Mobile operators are more powerful than the Consumer Rights Directorate: CAB

Speakers at a discussion marking World Telecommunication and Information Society Day-2026 sharply criticized mobile operators over alleged anti-consumer practices, high VAT, poor service quality, and limitations in the regulatory framework of Bangladesh’s telecom sector.

On Sunday, May 17, a rally organized by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association started in front of the National Press Club and ended at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. A discussion meeting was later held at the organization’s office.

While speaking as the chief guest, A H M Sofiquzzaman, President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), said that while serving as Director General of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, multiple cases had been filed against mobile operators over customer complaints. However, he alleged that the operators later obtained High Court orders suspending the directorate’s activities through writ petitions.

He remarked, “Mobile operators are more powerful than the Consumer Rights Directorate.”

He also alleged that money is being deducted from customers’ purchased data packages through non-transparent methods. At the same time, he questioned the lack of transparency regarding how the large amount of VAT collected from mobile services is being utilized.

Former Director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission Khalid Hossain Naser said competition law is not being effectively enforced in the telecom sector. He claimed that providing excessive advantages to a particular private operator has disrupted market balance. He also called for legal action over internet shutdowns during protest movements.

Ruhin Hossain Prince, former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), said the “anarchy” surrounding data packages must be stopped. He also urged the government to take greater responsibility for cybersecurity and the protection of citizens’ personal information.

General Secretary of the Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD), Rajekuzzaman Ratan, said Bangladesh could earn more foreign currency by developing a technology-driven skilled workforce. However, he also expressed concern over the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In his presidential speech, Mohiuddin Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association, said digital connectivity is no longer a luxury but a “digital lifeline” for citizens. He noted that customer harassment, non-transparent billing, weak network quality, high internet prices, and network instability during emergencies remain major concerns.

He called for consumer-friendly policies, infrastructure development, affordable internet services, fast complaint resolution systems, and disaster-resilient telecom networks.

Others speaking at the event included Samiul Islam, Vice President of the Nationalist ICT Forum; Amanul Islam Bulu, President of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Recharge Businessmen Association; Joint General Secretary Advocate Shahida Begum; and central member Mahfuz, among others.

DBTech/MI/OR