July Network Demands Purge of Corruption from ICT and Telecom Sectors
The Anti-Fascist July Network has demanded strict action against corrupt entities in the ICT and telecom sectors based on findings from the interim government’s white paper. The group is calling for a transparent and expedited licensing process with a maximum validity of 10 years for each license. They also urged immediate disclosure and investigation into corruption allegations involving projects such as a2i, IDEA, and Startup Bangladesh, and demanded accountability for those responsible for internet shutdowns during political movements. Additionally, they called for a transparent retendering of the EDC project.
These demands were raised during a protest held on Friday morning (May 16) in front of the National Press Club, where the network demanded that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) be freed from what they described as “Awami autocracy.” Banners at the demonstration read: "Revoke licenses from collaborators of autocracy and issue new licenses," and "End discrimination, license the deprived." Another banner listed their specific demands.
Among the demands were the removal of corrupt officials from both the ICT Division and BTRC, issuance of licenses to new entrepreneurs, and the creation of a corruption-free, competitive environment in the sector.
Renowned poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar, the keynote speaker, stated that establishing “people’s sovereignty” after the mass uprising should be the primary national duty. He declared, “To return power to the people, we must liberate the digital sector and all other sectors from the control of fascist collaborators.”
Calling for unity beyond ideological divides, Mazhar urged students to participate in the movement to establish true sovereignty. He warned, “Those who ignore the question of people’s sovereignty and instead prioritize ideological battles are ultimately paving the way for the return of fascism.”
Speaking at the event, July Network convener Md. Abul Kashem presented the white paper published by the interim government, stating: “It lists the names of companies and the amounts they laundered. Over the past 15 years, leaders of the former ruling party and its affiliates like the Awami League and Jubo League were granted licenses. They worked with Palak [former state minister for ICT] to impose internet shutdowns, contributing to state-led violence. Yet in the last nine months, no one has been held accountable. Many fled the country, but their businesses continue to operate unhindered.”
Golam Mostafa Bhuiyan, Secretary of NAP, remarked: “For 15 years, the grandson of Bangabandhu and the son of the ‘mother of fascism,’ former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, looted billions from the ICT ministry while sitting in a single chair. We now see that the ghosts of fascism haunt every ministry. Even though the fascist leaders are gone, their heirs still remain in control of the ICT ministry. If they are not identified and rooted out, the fruits of the July Revolution will be lost.”
The protest was attended by professionals from the ICT and telecom sectors, along with representatives of civil society. The Anti-Fascist July Network has announced that this will not be a one-off protest. Declaring the ICT and telecom sectors still under the grip of an “Awami syndicate,” they pledged to continue their movement through sustained programs to rid the sectors of corruption.
