No member wants an administrator in ISPAB

The future of Bangladesh's internet service provider (ISP) industry, once driven entirely by local entrepreneurs, now stands at a critical crossroads. In a show of solidarity to overcome existential threats, the three former presidents of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) have joined forces to support the "ISP United" panel in the upcoming 2025–2027 executive committee election.  Like leaders, most general members do not allow an Administrators to govern in ISPAB. They have spoken out that the elected representatives should lead the next two years whom they are elected by vote. 

At a meet-and-greet event held Thursday night at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, former presidents S.M. Iqbal, Abdus Salam, and outgoing president Imdadul Haque voiced their shared concern and called for unity. More than 250 members attended the gathering. . The general members who participated in the event also joined their voices in making the same demand.

Speaking on behalf of ISP United, Aminul Haque addressed various member concerns, saying, “To root out all allegations of political affiliations among internet business operators, we will work to create equal service opportunities on major networks like Dhanmondi. The next ISPAB executive committee will collectively push for data-driven advocacy to resolve unsettled NTTN issues, promote a ‘One Country, One Rate’ policy, and ensure affordable, high-quality internet services under business-friendly regulations.”

Other panel members present included Saiful Islam Siddique, Managing Director of ICC Communication Ltd.; Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, Managing Director of KS Network Ltd.; Moin Uddin Ahmed, CEO of Red Data Ltd.; Asaduzzaman Sujon, Managing Director of Ontorongo Dot Com Ltd.; Mahbub Alam Raju, CEO of Circle Network; Neyamul Haque Khan, Chairman of Majeda Networks Ltd.; Md. Mithu Hawlader, CTO of Invention Technologies Ltd.; and Rashedur Rahman Rajon, Managing Director of One Sky Communications Ltd.

Outgoing president Imdadul Haque, while seeking votes for ISP United’s general member category, said, “When four presidents stand together, it signals a unified front against administrator-led intervention. We brought the election forward by 10 months to avoid administration. With policy changes looming every four years, investment stability is at risk. Protecting domestic investment is BTRC’s responsibility—it must act accordingly.”

Former president Abdus Salam echoed similar concerns: “Their victory is essential. Our industry is in peril. New policies have failed to safeguard local entrepreneurs. Several licenses, including those at the sub-district level, have been revoked with no clear alternative. If obstacles prevent this election, the entire industry may suffer.”

Founding president S.M. Iqbal stated, “I believe ISP United will win. A collective pressure group is essential. None of us support the idea of an administrator taking over, and neither does this industry.”

When asked about steps to break the monopoly of the single NTTN provider, Aminul Haque responded, “We’re offering 10 Mbps for BDT 500. If we had clearly stated that customers must pay VAT, things would be clearer. Some offer VAT-inclusive packages, others do not, creating confusion and pressure from customers. If all operators agree on uniform packages, BTRC may accept them. We hope to overcome past mistakes and make meaningful progress over the next two years.”

He added, “MNOs are increasingly encroaching on our domain, and the industry is suffering. Political dominance is not prevalent in our trade—perhaps only in isolated cases. ISP United’s participation in the ISPAB election is rooted in the commitment to ensure fair rights for all ISPs in the country.”