Telecom Policy Triggers Tension: Local Operators Warn of Capital Flight

Concerns have mounted among four network infrastructure operators in Bangladesh, who fear that the questionable process of drafting a new telecom policy could pave the way for money laundering abroad.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting titled “New Telecom Policy: The Question of Domestic Entrepreneurs’ Existence” on Sunday, September 14, at the RAOWA Complex in Mohakhali, organized by Telecom and Technologies Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB), speakers warned that once implemented, the new policy would leave no space for local entrepreneurs.

Present at the event were ISPAB President Aminul Hakim, Senior Vice President Saiful Islam Siddiq, General Secretary Nazmul Karim Bhuiyan, IIGB General Secretary Ahmed Zunaed, IOF President Asif Rabbani, IOF Operations Officer Mushfiq Monzur, AIOB President Mostafizur Rahman, and AIOB Executive Member Ahmed Ur Rahman Romel.

Responding to journalists’ queries, Aminul Hakim stated that legal action would be taken if their demands were not met. “We have already conveyed our observations on the policy to all concerned government authorities. Very soon we will approach the Chief Adviser regarding this issue. If our demands to protect local entrepreneurs are ignored, legal measures will follow,” he said.

IOF President Asif Rabbani echoed the same stance, noting, “We will also appeal to the Chief Adviser regarding this matter.”

In his presentation, ISPAB Joint Secretary Fuad Muhammad Sharafuddin argued that the new policy lacked clarity and fairness. “We have submitted amendments to seven sections. Among them, by allowing CMSPs to use both cable and wireless while not safeguarding FPSP investments, the policy creates a conflicting environment. Small-scale operators are not given the opportunity for license upgradation or downgradation. The restriction preventing district-level ISPs from delivering digital services creates explicit customer discrimination, which must be repealed. Moreover, NICSPS must be obliged to install cables only in blackholes. Otherwise, the specific group that has long dominated the sector will continue to benefit. This policy must be implemented on the basis of fairness,” he said.

The event was moderated by TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey, while TRNB General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin and former president Rashed Mehedi also spoke.