BMPCA Calls for a Roadmap to Reform Telecommunications and Internet Services
Mobile service users have expressed their frustration over issues such as slow mobile internet speeds, call drops, unannounced increases in data prices, and excessive charges for mobile financial services (MFS). These complaints were made by 15 pedestrians at a public hearing held in front of the National Press Club on Saturday.
Sheikh Badsha Uddin Mintu from Basabo in the capital, Aminul Islam from Old Dhaka, Jamil Hossain from Babubazar, Touhidul Islam Sagar from Malibagh, Shahadat Hossain Shakil from Shantinagar, Muallem Hossain from Jessore, and Sheikh Ayesh from Rangpur, among others, voiced these concerns. Several rickshaw pullers also raised complaints, stating, "We are charged 20 Taka for sending 1,000 Taka home, and while trying to make a call, money runs out just by saying 'hello, hello.'"
The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association-BMPCA organized this hearing, placing tables and chairs in front of the National Press Club, to mark its 10th anniversary.
Mukul E-Ilahi Chowdhury, former member of BERC, attended the public hearing as the chief guest. He stated that the current government should announce a specific roadmap to address consumer complaints and ensure high-quality, uninterrupted telecommunications and internet services. This roadmap could be implemented over 15 days, a month, or two months.
Khalid Abu Naser, the association's advisor and former director of the Bangladesh Competition Commission, remarked that if the systematic exploitation at each step of the telecom service ecosystem could be reduced, prices could be lowered by 10 to 12 percent immediately. Despite claims of competition, the telecom sector lacks genuine competition. The Regulatory Commission and the government must take swift action in this regard.
The association's president, Mohiuddin Ahmed, demanded an explanation from the commission on the sudden rise in the prices of internet data and voice calls over the past one and a half months. He also questioned why the charge for mobile banking messages suddenly increased from 5 Taka to 10 Taka, calling on the Bangladesh Bank to provide an answer. He stressed that if the BTRC and operators do not honor the demand of 100% of consumers for unlimited, non-expiring internet data, the association will announce a tough protest, including a boycott of internet data in the future.
At the event, the association's general secretary, Advocate Abubakkar Siddique, added, "The ministry under the previous government remains the same as it is now. We see no signs of change."
Saeed Ibn Rana, Chairman of the Joladhar Rokkha Foundation (Foundation for Protection of Waterbodies), commented, "There is little difference between water and the internet nowadays. Just as life cannot continue without water, it cannot continue without the internet. Therefore, all efforts must be taken to ensure internet access for all, as a necessity akin to water."
