Former AMTOB President, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, emphasized the feasibility of reducing data costs to BDT 10 per GB, as per the advisor’s plan, while calling for the immediate shutdown of the ITC and IOF services. Additionally, Mahmudul Hasan Sohag, Chairman of Onnorokom Group, proposed the use of blockchain and AI for recruitment and appointments to ensure placing qualified individuals in the right roles, which he believes could solve half of the problems related to inefficiencies.
These remarks were made on Saturday, October 12, during a roundtable discussion titled “Starting Anew” held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro auditorium in the capital. The event was organized by the Technology Industry Policy Advocacy Platform (TIPAP), where several speakers highlighted the country’s global position, particularly in the technology sector.
Mahtab Uddin Ahmed pointed out that Bangladesh lags behind not only globally but also within South Asia, due to fundamental flaws in its ecosystem during the transition from digital to “smart.” He stated that despite significant revenue generation from data and voice services, lowering data prices as envisioned by the public is challenging. However, with necessary ecosystem corrections, a reduction in data prices to BDT 10 could be achieved without affecting government revenue. He further highlighted that while Bangladesh is the only country to operate IOF, ITC is a major channel for capital flight to India, and closing these channels could redirect foreign exchange for domestic investment in the telecom sector.
Ahmed criticized the preferential treatment given to certain companies, urging the removal of such vested interests. He recommended limiting telecom licenses to three layers: access layer (NMO and ISP) and competitive layers for MVNO. Noting that this model is already successfully implemented in countries like India and Malaysia, he stressed that policy reforms and system resetting are necessary to address the profitability challenges faced by ISPs and MNVOs in Bangladesh.
He further emphasized that fiber connectivity is crucial for any future progress, and despite significant investments through the Info-Government Project, little has been achieved. Ahmed advocated for the immediate closure of such ineffective initiatives. He also criticized recent political decisions to grant submarine cable licenses to three companies, warning of its potential impact on the industry.
Other notable attendees included BASIS Director Mir Sharook Islam, BACCO representative Tanvir Ibrahim, Mobile Subscribers Association President Mohiuddin Ahmed, prominent freelancers Abdul Awal Uzzal and Jisan Kingshuk Haque, Brain Station CEO Raisul Kabir, and telecom expert Nurul Kabir.
