Bangladesh Breaks Ground with New Telecom Law: Bans Internet Shutdowns and Restricts Interception
Bangladesh is set to enter a new era in telecommunications as the Advisory Council on Wednesday, December 24, gave final approval to the Bangladesh Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. The decision was endorsed at the council’s meeting chaired by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Approved at the 52nd meeting of the Advisory Council, the ordinance introduces sweeping reforms, including a complete ban on internet shutdowns, strengthened legal safeguards against unlawful surveillance, and measures to ensure the independence and accountability of the telecom regulator.
To implement the reforms, the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) has been abolished. The amendment ordinance was formally placed before the council by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Division. Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Abdun Naser was also present at the meeting.
The new law aims to modernise the telecom sector by simplifying licensing procedures, facilitating the rollout of 5G and cloud services, restricting arbitrary internet shutdowns, and promoting digital inclusion. Provisions have also been added for image and voice protection, as well as enhanced safeguards for SIM and device data, aligning the legal framework with international best practices set by the United Nations and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The reforms are expected to attract new investment, improve transparency, and establish a future-ready regulatory structure. A draft of the ordinance had earlier been released for public consultation, and sector stakeholders anticipate significant changes to existing laws and policies.
Earlier, on September 4, the government approved the Telecommunication Network and Licensing Policy 2025. Further details of the latest decision were later shared at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
At the briefing, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the ordinance restores the independence and accountability of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), moving away from the controversial 2010 amendment framework. A balance of authority between the ministry and BTRC has been established in licence issuance, with nationally significant licences to be approved based on independent studies, while all other licensing powers are vested fully in BTRC. The ordinance also mandates the formation of an Accountability Committee led by the chair of the parliamentary standing committee.
One of the most notable provisions, officials said, is the explicit clause stating that internet or telecom services cannot be shut down under any circumstances (Section 97), a move widely described as landmark for freedom of expression and the digital economy.
Key features of the approved telecom law include mandatory public hearings by BTRC every four months, stricter rules to prevent conflicts of interest, and criminal penalties for unlawful surveillance using SIM or device registration data. The definition of “speech offence” has been narrowed to include only incitement to violence, further safeguarding free expression.
For lawful interception, a new Centre for Information Support (CIS) will be established under the Home Ministry, providing technical assistance only under judicial or emergency authorisation. The CIS will not conduct interceptions itself, and all activities will require role-based access control and approval from a quasi-judicial council. Parliamentary oversight has also been strengthened through annual national reporting on interception activities.
Experts believe the ordinance marks a turning point, offering stronger protection for citizens’ digital rights while opening a new chapter of transparency, investment, and trust in Bangladesh’s telecommunications sector.
DBTech/IH/OR
