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Published : 23 Nov 2025, 01:37 AM
Senior BNP leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has described the telecom policy introduced by the interim administration as “complex”, expressing hope that an elected government will review it along with other policies.
Speaking at a Dhaka seminar on Saturday, he said the telecom policy requires change to ensure Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) independence and protect local enterprises.
“The telecom policy is complex. Policies must be developed with the views of stakeholders. Over the past 15 years, licences issued in this sector have weakened the independence of the BTRC,” he added.
The BNP Standing Committee member emphasised that future governments will have the responsibility to safeguard the telecom sector and review all policies made by the unelected administration.
He warned that the new telecom policy must not create discrimination between domestic and foreign entrepreneurs and must ensure a “fast, secure, and accessible network”.
The BNP earlier raised concerns about the telecom framework. On Jul 3, the party held an emergency briefing in Gulshan, saying the interim government was “rushing” to announce the Telecommunicatons Network and Licensing Reform Policy, 2025.
At Saturday’s seminar, Ganosamhati Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki said, “We need policy to meet future challenges. Foreign companies must be accountable. Our IIGs and ISPs are domestic companies. But the policy seems to push control away from local firms towards foreign ones.
“We already see ports being handed over to foreign interests. We want our trade and economy built on domestic foundations. The livelihoods of 500,000 to 700,000 people in this sector will be at risk if such policies continue.”
Abdun Noor Tushar said, “If business discrimination cannot be removed, foreign investors will take over, but opportunities must be kept open for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs. They should be allowed to work freely.”
NTTN operator Fibre@Home Chairman Moynul Haque Siddiqui said, “NTTNs have worked outside Dhaka too. You will see proof of this when you visit -- you will notice the internet speed there. Yet this policy does not secure the interests of local entrepreneurs, and there is concern over jobs.”
Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) President Aminul Hakim said, “Our ISPs provide services from villages to cities. There are 2,500 businesses in this sector with investments worth Tk 45–50 billion. The main political party held a press briefing against the telecom policy. We hoped the government would scrap it, but that has not happened.
“We believe you [BNP] will form the next government, so we expect you to reconsider policies that harm people.”
‘NO MOVE THAT RAISES INTERNET PRICES’
In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology said, “To remove ineffective and restrictive licensing structures created under an Awami ‘mafia-style’ regime, a new telecom licensing system is being implemented.”
It said the Telecommunication Network and Licensing Policy, 2025, has been published in the gazette, enabling the review of more than 3,000 legal and illegal licences issued under the Awami League.
It added that guidelines on fees, charges and revenue-sharing in the new licensing model are at draft stage and will be finalised after discussions with stakeholders and economists.
