants, we should explore ways to involve expatriate Bangladeshis. In many cases, appointing individuals without proper evaluation leads to controversy. Therefore, consultancy recruitment should be conducted through proper application and scrutiny."

Netizen Nazmul Huda expressed his expectations, saying, "I hope TSS will fulfill the demand for rugged phones at affordable prices. Farmers in our country have a high demand for durable phones, as their devices often get damaged quickly due to exposure to sun, rain, and storms."

Advisor Faiz Taiyeb Ahmad accused past administrations of neglecting TSS, stating, "Established in 1963 with support from Germany’s Siemens, TSS was systematically dismantled. At one point, there was hype over Doel laptops, but in reality, they were manufactured in Malaysia and merely assembled here. Hundreds of unsold Doel laptops remain. TSS used to produce landline phones but never managed to upgrade to button or feature phones. Former MP Ahsanullah Master’s son, ex-MP Russell, occupied industrial land to build a stadium in a non-residential industrial area purely for exploitation. TSS, already an underperforming institution, failed to protect its assets."

Highlighting the excessive reliance on imports, he added, "Bangladesh still imports WiFi routers, boosters, chargers, and mobile accessories. It is hard to imagine that almost all USB cables, power cables, and adapters are still imported. Even basic PBX systems are brought from abroad. How will employment be created? I have discussed with the director general how to revamp the institution for producing these low-tech products. The Honorable Chief Advisor has encouraged bringing Chinese manufacturing plans to Bangladesh. We are considering ways to integrate TSS’s existing infrastructural capacity into this transformation."

Responding to these concerns, journalist Masud Rumi remarked, "For a long time, Walton, Fair Electronics, Jamuna, and 17 other companies have been benefiting from high-tech park facilities. However, an investigation is needed to determine why TSS, the only state-owned digital device manufacturer, was left out. Officials who conspired with private firms to weaken TSS should also be held accountable. Not just TSS, but Teletalk has also been systematically crippled. I hope, with your foresight, Teletalk will be revived. People once lined up to buy Teletalk SIM cards. Please introduce offers that will make them queue up again."

Meanwhile, expatriate engineer Arshad Hossain, reflecting on his past experience, said, "During an audit in 1983, I saw that TSS had great potential. If it is not handed over to bureaucrats and instead managed through qualified outsourcing, this institution can lead the country to new frontiers."

With increasing calls for industrial self-reliance, the transformation of TSS into a high-tech park could mark a turning point for Bangladesh’s technology manufacturing sector. However, the success of this initiative will depend on strategic planning and efficient implementation.