Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has been functioning actively to ensure uninterrupted telecommunication and internet services as a nationwide emergency service on the occasion of the 12th National Assembly elections. BTRC has sent two separate letters to Chief Election Commissioner and Inspector General of Police and Secretary of Road Department and Secretary of Local Government Department in addition to the Chief Engineer of these two departments to keep uninterrupted tele-net service. At the same time, the regulatory agency has also assured the service providers of all cooperation by writing a letter to continue the service.
The letter sent by the Secretary of the Division of Roads and the Local Government Division on Thursday (January 4) said that during and after the 12th National Parliament Elections to be held on January 7, 2024, all necessary measures should be taken to ensure telecommunication services as an emergency service and to keep the telecommunication network operational. A letter has already been sent from BTRC in favor of all concerned telecom operators.
Optical fiber is a very important medium in providing telecommunication services. But telecommunication services are severely affected due to the frequent cutting of underground optical fiber as part of various development programs of the government, including road repair and other works. In that case, it appears that due to the cutting of optical fiber during the elections, it will be very difficult to carry out the mentioned fiber repair activities by the telecom operators in view of the emergency situation.
It has been requested to take necessary effective steps to ensure that the underground optical fiber is not damaged during road digging activities to ensure telecommunication services as an emergency service during and after the 12th National Assembly elections.
Earlier, on December 28, separate letters were sent to all telecommunication and internet service providers seeking their cooperation to ensure uninterrupted telecommunication services. It is said that, on the eve of the 12th National Assembly elections to be held on January 7, during the elections and after the elections, for the purpose of ensuring the telecommunication services and keeping the telecommunication network operational, the persons working in various telecommunication service providers are required to carry out various emergency activities and the vehicles of the related institutions. There is a need for movement.
In the letter, it is requested to issue instructions to all concerned under you to ensure proper movement of identity card holders and vehicles of related organizations working/responsible in BTRC licensed telecommunication service providers before, during and after the election.
