Ex-ICT Adviser Leaves Policy Proposals for Successor Minister

Former Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser responsible for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry during the interim government, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, has returned to his family before the new government formally assumed office. Although he did not complete a formal handover of duties, he left behind a detailed record of his work in two letters addressed to the newly appointed minister, Fakir Mahbub Anam.

The two letters, written on February 15, present several important proposals aimed at making Bangladesh’s telecommunications and information technology sectors more dynamic and investment-friendly. In two separate demi-official (DO) documents related to the Post and Telecommunications Division (PTD) and the ICT Division, Fayez outlined the current challenges and opportunities faced by institutions under these sectors. The lengthy letters also include a series of recommendations.

The documents state that in the era of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the telecommunications and ICT sectors are among the main driving forces behind the country’s overall development. Therefore, strengthening these sectors through policy reforms, increased investment, and enhanced technological capacity is essential. The letters emphasize maintaining policy continuity between the ICT Division and the Post and Telecommunications Division. They note that several strategic initiatives launched during the previous administration remain incomplete and require close monitoring for effective implementation.

In the document concerning the Post and Telecommunications Division, recommendations were made to ensure an investment-friendly environment in the telecommunications sector. These include ensuring transparency and simplification in licensing and spectrum management, expanding broadband internet access, and prioritizing the delivery of high-speed internet to rural areas. The letter also stresses strengthening preparations for the implementation of 5G technology and enhancing digital infrastructure development with future technologies in mind.

It also recommends maintaining policy stability in the telecommunications sector while making industry-friendly decisions and strengthening the regulatory framework.

The document highlights the importance of spectrum management and regulatory transparency. According to the former adviser, investor confidence in the telecommunications sector largely depends on the transparency and predictability of policies. Therefore, reforms in licensing, spectrum allocation, and competition oversight should continue.

Meanwhile, the document related to the ICT Division emphasizes promoting innovation and entrepreneurship for the growth of the information technology industry. It recommends adopting supportive policies for startups and technology entrepreneurs to increase the export of software and IT-enabled services. At the same time, it highlights the need to activate operations in Hi-Tech Parks and IT Parks more effectively to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

The document further states that stronger coordination between the education and industry sectors is necessary to develop skilled human resources in modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Cybersecurity and data governance issues have been given special emphasis. The document mentions ongoing initiatives to strengthen the digital security framework and calls for maintaining a balance between innovation and privacy–data protection.

According to the former adviser, any regulatory framework should align with international standards while also considering local realities.

The letters also call for stronger coordination among various agencies under the ministry. In addition, they recommend reviewing institutional structures to reduce duplication of work and improve service quality. A clear division of responsibilities could accelerate project implementation and reduce bureaucratic complexities, the documents state.

The letters also emphasize increasing digital literacy, strengthening the startup ecosystem, and providing incentives for innovation. Continued support for technology parks and incubators has been identified as a key factor in maintaining Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the regional digital landscape.

However, it could not be confirmed whether the minister has read the letters. After assuming office, Minister for Science and Technology and Post, Telecommunications and ICT Fakir Mahbub Anam has been visiting institutions under the two ministries following departmental meetings. Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad has accompanied him during these meetings.

As part of regular engagements, the minister is scheduled to hold a meeting with officials of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) on Monday, March 9. The letter from the former special assistant particularly draws the minister’s attention to this organization. It recommends transforming BTRC’s reform activities, policy modernization, and future telecommunications roadmap into institutional policies, guidelines, and digital systems aligned with global standards to build an investment-friendly ecosystem.

The letter states that during the previous administration, the regulator’s independence had eroded. Ministry-centric decision-making, irregular appointments, influence, and lack of transparency had weakened BTRC’s regulatory credibility. The excessively fragmented licensing structure and intermediary layers created unnecessary costs and rent extraction in the market. The complaint management system regarding service quality was also weak, with more than 12,000 complaints still unresolved.

To address these issues, a high-powered quasi-judicial Transparency and Accountability Committee was formed during the tenure of the interim administration to review the activities of the ministry and BTRC. The committee will conduct post-facto reviews of decisions taken. The new policy framework also introduces a requirement to submit regular reports to the parliamentary committee to ensure accountability to elected representatives. The letter also highlights priorities such as banning internet shutdowns, establishing international-standard monitoring systems, reducing e-waste, implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) to curb MFS scamming and gambling, and determining a balanced tax structure for the sector through coordinated discussions with the Ministry of Finance and the National Board of Revenue.

Notably, the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the policymaking body of the country’s telecommunications sector, has been at the center of various changes, initiatives, and controversies over the past one and a half years. During the recently concluded interim government’s tenure, the organization witnessed both reform-oriented measures and debates over administrative decisions, appointments, and policy shifts.

Particularly after the appointment of retired army officer Muhammad Emdad-ul-Bari as Chairman of BTRC, new priorities emerged in the commission’s activities. During this period, emphasis was placed on good governance in the telecommunications sector, technology-based monitoring, and improving service quality. At the same time, then-adviser Nahid Islam and technology expert Fayez Ahmed Tayyeb played active roles in policy discussions within the ICT sector. Their initiatives and proposals generated fresh debates on telecom policy, digital rights, and internet governance.

One of the most discussed initiatives during this period was the move to formulate a new telecommunications law. Discussions began on developing a new framework aimed at aligning existing legislation with modern technological realities. Issues such as digital infrastructure, data management, licensing policies, and increased accountability of operators received priority.

There were also discussions about publishing a “white paper” analyzing the various challenges, policy weaknesses, and potential of the telecommunications sector. The document was expected to highlight infrastructure gaps, licensing complexities, market competition, and service quality issues. Stakeholders believe such a white paper could serve as a reference document for future policymaking.

Another widely discussed initiative during the interim government’s tenure was the effort to reduce the frequency of internet shutdowns. In the past, internet suspensions during various political or administrative situations had significantly affected the economy and digital services.

In this context, BTRC and related policymakers emphasized alternative security measures instead of shutting down internet services. Maintaining uninterrupted internet connectivity was considered crucial for technology entrepreneurs and freelancers. Spectrum allocation policies for mobile operators were also under discussion during this period, along with preparations for future technologies such as 5G services, spectrum management, and operators’ investment capacity.

To improve telecommunications service quality, regulatory oversight of operators was strengthened. Particular focus was placed on increasing mobile network speeds, reducing call drops, and improving customer service standards. At the same time, emphasis was placed on implementing the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) to strengthen mobile device registration management. Through this system, initiatives were taken to identify and block illegal or stolen mobile phones.

However, BTRC’s activities were not free from controversy throughout the period. Dissatisfaction arose over certain appointments and promotions within the commission. Some officials questioned the transparency of administrative decisions. These issues led to internal discussions and criticism, sparking renewed debate over the administrative structure of the telecommunications sector.

Overall, BTRC’s activities during the interim government represented a mixed chapter of change, reform, and controversy. While new policy initiatives, technology-driven management, and efforts to improve service quality were introduced, questions were also raised regarding administrative decisions and policy positions.

The telecommunications sector remains one of the key foundations of Bangladesh’s digital economy. Therefore, how the decisions and initiatives taken during this period by BTRC will influence the country’s digital infrastructure, internet freedom, and the development of the technology sector under the elected government remains to be seen.

DBTech/IH/MUM/OR