Bangladesh Telecommunications Ordinance 2025: BTCL and Stakeholders Voice Key Concerns

A stakeholder consultation on the “Bangladesh Telecommunications Ordinance 2025” was held at the Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL) conference room located at the Telecommunication Building in Eskaton Garden, Dhaka. The meeting took place on Tuesday, 11 November, organized by the Posts and Telecommunications Division. Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, attended the session as the Chief Guest.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Posts and Telecommunications Division, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company, Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), Telephone Shilpa Sangstha (TSS), Grameenphone, Banglalink, Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, Summit Communications, Bahon Limited, Fiber@Home, e-Dot-Co, Capital Law Chamber, tech platform Shikho, alongside distinguished citizens and sectoral experts.

During the session, the formulation process, key objectives, and proposed amendments of the draft ordinance were presented in detail. Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant stated: “The amendment process has undergone multiple phases of discussion, draft preparation, and rewriting. Almost every amendment clause has been revised four to five times to ensure that the law is timely, governance-oriented, and technologically precise.”

Key highlights of the proposed ordinance include:

• Formation of a “Transparency and Accountability Assurance Committee” led by the Cabinet Secretary to ensure oversight of the Commission.

• Establishment of a special committee comprising five ministers to resolve political and administrative challenges surrounding approval of critical national licenses.

• Significant reduction in licensing time.

• Rebalancing authority between the government and the Commission.

• Simplification of the tariff-setting mechanism.

• Introduction of arbitration procedures.

• Strengthening and expanding the provisions for public hearings and mandatory transparency.

• Rationalization of financial penalties.

• Redefining the widely debated Section 97.

In his remarks, the Special Assistant emphasized that the draft ordinance introduces a prohibition on internet shutdowns, among other forward-looking and citizen-focused reforms. He expressed hope that these measures would further reinforce transparency, accountability, and the protection of civil rights in Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector. He also noted that the ordinance remains open to adjustments based on stakeholder feedback.

Stakeholders welcomed the prohibition on internet shutdowns and supported the structured, accountability-based interception framework, including provisions related to the Central Lawful Interception Platform (CLIP). Discussions also highlighted the proposal to make the 1 percent revenue share toward the SOF (Special Operations Fund) optional—granting fund access only to those who contribute. Additionally, proposals were made to simplify FTSP (Fixed Telephony Service Provider) and district FTSP licensing by excluding them from the category of “nationally important licenses.”

Representatives of mobile network operators provided feedback regarding interconnection with shared platforms, noting that the new framework would ensure lawful oversight and accountability, reduce operational burdens, and strike a balance between citizen privacy, personal data protection, and national security.

Participants also praised the incorporation of arbitration procedures within the guidelines, stating that this would enable timely resolution of audit and financial disputes between BTRC and operators, thereby improving business stability and investor confidence.

The Special Assistant reaffirmed that stakeholder feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final version of the ordinance.

In concluding remarks, he stated: “Stakeholder perspectives reflect the real challenges and needs of the sector. The government aims to establish a balanced and modern telecommunications law that harmonizes investment, innovation, accountability, and citizen protection.”

Stakeholders were requested to submit detailed written opinions by 15 November to the email address: secretary@ptd.gov.bd The Posts and Telecommunications Division assured that relevant inputs will be considered for the final revision of the ordinance.