BTRC Faces Promotion Controversy Ahead of Key Meeting
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) is set to hold its 304th meeting on February 8, just three days before the national parliamentary elections, following two indecisive sessions. The meeting will be chaired by BTRC Chairman Emdad ul Bari in room 304.
Agenda items include reviewing the proceedings of the 303rd meeting, final approval of a new licensing framework, and discussion on staff promotions. Sources indicate that the new licensing structure may consolidate multiple service tiers into four categories while phasing out existing ICX, IGW, IIG, and NIX licenses, replacing them with ICSP, NICSP, CMSP, and FTSP licenses.
Promotion considerations for BTRC officials remain a focal point. Recommendations for promotions for 9th grade and above positions, as well as positions below 10th grade, will be reviewed and incorporated into the official minutes.
Prior to the meeting, on February 5, six BTRC deputy directors sent a legal notice titled “Demand of Justice” to the chairman, administration director, telecom secretary, and additional secretary. The notice urged halting promotions for certain officials allegedly appointed illegally in the past, citing 29 individuals promoted from Junior Consultant to Assistant Director without adhering to age and educational criteria. It claims internal audits, investigations, and even a task force had highlighted irregularities, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) initiated an inquiry in 2025. Despite this, promotions for these officials are reportedly moving forward.
The notice warns that rushing promotions of controversial officials ahead of elections could disadvantage legitimately appointed staff, constitute administrative abuse of power, violate good governance principles, and breach the constitutional right to equal opportunity. It also states that legal action under Article 102 of the Constitution may be pursued if corrective measures are not taken.
Telecom analysts note that such allegations in a key regulatory body like BTRC raise serious questions about institutional integrity and administrative transparency. They caution that failing to resolve these matters promptly and impartially could affect long-term governance and policy implementation in the telecom sector.
DBTech/IH/SM/OR
